Soft contact Lenses and Dry Eyes: What You Need to Know

For millions of people, soft contact lenses offer the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of glasses. But for many, wearing contacts comes with the bothersome side effect of dry eyes. If wearing your contacts leaves your eyes feeling scratchy, irritated, tired or dry, you’re not alone. Let’s discuss why this happens and how you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

What causes dry eyes with contact lens wear?

Your eyes naturally produce a tear film – a three-layer structure that keeps the front surface of the eye lubricated, smooth and clear. Soft contact lenses sit on top of this film and can disrupt it in several ways:

- Reduced oxygen flow: contacts (especially older) can limit the amount of oxygen reaching the front, clear part of the eye known as the cornea. This can lead to dryness and irritation.

- Disruption of the natural tear film: lenses can break up the natural tear film, especially the outer oily layer that prevents evaporation, causing your tears to dry out faster.

- Long wear times: wearing your lenses for extended periods, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments, can worsen symptoms.

Symptoms of contact lens-related dryness may include a gritty, scratchy feeling, redness, irritation, blurry or fluctuating vision and/or light sensitivity.

What can you do to relieve dry eyes with contacts?

- Switch to daily disposable lenses – specifically single-use lenses that are thinner, more breathable and more hygienic.

- Use preservative-free lubricating drops while wearing your contact lenses. Look for eyedrops that are labelled “contact lens safe” and/or “preservative free.” Some brands that carry these options are Refresh, iVizia, Optase and Systane.

- Reduce wear time – especially in dry environments and when using digital devices for an extended period of time.

- Avoid direct air conditioning or fan airflow on your face.

- Blink often when using digital devices.

- Consider wearing glasses a few days of the week to allow your eyes to rest and rehydrate.

- Avoid sleeping overnight in contact lenses.

- If using extended wear contact lenses, be sure to clean them thoroughly nightly to avoid bacterial buildup.

If you are struggling with discomfort and have exhausted all of your dry eye options, consider the following advanced treatments:

- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): targets abnormal blood vessels that cause inflammation in and around the eyelids leading to improved tear stability and better oil production in the eyes. This may help reduce lens discomfort and increase wear time.

- Radiofrequency (RF): uses controlled heat to stimulate oil glands in the eyes and liquefies any blocked/clogged glands leading to increased lubrication of the eyes and more comfortable contact lens wear.

- Low level light therapy (LLLT): uses red light to reduce inflammation and stimulate cellular activity. This can help normalize the tear film leading to more comfortable contact lens wear.

- Explore the option of switching to scleral lenses which are hard contact lenses that keep your eyes constantly hydrated with the presence of a fluid reservoir between the contact lens and the eye. These lenses also protect your eyes from environmental irritants such as air, wind or dust.

Do not let your dry eye symptoms stop you from finding comfort in contact lenses. With the right lens type, better hydration, and smart eye care habits, most people can enjoy comfortable and clear vision every day. Speak to your eye doctor as modern eye care offers plenty of solutions to help your eyes stay comfortable!

Written by Harshpreet Ballagan, Midwestern Optometry Student c/o 2025