Wearing contact lenses should be a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision - not a source of irritation. For many people, however, lens wear can contribute to dry eye symptoms like burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation. The good news is with the right care and advanced treatments, you can help protect your eyes and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision. Here are five proven lens care tips to help minimize dry eye and keep your eyes feeling refreshed.

1. Choose the Right Lenses for Your Eyes

Not all contact lenses are created equal. If you experience dryness with traditional soft lenses, scleral lenses may be a game-changer. These larger-diameter lenses vault over the cornea and create a tear-filled reservoir that keeps your eyes hydrated throughout the day. At Pilot Point Family Eye Care, we specialize in fitting scleral lenses for patients with dry eye or other corneal conditions, helping improve both comfort and vision.

2. Follow a Consistent Cleaning Routine

Proper cleaning is essential for preventing buildup that can irritate your eyes. Always use the recommended lens solutions (not tap water) to disinfect and store your lenses. Even trace amounts of debris or bacteria can contribute to dryness and inflammation. A nightly cleaning routine helps ensure your lenses are fresh and safe every morning.

3. Keep Lenses and Eyes Hydrated

If your eyes feel dry midday, lubricating eye drops can help. Be sure to use drops labeled “contact lens compatible” to avoid damaging your lenses or causing cloudiness. For scleral lens wearers, using preservative-free saline to fill the lens before insertion is key to maintaining moisture.

4. Limit Lens Wear When Eyes Are Irritated

Wearing your lenses when your eyes are already dry or inflamed can make symptoms worse. Give your eyes a break by switching to glasses during flare-ups or after long days. This simple step helps your eyes recover and prevents further irritation.

5. Address the Root Cause of Dry Eye

While lens care is important, managing the underlying cause of dryness can make the biggest difference. One advanced treatment we offer is OptiLight IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy. This FDA-approved treatment targets inflammation and improves oil gland function in the eyelids—helping your eyes produce healthier tears and reducing dryness, especially for contact lens wearers.

Restore Your Comfort & Clarity at Pilot Point Family Eye Care

Dry eye and contact lenses don’t have to be a frustrating combination. By choosing the right lenses, maintaining proper hygiene, staying hydrated, and addressing the root causes of dryness, you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. We’re here to help with customized solutions like scleral lenses and OptiLight IPL so you can see clearly and live comfortably.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Pilot Point Family Eye Care to find the right lens care routine and dry eye treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Pilot Point, Texas, or call (940) 248-9868 to book an appointment today.