Does wearing daily contact lenses for longer periods directly cause dry eye?

While some studies suggest longer daily contact lens wear causes dry eye syndrome, a recent study involving female students at the University of Sumatera Utara showed no direct statistical link (p > 0.05) between the two. The average wear time was about 8.19 hours, and the most common symptom was general dry eye, but wear time wasn't the main factor.

What specific methods or tools are used to assess dry eye symptoms in contact lens wearers?

The study mentioned used the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) to evaluate symptoms in contact lens wearers. The questionnaire results were combined with information gathered through interviews. The interviews covered areas like lens comfort, eye drop usage, lens care routines, and environmental influences to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Besides daily wear duration, what other key factors contribute to dry eye syndrome in contact lens users?

The factors beyond wear time include the contact lens material, the contact lens care solutions used, and environmental conditions. The right lens material helps maintain moisture, the solutions ensure proper cleaning and disinfection, and suitable environmental controls keep eyes hydrated. These are more important than the number of hours the lenses are worn.

What are some practical steps contact lens wearers can take to ensure comfortable lens use and minimize dryness?

Selecting the right contact lens type, ensuring a proper fit by a qualified eye care professional, and choosing appropriate lens care solutions are essential. Multi-purpose solutions (MPS) vary in their effectiveness, and switching to daily disposable lenses can reduce protein buildup. These steps help maintain eye comfort and reduce the incidence of dry eye symptoms.

What are the broader implications of contact lens-related dry eye, and how does it affect long-term lens wear?

Contact lens-related dry eye can lead to visual disturbances and blurred vision because of dehydration and discomfort. Many people reduce their wear time or stop wearing contacts entirely due to these issues. Choosing the right contact lenses, maintaining them well, and managing environmental factors can affect whether or not the wearer tolerates lenses and can continue using them long term.

Surreal illustration of contact lens-related dry eye.

Daily Lens Wear & Dry Eyes: Separating Fact from Fiction

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the surprising connection (or lack thereof) between daily contact lens wear and dry eye syndrome, and learn practical tips for comfortable lens use."

Contact lens-related dry eye is a widespread issue, prompting many to seek help from eye doctors. Studies suggest that roughly half of all contact lens wearers experience dry eye symptoms. This discomfort often leads to people reducing their wear time or even discontinuing contact lenses altogether, with dryness being a primary complaint.

Symptoms like visual disturbances and blurred vision are common among those with contact lens-related dry eye. These symptoms stem from discomfort and dehydration, leading to intolerance and, eventually, discontinuation of lens wear. Research indicates that a significant percentage of contact lens users drop out due to discomfort and dryness.

While some studies have linked daily wear duration to dry eye, others show no clear connection. This inconsistency motivated a deeper look into the potential relationship between these factors. This article breaks down a recent study from Indonesia that sought to clarify whether the length of daily contact lens wear directly correlates with the occurrence of dry eye syndrome.

Debunking the Link: Wear Time vs. Dry Eye

Surreal illustration of contact lens-related dry eye.

A study was conducted involving 53 female students who were soft lens wearers at the University of Sumatera Utara. The participants wore contact lenses for an average of 8.19 hours daily. The study used the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) to assess symptoms and gathered additional information through interviews about lens comfort, eye drop use, lens care habits, and environmental factors.

The results indicated that the most common symptom reported was dry eye, while the least common was difficulty removing the lenses. Surprisingly, the statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between the duration of daily lens wear and the presence of dry eye syndrome (p > 0.05).

Daily Wear Duration: Averaged 8.19 hours among participants.
Primary Symptom: General dry eye sensation was most frequently reported.
No Direct Correlation: Daily lens wear duration was not statistically linked to dry eye syndrome.
Key Factors: Lens material, lens care solutions, and environmental conditions appeared to play more significant roles.

While this study didn't find a direct link between wear time and dry eye, it's essential to understand the factors that can influence comfort and dryness. These include the type of contact lens, the solutions used for cleaning, environmental conditions, and individual habits.

Practical Steps for Comfortable Lens Wear

Choosing the right contact lens and ensuring a proper fit are crucial. Also, the type of lens care solution used can significantly impact comfort. Multi-purpose solutions (MPS) vary in their ability to clean and disinfect lenses, and some are better at maintaining lens wettability. If you experience discomfort, consider switching solutions or using daily disposable lenses to minimize protein buildup.

Using artificial tears throughout the day can help keep your eyes moisturized, especially in dry environments. Also, consider the impact of your surroundings. Minimize exposure to dust, smoke, and air conditioning, as these can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

While this study showed no direct correlation between daily lens wear duration and dry eye syndrome, individual experiences can vary. By focusing on proper lens care, environmental awareness, and personalized solutions, comfortable and extended lens wear is possible.