What to Do if Your Contacts Feel Dry Halfway Through the Day

Experiencing dry contact lenses halfway through the day is something many of us can relate to. That uncomfortable feeling can really throw a wrench in your daily activities and even affect your overall eye health. Tackling lens dryness is key to staying comfortable and enjoying your time in contact lenses. In this post, we’ll dive into some practical solutions to help you combat dry lenses, including hydration tips, recommended rewetting drops, and effective care strategies.

By getting to the root causes of dryness, you’ll be in a better position to make smart choices that keep your lenses feeling great. Let’s explore these strategies to help you maintain comfort, keep your lenses moist, and safeguard your eye health as you go about your day.

Causes of Dryness in Contact Lenses

There’s a variety of reasons why your contact lenses might feel dry. Here are some of the main factors:

• Environmental Conditions: Low humidity, heating, and air conditioning can suck the moisture right out of the air. If you find yourself in a particularly dry environment, like an office or a heated room, it can really add to lens discomfort. Being aware of your surroundings is a good starting point.
• Lens Material: The kind of contact lenses you choose can make a big difference in moisture retention. Opting for silicone hydrogel lenses is a smart move if dryness is an issue for you. These lenses let more oxygen reach your eyes and do a better job of keeping moisture in than traditional options, which is essential for comfort over the long haul. If you're interested in exploring options, check out our comfortable lens options.
• Usage Habits: Wearing your lenses for longer than recommended can lead to dryness and irritation. Paying attention to the guidelines set by your eye care professional goes a long way in keeping discomfort at bay.

It’s important to understand these factors so you can manage and tackle dryness effectively. Just by being conscious of your environment and the type of lenses you use, you can take positive steps to prevent dryness and ensure a more comfortable experience overall.

Effective Hydration Tips Throughout the Day

Staying hydrated is vital for keeping your contact lenses comfy. Here are some straightforward tips to help ensure your body—and your eyes—stay well-hydrated:

• Drink Water Regularly: Aim to sip on at least eight glasses of water each day. Staying hydrated from the inside out can have a big impact on how your lenses feel throughout the day.
• Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Loading up on fruits and veggies like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and lettuce is a great way to boost your water intake while giving your eyes some love. These foods not only keep you hydrated but also pack essential vitamins that support eye health.
• Use Humidifiers: If you’re in a dry environment—like during winter or in an air-conditioned space—a humidifier can be a game-changer. It helps add moisture to the air, which can keep your lenses and eyes feeling fresh and hydrated.
• Take Screen Breaks: If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen, be sure to take regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is super helpful: every 20 minutes, gaze at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple practice not only eases eye strain but also allows your eyes to rehydrate naturally.

By following these hydration tips, you can greatly improve your experience with contact lenses and tackle that pesky dryness. Remember, consistent hydration is key to both comfort and keeping your eyes healthy.

Best Rewetting Drops for Contact Lenses

Getting the right rewetting drops can really help if you’re dealing with dryness in your contact lenses. Here are two excellent options to consider:

• Systane® CONTACTS Rewetting Drops: Designed just for contact lens wearers, these drops effectively add moisture to your lenses while helping to wash away any debris that might cause irritation. They help keep your lenses feeling fresh throughout the day.
• Bausch + Lomb Preservative-Free Drops: Another fantastic choice, these drops are compatible with all types of soft contact lenses. They provide great lubrication and comfort without preservatives that could irritate sensitive eyes.

When picking rewetting drops, always opt for preservative-free options to keep your eye health in check. And don’t forget to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Contact Lenses

Taking care of your contact lenses is essential to preventing dryness and discomfort. Here are some basic practices to enhance the comfort and longevity of your lenses:

• Clean and Store Lenses Properly: Always clean your lenses as directed by the manufacturer. Using the right lens solution for your type of lenses is crucial, as proper cleaning helps keep moisture levels in check.
• Follow Replacement Schedules: Sticking to the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional is key. Regularly changing out your lenses prevents buildup and irritation, helping you avoid dryness and discomfort. For options that suit your routine, browse our daily lens selections.
• Consider Moisture-Retaining Lenses: If dryness is a persistent problem for you, it might be worth discussing moisture-retaining lenses with your eye care provider. Your provider may prescribe specialized contact lenses, such as hydrogel and water gradient lenses, to help ease dry eye symptoms as part of your plan. These lenses are designed specifically with features that enhance comfort and promote eye health.

These simple practices help maintain lens hygiene and fight off dryness, ensuring a better experience throughout your day.

Environmental Factors that Contribute to Dryness

Your surroundings have a significant impact on the moisture level and comfort of your lenses. Here are some environmental factors worth considering:

• Air Quality: Being in high temperatures or air-conditioned spaces can make dryness worse. When you find yourself in situations like this, carrying saline sprays or rewetting drops can come in handy for those moments when you need a boost.
• Pollution and Allergens: Environmental irritants can lead to redness and discomfort. If you’re often outdoors, especially in polluted areas, your lenses might dry out faster, so additional moisture management strategies may be necessary.
• Blink Frequency: People tend to blink less when they’re focused on screens, which can lead to dryness. To counteract this, make a habit of reminding yourself to blink regularly, or incorporate that 20-20-20 guideline into your day.

User testimonials show that simple tweaks in your daily habits can significantly improve comfort levels while wearing lenses. By being proactive about environmental factors, you can help keep your lenses feeling great all day long.

Managing dryness in your contact lenses is vital for your comfort and overall eye health. By learning about the causes of dryness and putting into practice effective hydration tips, using the right rewetting drops, and ensuring proper lens care, you can really enhance your experience.

Explore LMG’s offerings for a variety of comfortable lens options that fit your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for daily, weekly, or colored lenses, prioritize your eye health today. With these actionable tips in your toolkit, you can keep dryness at bay and truly enjoy your experience with contact lenses.