Contact Lens Wearers at Work: How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable
Contact Lens Wearers at Work: How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable
Contact lenses offer convenience and clear vision, but long hours at work—especially in front of screens—can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, or strained. Whether you work in an office, a warehouse, or outdoors, taking proper care of your lenses and eyes is essential for comfort and eye health.
At Allied Vision Services, we help contact lens wearers in Plainsboro, Lawrenceville and Flemington, find the best ways to keep their eyes refreshed and comfortable throughout the workday.
Why Do Contact Lenses Feel Uncomfortable at Work?
Several factors can contribute to contact lens discomfort during the workday, including:
- Screen Time: Staring at a screen reduces blinking, leading to dryness.
- Air Conditioning & Heating: Dry indoor air can cause lenses to dehydrate.
- Poor Lens Hygiene: Wearing lenses for too long or improper cleaning can lead to irritation.
- Environmental Factors: Dust, wind, and workplace pollutants can affect lens comfort.
If your eyes frequently feel dry or tired at work, it may be time to adjust your lens care routine or consider a different type of lens.
Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Comfortable with Contact Lenses at Work
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, making your contacts feel uncomfortable. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes hydrated.
2. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your lenses moist and comfortable. If you experience frequent dryness, talk to your optometrist about contact lens-friendly eye drops.
3. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
To reduce digital eye strain, follow this simple rule:
- Every 20 minutes,
- Look at something 20 feet away,
- For at least 20 seconds. This helps relax your eye muscles and encourages natural blinking.
4. Keep Your Work Environment Lens-Friendly
- If you work in a dry or air-conditioned office, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- If you work in a dusty or hazardous environment, consider protective eyewear over your contacts.
5. Choose the Right Contact Lenses for Work
If you experience discomfort with your current lenses, your optometrist may recommend:
- Daily disposable lenses – Fresher, more hygienic, and less likely to dry out.
- Silicone hydrogel lenses – Allow more oxygen to reach your eyes for better comfort.
- Specialty lenses – Options like scleral lenses can help if you have severe dry eye.
6. Maintain Good Lens Hygiene
- Always wash your hands before handling your contacts.
- Clean and store reusable lenses properly in fresh solution.
- Never sleep in lenses unless prescribed by your optometrist.
When to See Our Optometrist
If you frequently experience dry, irritated, or red eyes at work, schedule an eye exam. Our optometrists in Plainsboro, Lawrenceville and Flemington can recommend the best contact lens type, eye drops, or other treatments to improve your comfort.
Keep Your Eyes Comfortable at Work—Book an Eye Exam at Allied Vision Services
If you're struggling with contact lens discomfort at work, Allied Vision Services is here to help with three convenient locations in Plainsboro, Lawrenceville, and Flemington. Schedule an appointment to find the best lens options and eye care solutions tailored to your workplace needs.