Dry Eye in Contact Lens Wearers: Why and What to Do

Wearing contact lenses offers comfort and freedom from glasses - but for many, it can also lead to dryness, discomfort, and irritation. If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling gritty or tired after a few hours of wear, you might be experiencing contact lens–related dry eye. At Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry, our eye doctors in Fremont offers personalized dry eye treatment to restore lasting comfort.

Why Contact Lens Wearers Experience Dry Eye

Your tears naturally keep your eyes moist and healthy. However, contact lenses sit directly on the tear film - the thin layer of moisture that covers the eye. This can cause the tears to evaporate more quickly or prevent them from spreading evenly, leading to dryness.

Other contributing factors include:

•           Extended lens wear: Wearing lenses longer than recommended can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes.

•           Environmental conditions: Air conditioning, heating, or windy conditions can increase tear evaporation.

•           Poor lens hygiene: Inadequate cleaning or improper lens care can irritate the eye surface.

•           Underlying dry eye disease: Some patients already have a tear film imbalance before wearing contacts, which lenses can worsen.

What You Can Do to Find Relief

If you experience dryness or irritation while wearing contacts, it’s important to address the problem early. Some effective steps include:

•           Switch to daily disposable lenses - Fresh lenses each day help reduce debris and buildup that can aggravate dry eyes.

•           Use preservative-free lubricating drops - Artificial tears can help maintain moisture without harming your lenses.

•           Follow your replacement schedule - Avoid overusing lenses beyond their intended lifespan.

•           Improve your environment - Use a humidifier or take breaks from digital screens to prevent tear evaporation.

•           Visit your optometrist - Professional care is essential to identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye

At Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Fremont to relieve symptoms and help contact lens wearers continue enjoying clear, comfortable vision. Our in-office treatments target the root cause of dryness, restoring balance to your tear film and improving long-term comfort. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

•           Lid hygiene treatments to clear blocked oil glands and improve tear quality

•           Thermal pulsation therapy to gently heat and express clogged meibomian glands

•           Amniotic membrane therapy for advanced cases to promote healing of the eye’s surface

For patients with moderate to severe dryness, scleral lenses can be a game changer. These specialized lenses vault over the cornea, creating a protective, tear-filled cushion that keeps the eye hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.

Restore Your Eye Comfort at Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry

Dry eye shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the convenience of contact lenses. With expert diagnosis and modern solutions like scleral lenses, you can find lasting relief and comfort.

Schedule a consultation at Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry to discuss your symptoms and explore personalized dry eye treatment options to restore your eye comfort. Visit our office in 38069 Martha Ave, Suite 200, Fremont, California, or call (510) 791-5272 to book an appointment today.