Wearing contact lenses should feel effortless, but for many people in San Marino, San Gabriel, Arcadia, and the surrounding areas, dry, irritated eyes can get in the way. Whether it’s the dry California climate, long hours in front of screens, or simply the way your eyes interact with contacts, discomfort is a common struggle.

Why Do Contact Lenses Contribute to Dry Eye?

Contact lenses rest directly on the surface of the eye, covering part of the cornea and reducing oxygen flow. Some lens materials retain moisture better than others, but all contacts have the potential to cause dryness—especially if you’re already prone to dry eye. Other factors, like improper cleaning, overwearing your lenses, or using outdated prescriptions, can also make symptoms worse. If you often find yourself blinking to clear blurry vision, rubbing your eyes due to discomfort, or relying on artificial tears multiple times a day, it may be time to rethink your contact lens routine.

Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Taking care of your contact lenses is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce dryness and irritation. If you wear reusable lenses, make sure to:

• Use a doctor-recommended contact lens solution (not tap water or saliva).

• Replace your lens case every few months to avoid bacterial buildup.

• Wash your hands before handling your lenses.

• Never sleep in contacts unless they’re specifically designed for overnight wear.

Poor hygiene can lead to eye infections and inflammation, which can worsen dry eye symptoms.

Replace Your Lenses as Recommended

Wearing your contact lenses beyond their recommended schedule is a fast track to dryness, discomfort, and even eye damage. Monthly lenses should be replaced every 30 days, not stretched for an extra week or two. Even biweekly lenses can become coated with protein deposits that contribute to irritation if worn too long. If you’re struggling with dry eyes, switching to a fresh pair of lenses on schedule can make a noticeable difference in comfort.

Consider Daily Disposable Lenses

One of the best options for dry eye sufferers is switching to daily disposable contact lenses. Since you start each day with a fresh, clean pair, you don’t have to worry about protein buildup, bacteria, or lens dehydration from overnight storage.

Many brands now offer daily lenses designed specifically for moisture retention, using advanced materials that allow more oxygen to reach the eye. If you’ve never tried daily disposables before, ask your optometrist if they might be a better fit for your lifestyle.

NuLIDS PRO for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite switching lenses and improving your hygiene, the root cause may be Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands along your eyelids produce the essential oil layer of your tears, preventing evaporation. When they become clogged or inflamed, dry eye symptoms often follow.

NuLIDS PRO is designed to gently exfoliate and stimulate these glands, helping restore healthy tear production. If you struggle with dryness despite using the right lenses, this could be a game-changer for your eye comfort.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Dry Eye

For those dealing with chronic dry eye that isn’t fully relieved by better contact lens choices or at-home treatments, IPL therapy is another option. Originally used for skin rejuvenation, IPL helps reduce inflammation around the eyelids, stimulating the Meibomian glands and improving tear quality. If your dry eye symptoms are severe enough to impact your daily life, in-office IPL sessions may provide longer-lasting relief than eye drops or traditional treatments.

Find the Right Solution for Your Eyes

Living in Southern California means dealing with environmental factors that can make dry eye worse, but the good news is that there are many solutions available. Whether it’s switching to daily disposables, upgrading your cleaning routine, or trying an advanced treatment like NuLIDS PRO or IPL, your comfort matters.

If you’re tired of dealing with dry, uncomfortable contacts, schedule a consultation with San Marino Optometry at our office in San Marino, California. We proudly serve the San Marino, San Gabriel, and Arcadia communities. Please call (626) 415-3600 to book an appointment today.