A common eye condition is dry eyes. This is a condition where your eyes do not produce an adequate amount of natural tears or the tears you do produce dry out quickly. This could be either temporary or chronic and also could make it difficult to wear your contacts without discomfort. Understanding what is causing the dryness could help you reduce its impact and frequency.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Tear production can be affected by your hormones, certain medications, like allergy medications, or environmental conditions like allergens. The trick is finding out what is causing your dry eyes.
If you already wear contact lenses, you are at a higher risk for developing contact lens induced dry eye (CLIDE). This type of dryness occurs because the lens material does not allow a steady flow of oxygen to your eyes. When this happens, it makes it difficult for your eyes to produce tears.
Signs that you might have CLIDE include:
- Red eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Dry, itchy, gritty eyes
- Eye soreness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
Contact lens wearers may also experience dry eye for additional reasons, such as:
- Wearing your lenses too often
- Your prescription has changed
- The shape of your eyes has changed
- Your eyes are exposed to allergens like pollen or dust
- You are in air conditioned or humid environment
It is Still Possible to Wear Contacts
If you have chronic dry eyes, it could be possible to still wear contacts. Lens manufacturers have developed soft contacts that are designed to reduce dry eye discomfort. These lenses are made with materials that retain more moisture or allow more oxygen to reach the eyes.
Your eye doctor may also recommend that you use certain eye drops, eye washes, or eye vitamins. A change in your contact lens solution may also be required.
Do not continue to suffer with chronic dry eyes. The first step to relief is to speak to your eye professional. Call (602) 955-2700 today to schedule an eye exam with one of Valley Eyecare Center’s doctors.
