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All contact lens wearers have experienced dry eyes at some point. Irritation, burning, and squinting make getting through the day unbearable. One of the steps to follow is to observe the situations in which you find yourself when this occurs, since dry eyes can often be prevented when the appropriate measures are taken. Here are 7 helpful tips to avoid dry eyes:

~ Place your computer screen below eye level: When the screen is above eye level, you tend to open your eyes wider to see the screen better. When your screen is lower, you relax your eyes, which helps reduce dehydration from the tears in your eyes.

~ Be aware of your surroundings: Whether you live in the mountains, in the desert, or take the next flight home, the air in these and many other areas can be very dry. Try closing your eyes more often to decrease the amount of moisture they lose. You can also bring an extra bottle of solution to re-wet your lenses if they are drying out.

~ Try wearing disposable wet contact lenses: These lenses contain more water than traditional lenses, so they provide long-lasting comfort throughout the day and, as they are disposable, they do not require maintenance. Just throw away the dry glasses and put on a new pair. Wet contact lenses are also available for astigmatic and multifocal wearers.

~ Consider wearing sunglasses: Consider wearing sunglasses, even when you normally wouldn’t, if you notice your eyes drying out more often than you would like. Blocking the scorching rays of the sun and stormy gusts of wind will go a long way toward keeping your eyes moist throughout the day.

~ Avoid smoking or smoking: Smoking is not only bad for the lungs, it is also extremely bad for the eyes. The smoke may make your contact lenses rest uncomfortably on your eyes, causing them to become red, itchy, and irritated. This is because the smoke draws moisture out of the surrounding air, drying your contact lenses and your eyes at the same time. Smoking can also cause long-term harmful consequences for the eyes, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness.

~ Avoid getting air directly into your eyes: Fans, air conditioners, car heaters, and hair dryers. Each of these, among many others, can dry your lenses and eyes in minutes, making the rest of the day really unpleasant.

~ Use eye drops regularly: If you have persistent dry eyes, be sure to use re-moisturizing drops even when you are not dry. This will keep you ahead of the curve and avoid unnecessary hassle later on. Consider using moisturizing drops before removing your lenses. This will ensure that the lenses are well hydrated and therefore easier and safer to remove.

Proper maintenance of eye care is essential for healthy vision. Although the above are great tips on how to avoid dry eyes, be sure to consult your ophthalmologist for the proper instructions and correct eyeglass and contact lens fits.