Dry eyes when wearing contact lenses

The eyes are the main organ that shapes our worldview and guide us at all times. But now, due to monotonous routine work at computers, many people suffer from vision problems.

You have to resort to contact lenses. This is a great way to easily and quickly see the world in all its colors again. But dry eyes can prevent this. In this article, we will take a closer look at everything related to dry eyes when wearing lenses: symptoms, causes and treatments.

Symptoms of dry eye

Dry eyes when wearing contact lenses brings great discomfort to a person and manifests itself in the following form:

• irritation and redness of the eyes;
• burning, stinging sensation, pain, itching, tingling;
• increased lacrimation;
• feeling of a foreign object in the eyes;
• decreased clarity, visual acuity, blurred image;
• dry eyes;
• photophobia.

Important! If all or some of the symptoms persist, you should consult an ophthalmologist. Self-medication will only make the problem worse.

Causes of dry eyes when wearing contact lenses

Dry eyes (dry eye syndrome) occurs when there is decreased tear production and insufficient hydration of the surface of the eye. This occurs as a result of the lens drying out the cornea of ​​the eye.As a result, the eyes become sensitive to air, wind, and smoke.

There are quite a few direct causes of dry eyes and not all of them are interconnected:

• prolonged wearing of unsuitable lenses, individual intolerance;
• wearing lenses longer than prescribed, violating the wearing regime;
• failure to comply with hygiene rules when working with lenses;
• long work at the computer or TV;
• unfavorable environmental conditions: smoke, smog, dust;
• malnutrition;
• metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency;
• dry air due to air conditioning or heating;
• medications (anti-allergenic drugs, antidepressants);
• various eye diseases.

Dangers of Dry Eyes When Wearing Lenses

In addition to causing significant discomfort, dry eyes while wearing contact lenses can have serious consequences. But fortunately, they only develop if you completely ignore the signs of this problem - and this is quite difficult.

In advanced cases of dry eye, conjunctivitis and changes in the cornea of ​​the eye may occur. Due to reduced immunity, the eyes often become inflamed and become infected. Corneal ulcer, edema, iritis, corneal erosion, and corneal staining are also possible.

Important! With prolonged dry eyes and wearing lenses at this time, there may be a temporary deterioration in visual acuity, blurred vision, glare, photophobia, and redness of the eyes.

How to prevent dry eyes

Reading about the problems that dry eyes cause, you might think that wearing contacts is quite dangerous. But that's not true! By following simple measures, the possibility of complications is minimized:

• first requirement – follow the lens wearing regime and change them regularly;
• When you are not wearing lenses, place them in a special solution. This protects the lenses from drying out, damage and kills germs;
• Monitor the humidity level in the room, especially when operating the air conditioner and heater.
• Avoid drafts. Wear sunglasses in strong winds;
• While working at the monitor, take breaks by periodically closing your eyes or blinking quickly. This will help moisten the eyes with tears;
• do not smoke. Cigarette smoke contributes to the development of dry eyes by quickly evaporating moisture from their surface;
• use moisturizing drops and ointments. They prevent lenses from drying out and moisturize your eyes. We'll talk about them below.

Help with dry eyes

Prevention and treatment of dry eyes is carried out using various moisturizers and folk methods.

Artificial tear preparations

They are used to additionally moisturize the cornea of ​​the eye when there is a deficiency of tear fluid. The drops create a protective film on the surface of the eye and prevent tear evaporation. They are good for relieving symptoms of dryness, but can irritate the eyes if used frequently.

Artificial tear preparations vary in consistency. Thinner ones last less time than thick ones.

Before using the drops, the lenses are removed for 15 minutes and applied every few hours.

Eye ointments

Eye ointments have a more viscous consistency than drops. In doing so, they not only eliminate the symptoms, but also help cure the problem of dry eyes. Before using them you need remove contact lenses for 15-20 minutes. They have greater effect when used at night. However, eye ointments are not recommended to be used together with drops.

Other treatments

If the above methods do not help, other drugs are used.

Among them: tear production stimulants, metabolic drugs, antibiotics. Surgical treatment is resorted to in extreme cases when medications do not produce the desired effect.

A popular way to eliminate dry eyes when wearing lenses is treatment with traditional methods. With the right approach, lotions from a decoction of chamomile, honey is a good way to reduce signs of dryness. (If you are not allergic to honey-containing products).

If you follow all of the above measures, dry eyes when wearing lenses will no longer bring you so much discomfort and pain. Monitor the condition of your eyes, consult a doctor in time who will help you choose a good medicine and be healthy.