Keeping Your Eyes Happy in Dry New Mexico Air: Contact Lens Care Tips
Despite New Mexico’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, the desert climate can damage your eyes, especially if you wear contacts. Here at Fillmore Eye Clinic, we understand. Here are a few tips for caring for contact lenses in New Mexico’s dry air. You can keep your eyes comfortable and your lenses working properly if you follow a few simple tips.
The Dryness Challenge
Failure to properly care for contact lenses in dry air can lead to discomfort, irritation, and damage to the eyes. The dryness can cause the lenses to dehydrate, leading to blurry vision and difficulty in seeing clearly. Additionally, the lack of moisture can lead to redness and itching, making wearing the lenses unbearable.
- Dry, itchy eyes: This is the most common complaint, making it difficult to wear lenses for extended periods.
- Blurry vision: Dehydrated lenses can distort your vision, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Redness and irritation: Constant dryness can irritate your eyes, causing redness and burning.
Combating the Dryness
Don’t let dry weather stop you from wearing contacts! Keep your eyes comfortable and your lenses working well with these simple strategies. Use preservative-free artificial tears to combat dryness, especially in arid climates. You don’t have to worry about cleaning solutions or solution buildup with a daily disposable lens. Those who prefer reusable lenses should clean them thoroughly using a solution designed for their type. Keeping your body and eyes healthy also benefits your lenses. The last thing you can do to improve lens comfort is to add moisture to the air with a humidifier, especially at night.
- Artificial Tears are Your Friend: Keep a bottle of preservative-free artificial tears handy and use them frequently throughout the day, especially in dry environments.
- Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: These eliminate the need for cleaning solutions and the risk of solution buildup, which can contribute to dryness.
- Up Your Cleaning Routine: If you wear reusable lenses, ensure you’re cleaning them thoroughly with a high-quality solution designed for your specific lens type.
- Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your body and eyes well-hydrated, which benefits your lenses.
- Humidifiers Can Help: Adding moisture to the air, especially at night, can significantly reduce dryness and improve lens comfort.
Eye Care Tips for New Mexico Adventurers
There are desert-specific tips for New Mexico lens wearers beyond the core strategies. Protect your eyes from the bright sun with sunglasses with UV protection. Avoid exposure to dust and wind in New Mexico. Most importantly, schedule regular eye exams. As you enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful landscapes, these exams ensure your prescription stays up-to-date and identify any potential eye health issues related to dryness.
- Sunglasses are Essential: New Mexico’s bright sun can hurt your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes and prevent dryness.
- Avoid Dry, Dusty Environments: When possible, minimize exposure to dust and wind, which can further irritate your eyes.
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams ensure your contact lens prescription is up-to-date and identify any potential eye health issues related to dryness.
Contact us for personalized advice!
Fillmore Eye Clinic understands everyone’s eyes are unique. We can provide personalized advice and solutions to ensure comfortable contact lens wear in New Mexico’s dry climate. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care team today!
Thank you for choosing Fillmore Eye Clinic!
Call our office at:
1-800-323-4764