What Are Dry Contacts?

Contact lenses are manufactured from different materials and some contain a percentage of water. The liquid in the lenses and moisture in your eyes is important for the fit of the lens, the health of your eyes and your vision.

Significance

• Contact lenses are made from several types of material and are considered rigid or soft. Most rigid lenses are made of plastic and soft lenses are made from silicone.

Types

• If not kept hydrated, soft lenses can dry out, become brittle and break. Rigid lenses are more durable. Both types of lenses need to be kept moist on your eyes and may require the use of rewetting drops.

Causes

• If you are prone to allergies, your eyes and lenses may become dry. Some medications and illnesses also can dry out lenses, as can smoking and wearing your contact lenses for too long.

Prevention/Solution

• Use proper rewetting drops for dry lenses. Follow your contact lens wearing schedule. Check with your eye doctor if you're unsure how long you can wear your lenses.

Considerations

• Consider seeing your eye doctor if the rewetting drops and following your wearing schedule do not help to alleviate dryness.