Contact lenses are a great solution for many people's vision problems, but that doesn't mean that it's perfect for everyone. Unfortunately, for some people, dry eyes may keep them from wearing contact lenses. If you struggle with wearing contacts or have given up on trying them, there may be solutions for you. Here's what you should know.
Why It's Such a Problem
Contact lenses can be uncomfortable or can even roll up and fall out if they become overly dry. While most modern-day contact lenses are designed to maintain their moisture to a certain point, if the eyes are drier than the contacts, then eventually the eyes will start to absorb some of the moisture of the contacts. Additional moisture loss may occur due to evaporation. Unfortunately, there's nothing that can stop this process, but that doesn't mean that all hope is lost, either.
Why Over-the-Counter Solutions May Not Work
For some people, over-the-counter solutions like eye drops are worth a try. These drops can help to temporarily boost the level of moisture in the eyes, not only preventing some of the discomfort that can come from wearing contacts with dry eyes but also boosting the moisture present in the lens itself. However, this isn't a fix for everyone, and it isn't a long-term solution, either.
For some people, eye drops will only provide very brief relief or none at all. In these cases, seeking medical attention for your dry eye condition is a better choice, as it will get to the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms of it.
What to Do
When you visit an ophthalmologist, they'll assess the condition of your eyes and vision and talk to you about your concerns. Dry eye is a common condition that often drives people to the eye doctor's office, so you can rest easy knowing you'll be in good hands here.
Eye doctors have access to medications that can help to boost the amount of tears naturally produced by the eyes. Some treatments also exist for reducing the amount of tears that are lost via the tear ducts by partially sealing up the tear ducts so tears don't drain away as rapidly.
By visiting an eye doctor, you can not only confirm whether or not a medical condition is to blame for your eye dryness, but you can also have the condition treated and resolved for good. Contact a medical professional to learn more about dry eye treatment.