What Glasses and Contacts Wearers with Dry Eye Should Know

You may be used to it, but your eyes might be too dry if you have: 

• Stinging, burning, or scratchiness in your eyes
• Stringy mucus around your eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Red eyes
• The feeling that you have something in your eye
• Difficulty wearing contacts
• Difficulty driving at night
• Blurry vision
• Tired eyes

Contacts can work against your eyes' natural ability to lubricate themselves in a few ways. They can reduce airflow to your cornea – the clear, front part of your eye. Worn too long without a break, or overnight, they dry the eyes out. Soft lenses may absorb too much of your tear film. Hard ones can cause friction, which can have a drying effect, on the surface of your eyes.

You may have problems with any type of contact lens. But if you'd like to see if there are contacts that might work for you, these are considered better for dry eyes:

• Daily disposable contacts. Generally considered more comfortable and tolerable than longer-wear lenses. 
• Hydrogel or water gradient lenses. Thin lenses that keep the eyes moisturized while correcting vision. 
• Scleral lenses. Bigger lenses that help hold fluid against the surface of the eye while correcting vision.
   

How long you can wear contact lenses depends on the type of lenses and how well you tolerate them. Daily disposables, which are typically recommended for contact wearers with DED, are meant to be worn for about eight to 16 hours a day. You may be able to wear scleral lenses for around 10 hours a day, once you get used to them. Don't sleep with your contacts in – even if they're labeled "extended wear." 

Spending long periods of time in front of a computer screen can make dry eyes even drier. Studies show that you blink less when at a computer screen – maybe only a third as much as you would otherwise. Computer time might be a good time to wear your glasses. You could also set a timer to take breaks. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And keep a bottle of artificial tears handy at your desk. 

Besides using your glasses while you're at the computer, your doctor might recommend you switch to glasses:

• During a DED flare. If your doctor gives you the green light, you can go back to your contacts once your symptoms are under control. 
• For a period of time every day, if you can't get through the whole day with contacts. 
• Every evening, give your eyes a break. 

Your eyeglasses can offer you a nice break from your contacts every day. They can also help out in other situations. If your job keeps you at a computer all day, ask your doctor if computer glasses – designed to reduce screen-induced eyestrain – would help you. If you're outdoorsy, consider wraparound glasses or shields that attach to your glasses to keep out wind and dry air. 

Some settings may be worse for your eyes than others. Here are a few areas to avoid if you can:

• Major cities with heavy air pollution
• High altitudes where the air is drier
• Windy areas, including artificial "wind" from an AC or hair dryer
• Smoky places, near fire or cigarette smoke

Try these simple daily habits to improve your dry eye symptoms:

• Avoid triggering environments as much as possible. 
• Use a humidifier in your home and office.
• Use an air filter in your home in smoggy areas.
• Use wraparound glasses or shields when needed.
• Place a warm compress over your eyes for 10 minutes every evening.
• Blink often, especially at the computer.
• Take "glasses breaks" when your contacts feel uncomfortable. 
• Ask your doctor about taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which may improve symptoms.