If you wear contact lenses daily, you’ve probably experienced that uncomfortable scratchy feeling when your eyes get too dry. It’s frustrating when your vision blurs or your lenses feel like sandpaper against your eyes. The good news? You don’t have to choose between clear vision and comfortable eyes. With the right approach to hydration and proper use of eye drops, you can enjoy all-day comfort while wearing your daily contacts.
Understanding Why Your Eyes Get Dry with Contact Lenses
Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about what’s actually happening. Your contact lenses sit directly on your tear film, which is the thin layer of moisture covering your eyes. When you blink, this tear film spreads across the lens surface. However, contacts can disrupt your natural tear flow, causing moisture to evaporate faster than usual.
Add in factors like screen time, air conditioning, or windy weather, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for dry, irritated eyes. This is where understanding both your lens choice and proper hydration techniques becomes crucial.
Choosing the Right Daily Lenses for Dry Eyes
Not all contact lenses are created equal when it comes to moisture retention. Some daily lenses are specifically designed with dry eye sufferers in mind. For instance, 1 day acuvue moist lenses incorporate LACREON technology, which embeds a moisture-rich ingredient directly into the lens material. This means the moisture doesn’t just sit on the surface—it’s actually part of the lens itself.
Another excellent option is dailies aquacomfort plus, which features a unique triple-action moisture system. These lenses release moisturizing agents with every blink, helping maintain comfort from morning until night. If you’re constantly battling dry eyes, switching to one of these moisture-optimized dailies could make a significant difference.
The Right Way to Use Dry Eye Drops with Contact Lenses
Here’s where many people make mistakes. Not all eye drops are safe to use with contact lenses. You absolutely need to look for dry eye drops that are specifically labeled as “contact lens compatible” or “safe for use with contacts.”
Regular eye drops or those containing preservatives can actually damage your lenses or trap irritants between your lens and eye. Always check the label before purchasing any drops for use with your contacts.
Timing Is Everything
The best time to apply rewetting drops is when you first notice discomfort—don’t wait until your eyes are screaming for relief. Apply one or two drops to each eye, blink gently a few times, and let the solution spread across your lenses naturally.
Many eye care professionals recommend using rewetting drops before you get dry, especially if you know you’ll be in challenging environments. Heading into an air-conditioned office? Apply drops beforehand. About to spend hours staring at your computer? Preemptive drops can help maintain comfort.
Daily Habits That Support Eye Hydration
Beyond just using drops, you can build habits that naturally support better eye moisture:
Stay hydrated from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your tear production depends on overall body hydration, so that water bottle isn’t just good for your body—it’s essential for your eyes too.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break from intense focus and encourages natural blinking, which spreads your tear film evenly.
Create a better environment. If possible, use a humidifier in dry indoor spaces. Position fans and air vents so they don’t blow directly into your face, and take breaks from screens when you can.
Blink more consciously. We tend to blink less when concentrating on screens or reading. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly—it’s your eyes’ natural way of staying lubricated.
When to Apply Drops During Your Daily Routine
Start your morning right by ensuring your eyes are well-lubricated before inserting your daily lenses. Once your lenses are in, wait about 10 minutes before applying any rewetting drops if needed.
Throughout the day, reapply compatible drops whenever you feel discomfort. There’s no strict limit on how often you can use preservative-free rewetting drops, though if you’re using them constantly, it might be time to talk with your eye doctor about your lens choice or underlying dry eye issues.
Before removing your lenses at night, a drop or two can help them slide out more comfortably, especially if your eyes feel dry by day’s end.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your eyes hydrated while wearing daily contact lenses doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose moisture-optimized daily lenses, use compatible rewetting drops when needed, and support your eye health with good daily habits. Your eyes work hard for you every day—give them the care and hydration they deserve.
Remember, persistent dry eye problems should be discussed with your eye care professional. They can help identify underlying causes and recommend personalized solutions for your specific needs.
