My Contacts Feel Dry—Am I Doing Something Wrong?
- Vaugn Schneider
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
My Contacts Feel Dry—Am I Doing Something Wrong?
It’s a familiar story: your contact lenses felt great in the morning, but by mid-afternoon your eyes are dry, irritated, and begging for relief. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
At Eyes on the Lake in Milwaukee, Dr. Vaugn Schneider sees many patients struggling with contact lens discomfort linked to dry eye disease or outdated lens technology. The good news? There are modern solutions that don’t involve giving up on contacts altogether.
Why Contacts Get Uncomfortable
Several factors can make your contact lenses feel dry or gritty over time:
Reduced Tear Film Stability: A healthy tear film helps keep your lenses hydrated. If your tear film is weak or evaporates too quickly, your lenses dry out—just like your eyes.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): These glands produce the oil layer of your tears. Without enough oil, tears evaporate too fast, drying out both the eye and the lens.
Old Lens Materials or Designs: Not all contact lenses are created equal. Older lenses may not retain moisture well.
Environmental Triggers: Long hours on a computer, indoor heating, or dry air can all aggravate lens dryness.
Signs You Might Have Contact-Related Dry Eye
Lenses feel fine early in the day, but become uncomfortable by afternoon
Blurry vision that clears after blinking
A burning or gritty sensation
Needing to remove lenses early
What You Can Do
1. Switch to Dry Eye-Friendly Lenses New materials, like silicone hydrogel lenses with enhanced moisture retention, can significantly improve comfort. Dr. Schneider will help match you to the right lens for your eyes.
2. Use Compatible Eye Drops Not all drops are safe to use with lenses. Choose contact lens-approved artificial tears, or use preservative-free drops before inserting your lenses.
3. Address the Root Cause If dry eyes are contributing to contact lens discomfort, we need to treat the problem at its source:
IPL Therapy for chronic inflammation
BlephEx eyelid cleaning
Meibomian gland analysis and restoration
Dietary recommendations to support tear quality
Don’t Give Up on Contacts Just Yet
You shouldn’t have to choose between clear vision and comfort. With the right contact lenses, tear support, and professional guidance, you can enjoy all-day clarity without irritation.
Are your contacts drying you out?
Click below to schedule a personalized Dry Eye and Contact Lens Evaluation with Dr. Vaugn Schneider.
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