586-792-3891 
In recognition of Dry Eye Awareness Month, it’s time to shine a light on the discomfort millions face daily—especially contact lens wearers. Dry eyes can turn clear vision into a gritty, frustrating challenge. Whether you’re noticing mild irritation or chronic dryness, these seven tips can help restore comfort and confidence in your lenses and your eye health.
1. Prioritize Contact Lens Hygiene
Clean lenses are your eyes’ best friend. Always wash your hands before handling contacts and use fresh, appropriate lens cleaning solution every time. These simple, consistent contact lens hygiene habits reduce the risk of eye irritation and dryness caused by buildup and bacteria.
2. Use Artificial Tears Designed for Lens Wearers
Not all drops are created equal. Choose preservative-free artificial tears specifically labeled for contact lens use. These drops hydrate your eyes without interfering with your lenses—or your vision. Your ophthalmologist can recommend specific formulations that will work best for you.
3. Give Your Eyes a Screen-Time Break
During long hours at a computer or on your phone, remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 or more feet away for at least 20 seconds. This reminds you to blink and boosts tear production, easing dry eye and contact lens discomfort.
4. Upgrade to Daily Disposables
Daily disposable contact lenses reduce the risk of debris buildup and allergens that can aggravate dry eyes. They’re more breathable than weekly or monthly lenses and may help alleviate persistent dry eye symptoms that traditional lenses can intensify.
5. Keep Your Body and Environment Hydrated
Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to encourage adequate tear production and use a humidifier in dry indoor spaces to support your eyes’ natural tear film.
6. Avoid Harsh Conditions
Wind, smoke and dry air can dry out your eyes fast. Sunglasses offer protection outdoors and steering clear of smoke-filled spaces can help keep your lenses more comfortable.
7. Consider Permanent Vision Correction
If your dry eyes are making contacts unwearable, maybe it’s time to imagine life without them. Detroit LASIK provider Dr. Shabbir Khambati at Lake Lazer Eye Center can walk you through long-term vision correction options such as LASIK or SMILE that can help you ditch your lenses—and the dryness that so often comes with them.
Final Thoughts
Dry Eye Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action and prioritize your eye comfort. These tips are a great place to start—but if you’re still struggling, the team at Lake Lazer Eye Center is here to help. Whether it’s finding a better lens solution or exploring LASIK, we’re focused on the vision solution that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dry eye is caused by contact lenses?
Symptoms like stinging, redness and a gritty sensation after lens wear could indicate dry eye. An eye exam can pinpoint the cause and guide treatment. An exam can also determine is your irritation is actually caused by contact lens intolerance (CLI), a potentially dangerous sensitivity to contacts.
Can I still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome?
Yes, though you may need a different lens type or wearing schedule. Your doctor can recommend options that are better suited to dry eyes and walk you through dry eye treatments that may offer long-term relief.
What eye drops work best for contact lens wearers?
Look for preservative-free lubricating drops labeled “safe for contact lenses.” These are gentle and effective for keeping your eyes moist.
Can LASIK help relieve dry eye from contacts?
Yes—by eliminating the need for contact lenses, LASIK removes a major source of dryness. (Note that laser eye surgery can cause temporary dryness as eyes heal, but most LASIK-related dryness resolves within weeks.)
Where can I get LASIK in Detroit?
Lake Lazer Eye Center offers personalized Detroit LASIK consultations and vision correction treatments to match your lifestyle and eye health needs. Take a quick LASIK Self-Test to see if you might be a candidate, then schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your best path forward.
With convenient locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area patients comprehensive glaucoma care as well as up-front pricing and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE Pro procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through laser vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
