Managing Contact Lens Use with Dry Eye Syndrome: Tips and Concerns

Q: Managing Contact Lens Use with Dry Eye Syndrome: Tips and Concerns

Hello： Here are some possible reasons that could lead to this situation： 1. <br>Contact Lens Fit： Ensure that your contact lenses are the correct prescription and size to minimize pressure and irritation on the eyes. <br>Ill-fitting contact lenses can cause discomfort and redness

Contact lenses

I have dry eye syndrome, but there are certain occasions when I still need to wear contact lenses.
I have tried several brands, all of which are silicone hydrogel, but even if I wear them only once a year, I encounter a problem.
When I put them on, there is no foreign body sensation, just a little dryness, so I use artificial tears.
There are no visible blood vessels, but as soon as I remove the contact lenses (using a scissor-like method without direct hand contact with the lenses), within a minute or two, my eyes become filled with blood vessels.
Applying eye drops is very painful, and it takes several applications before my eyes return to a more normal state with fewer blood vessels.
Could there be reasons for this other than lack of oxygen? Unfortunately, I have to wear contact lenses every year for certain occasions, but every time I take them off, it is quite alarming, and I fear that one day I might go blind.
Thank you, doctor.

Jia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/11

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Here are some possible reasons that could lead to this situation: 1.
Contact Lens Fit: Ensure that your contact lenses are the correct prescription and size to minimize pressure and irritation on the eyes.
Ill-fitting contact lenses can cause discomfort and redness.
2.
Duration of Use: Even if you wear contact lenses only once a year, it is important to take appropriate breaks during use to ensure that your eyes receive adequate oxygen supply.
Prolonged wear can lead to hypoxia and discomfort.
3.
Contact Lens Care: Make sure to follow the care regimen recommended by your eye care professional, including regular lens replacement, maintaining the cleanliness of the storage case, and using appropriate cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
Not adhering to the care routine may result in eye discomfort.
4.
Avoid Excessive Rubbing: Removing contact lenses with your fingers may cause damage or excessive irritation to the eye tissues.
Try to gently remove the lenses using your fingertips, avoiding forceful actions that could lead to discomfort.
5.
Avoid Overuse of Eye Drops: Overusing eye drops may exacerbate discomfort; if you find yourself needing to use them frequently, consider purchasing preservative-free artificial tears.

Reply Date: 2023/09/11

More Info

Managing contact lens use when you have dry eye syndrome can be quite challenging, especially when you experience discomfort and redness after removing your lenses. Your situation is not uncommon among contact lens wearers, particularly those with underlying conditions like dry eye syndrome. Here are some insights and recommendations based on your concerns.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome and Contact Lens Use
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and redness. When you wear contact lenses, especially silicone hydrogel lenses, they can exacerbate these symptoms due to reduced oxygen permeability and moisture retention. Even if you only wear them occasionally, the act of placing a lens on your eye can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to discomfort.

Reasons for Redness and Discomfort
1. Oxygen Deprivation: Even with silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, prolonged wear can still lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), especially if the lenses are not fitted properly or if they are worn longer than recommended.

2. Mechanical Irritation: The act of inserting and removing lenses can cause minor abrasions on the corneal surface, leading to irritation and redness.

3. Tear Film Instability: Contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to instability and increased evaporation of tears, which can cause dryness and discomfort.

4. Allergic Reactions: If you are using certain cleaning solutions or if there are allergens in the environment, these can also contribute to eye irritation and redness.

Recommendations for Managing Contact Lens Use
1. Consult an Eye Care Professional: Before making any changes to your contact lens routine, it’s crucial to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess your eye health and recommend the best type of lenses for your condition.

2. Use Rewetting Drops: Since you experience dryness while wearing lenses, consider using preservative-free artificial tears specifically designed for contact lens wearers. These can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day.

3. Limit Wear Time: If possible, try to limit the duration of contact lens wear. If you only need to wear them for specific occasions, ensure you give your eyes ample time to recover afterward.

4. Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling your lenses, and ensure that your lenses are cleaned and stored properly. This can help prevent infections and irritation.

5. Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: If you find that your eyes are particularly sensitive, you might benefit from daily disposable lenses. These lenses are replaced every day, reducing the risk of irritation from deposits that can accumulate on lenses over time.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and how they correlate with lens wear. If you notice persistent redness or discomfort, it may be a sign that your current lenses are not suitable for your eyes.

7. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can exacerbate irritation and lead to further complications. If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, try to distract yourself or use a cold compress to alleviate discomfort.

8. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, as hydration can impact tear production and overall eye health.

Conclusion
Your concerns about the potential for serious complications, such as vision loss, are understandable, especially given your experiences with redness and discomfort. However, with proper management and regular consultations with your eye care provider, you can find a balance that allows you to wear contact lenses while minimizing discomfort. Remember that your eye health is paramount, and any persistent or worsening symptoms should be addressed promptly by a professional.

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