6 Great Remedies for Contact Lens Discomfort & Dry Eyes

It would have been impossible to wear contact lenses without the tear film that is present in your eyes. They lubricate eyes, help flushing out the irritants and ensure that contact lenses float smoothly. People with dry eyes don’t produce enough tears or suffer from high evaporation rate. With tears it is not only the quantity, but quality too that makes a difference. In case you have dirty tear film (excessively oily film) contact lenses will be uncomfortable for you because of your eyes staying dry. To help relieve dryness, practice the following remedies & continue wearing contact lenses for color change and vision correction.

Also Read: [Home Remedies for Eye Strain with Contact Lenses]

1. Re-Wetting Drops

Using rewetting drops help the dryness go away temporarily. However, make sure you get contact lens compatible eye drops. Using in compatible eye drops may fade or discolor contact lenses which will do more bad than good.

Also carefully read the label. Eye drops that are advertised to eliminate the “redness” do not combat against the traditional dryness of the eyes.

2. Healthy Food & Nutritional Supplements

People with dry eyes should increase the intake of water and focus more on consuming herbal teas. Keeping a good balance between omega fatty acids, consuming green leafy and raw vegetables also help. In severe dryness nutritional supplements prescribed by doctor help improving the tear film’s quality.

3. Disposable Contact Lenses

Some people suffer from dry eyes because of oily aka dirty tear film. These eyes produce more oil than needed due to which cornea is always coated with a thin oily film. Hence; dryness is observed as tears are unable to wet the surface. This facilitates protein and lipids buildup on contact lenses that adds to discomfort. Using daily disposable contact lenses help getting rid of discomfort caused by dirty contact lenses.

4. Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

Today contact lenses that allow greater oxygen permeability are available. They are made from silicone hydrogel material that stay moist and pliable longer than other soft contact lenses. They are very comfortable and are a perfect solution for dry eyes. Since they are made from advanced technology; expect a slight price hike.

5. Contact Lenses with Water Content

Water content in contact lenses plays a prominent role in contact lens manufacturing. Contact lenses hold different amount of water. For people with healthy eyes, water content doesnot really seem to bother but people with dry eyes may find it difficult to get adjusted with contact lenses holding water content upto 50%. If your lenses fit you nicely, but still sting; it is probably the water content causing trouble. Switching between different brands or talking to your doctor may help.

6.Contact Lens Care Products

Always choose your contact lens accessories and care products wisely. Only use pharmacy formulated eye drops and soaking solution. Contact lens solutions may contain preservatives to which some people are strongly allergic. Reduce chemicals by cutting down contact lens solutions to one multi-purpose solution that soaks, rinses and disinfects. Using multi-purpose solution also prevents drug interaction. If you develop allergy over the course of time against a preservative used in your all-time favorite contact lens solution; talk to your doctor for further guidance. 

3 Best Home Remedies to Relieve Eye Strain for Better Contact Lens Tolerance

People who wear contact lenses for vision correction and work at digital screens for long duration may feel a stinging dry eye condition that is often known as eye sore. Though there are several over-the-counter lubricating drops available, you can also try home remedies given below for an enhanced contact lens tolerance.

Causes of Eye Strain & Symptoms

There are many reasons responsible for eye strain. The leading causes can be lack of sleep, sleeping in with contact lenses, reading in dim light whilst still wearing contact lenses, over-wearing colored contacts, starring at digital screens without a proper break, allergies, incorrect prescription of contact lenses, abrupt exposures to bright light etc.

Symptoms of eye sore may be inflammation, difficulty focusing, discharge, difficulty blinking, red eyes, dryness, poor contact lens tolerance, blurred or hazy vision & headaches. For instant relief Complete Blink N Clean lens drops are the best remedy but trying the following home remedies will lay great benefits in the long run as they are promising to improve the over-all health of eyes.

1. Eye Massage

Whenever you feel strain in eyes, the best thing to do is eye massage. Using few drops of warm olive oil, massage your eye lids very very gently for 5 minutes. This will not only relieve the eye strain, but also activate the tear glands to help alleviate the dryness. It also softens the muscles around eyes that help improving the focus. If you are wearing colored contacts; you are advised to put them off before beginning the massage.

2. Palming

If you are struck by the eye strain at your work place, where there is no availability of olive oil; you can reduce the painful sensation by palming. Rub your palms together and make them warm enough. Place your palms softly over your closed eyes. Relax for about 30 seconds. Avoid exerting pressure on your eyelids. Repeat the process 3-5 times a day if your work routine includes prolonged reading, writing or starring at digital screens. This exercise does not require you to remove your contact lenses, so double bucks of cheers, yaay!

3. Warm Compress

At the end of day when you are feeling all tired with strained eyes; try warm cloth compress. Remove your contact lenses, lie down & relax. Take a piece of cloth, fold in at least three to four layers and soak it in mildly warm water. Wring the excess water and place the warm towel over your eyelids. Breathe in and out with full concentration. Warm cloth compress is noted to provide ultimate comfort from strain and helps relaxing eye muscles. It also reduces dryness.

Also Read : [Tips of Relieving Strain for Computer Users wearing Contact Lenses ]

During eye strain, avoid using cosmetics and false eyelashes. Removing makeup & falsies exert pressure that may exacerbate the strain. Contact lenses should be used only after thorough deep cleansing & a tight contact lens replacement schedule should be followed to avoid complications like neovascularization & corneal stress.

Related:

Eye Sore: Are Contact Lenses Responsible?

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