Help for dealing with the discomfort of dry eyes and contacts

Do you have dry eye syndrome? If so, you're not alone. The condition is one of the most common problems treated by eye care professionals. Dry eye syndrome is the result of poor tear quality or too few tears. Dry eye syndrome has many causes, including aging. Other factors include dry or windy climates, air conditioning, cigarette smoke and certain health conditions and medications, including antihistamines. Contact lenses also can cause dry eye syndrome, because lenses can absorb the eyes' natural tear film. Read on to learn more about symptoms of dry eye syndrome and how to deal with dry eyes and contacts.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

If your eyes are dry while wearing contacts you may experience:

• blurred vision
  
• discharge
  
• crusting in the corner of the eyes
  

Dry eye syndrome is one of the leading causes of contact lens intolerance or discomfort.
If you have dry eye syndrome, it's likely you won't be able to get through a full day without having to remove your contact lenses.

Coping with dry eyes and contacts

To better cope with dry eye syndrome, talk with your eye care professional. He or she may recommend changing to a different type of contact lens. Eye drops or disposable lenses may help improve symptoms of dry eye.

Your eye care professional also will likely recommend that you avoid sleeping while wearing contact lenses. Sleeping with lenses in can cause irritation and poor lubrication.

For more information as well as products for dry eye syndrome like eye drops, see product menu at right.

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