Can You Wear Contact Lenses with Dry Eyes?

Many people love the freedom that contact lenses give — no glasses, clear vision, and comfort all day. But if your eyes often feel dry, you might wonder:
Can I still wear contact lenses with dry eyes?

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, this is a question we hear all the time. The short answer is yes, but it depends on your eyes and the type of lenses you wear.

Let’s look at why dry eyes make contact lenses tricky, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to keep your eyes happy and healthy.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when your tears dry up too quickly. Healthy tears aren’t just water, they have oil, water, and mucus, which all help keep your eyes smooth and moist.

If that balance is off, your eyes can feel:

• Dry, sore, or gritty
• Watery
• Tired or irritated
• Blurry or uncomfortable, especially after screen time

Dry eyes can happen for many reasons: weather, allergies, age, certain medicines, or long hours looking at screens.

Why contact lenses can be harder to wear with dry eyes

When you wear contact lenses, they sit right on top of your tear film, the thin layer that keeps your eyes moist. If you don’t have enough tears, or your tears don’t spread evenly, your lenses can start to feel dry or sticky.

This can cause:

• Discomfort or stinging
• Redness
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• The feeling that your lenses are “moving” or “falling out”

Over time, wearing lenses without enough moisture can make your eyes even drier and more sensitive.

But that doesn’t mean you have to give them up! With the right care and lenses, many people with dry eyes can still wear contacts comfortably.

How to tell if your contact lenses are causing dry eyes

You might not notice dryness right away. It can start slowly and get worse during the day. Here are some common signs your lenses may be drying your eyes out:

• They feel fine in the morning but uncomfortable by afternoon.
• You find yourself blinking more to see clearly.
• You often reach for eye drops or need to take your lenses out early.
• Your eyes feel tired, sandy, or irritated at night.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to talk to an eye specialist. At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we can check how well your tears are working and find lenses that suit your eyes better.

Contact lenses that work better for dry eyes

Not all contact lenses are the same! Some are made with materials that hold more moisture, let more oxygen through, or stay smoother on your eye.

Here are a few types that may help:

1. Daily disposable lenses

You wear a fresh pair each day, so there’s no build-up of dirt or protein that can irritate your eyes. They’re clean, convenient, and great for sensitive eyes.

2. Silicone hydrogel lenses

These lenses let more oxygen reach your eyes, which can make them feel less dry. They’re available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly types.

3. Water-gradient lenses

These have a super-smooth, wet outer surface that keeps your eyes feeling fresh all day. They’re a good choice if your eyes dry out quickly.

4. Specialty or custom lenses

If your dryness is more severe, you might benefit from scleral lenses. These are larger lenses that rest on the white part of your eye, holding a tiny layer of fluid underneath to keep your eyes moist.

Your optometrist can help you choose the best type based on your eyes and lifestyle.

Tips to help wear contacts more comfortably with dry eyes

Even the best lenses need a little help! Try these simple habits to protect your eyes and keep them comfortable:

1. Blink often

When you stare at screens, you blink less, and that dries out your eyes. Try the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink water throughout the day. Good hydration helps your body, and your eyes, stay moist.

3. Use rewetting drops

There are special lubricating drops for contact lens wearers. Use them when your eyes start feeling dry, but check they’re safe for lenses.

4. Give your eyes a break

Try wearing your glasses in the evening or on days when your eyes feel tired. Giving your eyes time to rest can make a big difference.

5. Keep your lenses clean

If you wear reusable lenses, follow your cleaning routine carefully. Dirty lenses can cause irritation and dryness.

When to see a specialist

If you’ve tried these tips and your eyes still feel dry, it’s time to get checked. Chronic dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses hard but with the right care, you don’t have to give them up.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, our team can:

• Measure your tear quality and production
• Recommend dry eye treatments to improve comfort

We’ll help you find the right balance so you can keep enjoying clear, comfortable vision.

Final thoughts

Wearing contact lenses with dry eyes can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. With the right lenses, good habits, and expert advice, you can enjoy the clear vision you love, without the dryness and discomfort.

If you’re in the Gosforth or Newcastle area, visit My Eye Clinic today. Our friendly team can help you find relief from dry eyes and guide you toward the best lens options for your vision.

Take our dry eye suitability test now and start your journey to clearer, more comfortable eyes!