Dealing with Dry Eyes from Daily Contacts Before Upcoming Surgery
I am a 49-year-old woman in generally good health who made the switch from bi-weekly to daily contact lenses approximately six weeks ago. Since then, I've noticed a persistent dryness in my eyes, which feels akin to sandpaper, especially during the night when I wake up to go to the restroom. About a week ago, I consulted with my eye doctor, who observed that my eyes were inflamed and recommended a two-week course of steroid eye drops, along with a change of lenses. Following the examination, I decided to refrain from wearing my contacts (and opt for glasses only when absolutely necessary) to facilitate healing. Instead, I’ve been utilizing a liquid gel and saline drops, intentionally avoiding any steroid drops. Although there has been a slight improvement, I still experience mild dryness during nighttime hours. Fortunately, my eyes have not appeared red or irritated at any time. As I have scheduled ptosis surgery in two weeks, I am eager to avoid using steroid drops if possible, as I'm concerned they could hinder my recovery afterward. Are there any alternative approaches I could consider to alleviate my symptoms?
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 7:50:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing dryness in your eyes, especially at night, after switching to daily contact lenses, and you have upcoming ptosis surgery. It's understandable that you're looking for ways to alleviate this issue while avoiding steroid drops. Here are the main points regarding your symptoms and practical steps you can take.
Explanation
Dry eyes can result from several factors, including the type of contact lenses used, environmental conditions, and even eye inflammation. Since you've noted some improvement after switching to glasses during your recovery, it’s clear that you're already taking a positive step. However, nighttime dryness can be uncomfortable, and managing this is important, especially before surgery.
Next Steps
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Continue Using Non-Preserved Artificial Tears: Opt for preservative-free artificial tear drops regularly throughout the day. These will help keep your eyes moist without the risk of irritation from preservatives.
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Consider a Moisture Chamber at Night: Using a sleep mask or products designed to create a humidity chamber around your eyes while you sleep can help reduce dryness. Look for masks that are breathable but provide a seal around the eyes.
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Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Reducing screen exposure at least an hour before sleeping can decrease eye strain and prevent dry eye symptoms from worsening. If you do use screens, make sure to take frequent breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support overall body hydration, which can positively impact eye moisture.
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Use a Humidifier: If you are in a dry environment, especially during colder months or if using heating systems, a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, benefiting your eyes.
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Follow Eye Hygiene Practices: Make sure to practice good eyelid hygiene, which can sometimes relieve symptoms. This includes gently cleaning your eyelids with a warm, damp cloth to remove any debris that can contribute to inflammation.
By implementing these steps, you may find further relief from the dryness in your eyes ahead of your surgery. Remember to monitor your progress, and if symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to your eye care provider for additional strategies tailored to your needs.
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