Reviewed By YOUTH VISION
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Do your eyes feel dry, itchy, or irritated every time you wear contacts? You’re not imagining it!
Dry eyes and contact lenses often don’t mix well. Common dry eye symptoms include burning, redness, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and a gritty or scratchy feeling, especially during contact lens wear.
If you find yourself constantly blinking for relief or popping your contacts out early, it’s a sign your contacts may not be the right fit for your eyes.
This blog explains the link between dry eye syndrome and contacts, how to find relief, and what are the best contacts for dry eyes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If contact lenses leave your eyes feeling dry or irritated, you may be dealing with contact lens-related dry eye. The right type of contact lenses, proper fitting, and expert guidance from your eye doctor can make all the difference.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes lack sufficient tear production or the existing tears don’t stay on the surface long enough to keep the eyes moist. It can make your eyes:
- Feel irritated or scratchy
- Turn red or watery
- React to wind, screens, or contact lenses
This common condition is linked to several risk factors like allergies, screen time, age, medications, and environmental factors. It can also involve issues with the meibomian glands, tear ducts, or tear film lipid layer.
Not sure if your symptoms are from dryness or allergies? It’s easy to confuse the two. Learn how to spot the difference in our guide: Is It Dry Eyes or Allergies? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore.
How Contacts Make Dry Eyes Worse
Contact lens wearers are especially vulnerable to dry eye disease. Contacts sit on the tear film, which needs to stay stable and hydrated. When your eyes are already dry, contacts can:
- Absorb your natural tears making dryness worse
- Interrupt oxygen flow leading to eye fatigue or inflammation
- Create friction, especially with older contact lens materials or prolonged duration of contact
Contact lens interactions and contact lens dissatisfaction are often caused by dryness on the eye’s surface. Even people without symptoms at first may develop irritation over time if the eye doesn’t produce enough protective moisture.
What Are the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes?
If you deal with dry eye syndrome and contacts, the right lenses can make a big difference. Ask your eye doctor about:
- Daily disposable lenses: Fresh every day, with less buildup and fewer preservatives
- Silicone hydrogel lenses: Let more oxygen through to reduce dryness
- Scleral contact lenses (for severe cases): Vault over the cornea and trap moisture against the eye, helping restore a stable tear film
Pro tip: Pair your new lenses with preservative-free artificial tears to improve comfort and support a healthy tear film.
What to Do if Contacts Keep Drying Out
If your contacts cause irritation daily, don’t settle for discomfort. Here’s what you can do:
- Visit your eye doctor: You may need a different lens or a dry eye evaluation
- Take screen breaks: Use the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Use a humidifier: Especially during winter or in dry climates
- Stay hydrated: Dry eyes often start with a dry body
- Clean your lenses properly: Or switch to disposable contact lenses to avoid buildup
- Try natural remedies: Like warm compresses or omega-3 supplements to support meibomian gland function
When to See an Eye Doctor
If over-the-counter drops or switching brands doesn’t help, schedule a dry eye exam. At Youth Vision we offer a full range of contact lenses, including:
- Trial lenses to help find the most comfortable fit
- Fittings based on corneal shape and tear quality
- Education on lens care and wear time
- Soft contact lenses for daily or disposable use
Schedule an Eye Exam at Youth Vision
You don’t have to choose between clear vision and comfort.
If you are struggling with contacts and dry eye syndrome, we are here to help. Our eye doctors accept Medicaid and specialize in finding the right solution for you.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam today at any of our locations:
- Denver Youth Vision, located at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204, 303-825-2295
- Aurora Youth Vision, located at 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011, 303-343-3133
- Thornton Youth Vision, located at 9674 Washington Street, Thornton, CO 80229, 303-953-880
- Hampden Youth Vision, located at 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231, 720-866-9906
