The price of good looks? Can wearing contact lenses cause dry eye?

The price of good looks? Can wearing contact lenses cause dry eye?


Even among the early-rising crowd, many people wake up early to apply makeup, gently putting in their contact lenses to achieve a clear vision and deep-set eyes. Contact lenses have quietly transformed daily makeup routines. However, behind the boost in appearance, there are hidden health risks. Contact lenses may unknowingly 'steal' moisture from the eyes, leading to dry eye syndrome.
A contact lens is a very thin and soft piece of material designed to fit snugly over the cornea. However, since oxygen is essential for the cornea to function properly, contact lenses can impede oxygen flow, leading to a lack of nutrients and preventing the cornea from breathing. Additionally, the process of removing and putting in the lenses can cause wear on the epithelial cells, which may lead to severe eye infections and exacerbate dryness.
Prolonged wear of contact lenses, such as more than 12 hours a day, can damage the meibomian glands, leading to dysfunction. This reduces the secretion of lipids and tears, destabilizing the tear film and accelerating tear evaporation. Over time, this can lead to dry eye syndrome. Additionally, contact lenses, which are highly hydrophilic and have a high water content, absorb a significant amount of tears. If the lens's water retention is inadequate, it can also contribute to dry eye syndrome. Early symptoms of dry eye syndrome may not be limited to dryness; they can also include a foreign body sensation, tearing when exposed to wind, and blurred vision.
To reduce these risks, it is essential to purchase high-oxygen-permeable contact lenses with the right water content, keep the lens surface clean and hygienic, and replace the care solution regularly. Additionally, limit the duration of wear to no more than 8 hours a day and avoid wearing them overnight. Lastly, daily eye care and protection are crucial. Do not wait until discomfort arises to seek treatment; instead, eat more vitamin-rich foods, maintain good eye hygiene, and ensure your eyes receive adequate nutrition.
Objectively speaking, wearing contact lenses does pose a risk of causing dry eye syndrome, but it is not inevitable. If contact lenses are not used properly and cautiously, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to a loss of vitality in both eyes. For those who already have dry eye syndrome, it is even more advisable to stop wearing contact lenses to avoid exacerbating ocular surface infections!
 

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