If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably experienced the dreaded mid-afternoon dryness. Everything feels fine in the morning, but by the time 3 PM rolls around, your eyes start to feel irritated, tired, or dry. You may find yourself blinking more often or reaching for lubricating drops just to get through the rest of the day. So, what causes this afternoon slump in comfort and more importantly, what can you do about it?

Common Reasons Your Contacts Feel Dry

Most of us spend hours on computers, phones, and tablets. When we focus on screens, we blink up to 50% less often, which means fewer tears are spread across the surface of your eyes. With contacts in, that dryness can feel amplified. Your eyes rely on a delicate tear film to keep them moist. Over the course of the day, tear quality and quantity can diminish, leading to less hydration for your contacts.

Not all lenses are created equal. Some contact lenses retain moisture better than others. If you’re wearing older lens technology or lenses not suited for your eyes, they may dry out faster.

Air conditioning, heating systems, and even outdoor wind can dry out your eyes and contacts. If you’re in a climate-controlled office all day, this may be a big factor.

For some, the issue isn’t just the contact lenses - it’s the eyes themselves. If you have dry eye syndrome, contacts can feel uncomfortable no matter what time of day.

Upgrade Your Lenses

Advances in contact lens technology have led to lenses designed to lock in moisture and stay comfortable all day. Daily disposable lenses, for example, are often more comfortable for people who struggle with dryness.

Use Rewetting Drops (the Right Kind)

Over-the-counter lubricating drops made specifically for contact lenses can help restore comfort. Be sure to use only drops that are labeled as contact lens safe.

Take Breaks From Screens

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This encourages blinking and helps keep your eyes hydrated.

Control Your Environment

A humidifier in your home or office can add moisture to the air, reducing dryness. Avoid sitting directly under air vents when possible.

Get a Dry Eye Evaluation

If dryness persists, the best step is to schedule an eye exam. At Clarity Vision, we can determine if dry eye syndrome is contributing to your discomfort and recommend treatment options that go beyond just switching lenses - including advanced therapies like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for dry eye relief.

Find the Right Lenses for All-Day Comfort

Afternoon contact lens dryness is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be something you just “put up with.” Whether it’s due to screen time, lens type, or an underlying eye condition, there are effective ways to restore all-day comfort. The key is identifying the cause and finding a solution tailored to your eyes.

At Clarity Vision, we specialize in helping patients enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision with contact lenses that fit their lifestyle. Schedule your contact lens exam and discover the right lenses for your dry eye symptoms. Visit our office in Williamston, North Carolina, or call (252) 792-2250 today.