Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eye?

Pre-existing dry eye can make it challenging to wear contact lenses comfortably. Find out how eye doctors assess your dry eye to determine whether or not you may be a candidate for contact lenses.

Medically reviewed on October 15, 2025

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Published on February 10, 2026

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4 minute read

The answer depends on your eyes and your goals

Whether or not you can wear contact lenses when you have dry eye is a question you need to discuss with your eye doctor, because everyone’s dry eye is unique to them. For some, wearing contacts with dry eye can mean mild irritation, but for others, persistent discomfort can impact their daily life. Your eye doctor is the only person qualified to test the severity of your dry eye and determine if it’s safe for you to wear contact lenses. To determine your compatibility, they may seek to answer:

How severe is your dry eye?

For mild cases, there may be treatments or approaches that you can take to minimize discomfort with contact lenses. For more severe cases of dry eye, options may be more limited, because it can be harder to safely and/or comfortably wear lenses.

What do you want to accomplish with contacts?

Your expectations also matter. If you want to wear lenses occasionally, it may be easier to find options that work. But if your goal is all-day, every-day wear, it may be more difficult to accomplish.

Are you already getting dry eye treatments?

If you’re managing dry eyes with medication or other therapies and doing well, this may make it easier for you to wear contact lenses, either part-time or full-time. Some eye drops or therapies can improve tear quality, making contact lenses more comfortable. In some cases, additional treatments like punctal plugs or specialized therapies may be recommended.

Consider a real-life example

Imagine that you have moderate dry eye and are becoming an avid tennis player. You typically wear your glasses, but lately, you’ve been feeling like they’re holding you back. Last week, they fell off your face as you returned a volley. You make an appointment to find out what your contact lens options are, and your eye doctor does not recommend wearing contacts every day because of your level of dry eye, but asks if you’d consider some daily disposable lenses for use only when you’re playing tennis. You find that this works well for you. Look out tennis opponents!

More to understand about contact lenses and dry eye

Contact lenses may make your dry eye worse

While contact lenses can be a convenient vision correction option for many, certain factors can increase the risk of dry eye or make existing symptoms worse, especially if contact lenses are misused.

Some soft contacts can act like a sponge, absorbing and pulling tears away from your eye
Over-wear, like sleeping with lenses not designed or prescribed for overnight wear, can increase chances of dry eye and infections
Bad hygiene practices, like touching your contact lenses with unwashed hands, can cause not only infections, but also deposits that may worsen dryness symptoms
Allergies can exacerbate symptoms, especially in contact lens patients or those with dry eye

Dry eye is nothing to mess with

Dry eye is a complex disease that is often frustrating for both patients and doctors to treat. For many, ignoring dry eye symptoms simply isn't possible, because it’s uncomfortable enough to impact your quality of life. For some, it can cause severe pain and lead to depression and anxiety. This is why it’s important to talk to your eye doctor if you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms.

Contact your eye doctor with questions

If you experience dry eye and are interested in contact lenses, it’s time to talk to your eye doctor. They’ll be able to run some tests and determine if it’s safe for you to wear contact lenses. They can even provide some options for dry eye treatments you may not have considered before.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What are the best contacts for dry eye?

The “best” contacts for dry eyes depends on your individual eye’s needs. It’s up to your eye doctor to determine what that may be.

Can I wear contacts if I have dry eyes?

It depends on your dry eye severity. Mild cases may be manageable with proper lens choices and eye drops, but severe dry eyes might require alternative options.

How can I help prevent dry eyes with contact lenses?

Following proper hygiene, never wearing contacts longer than you’re supposed to, and using lubricating drops can all help prevent the symptoms of dry eye.

Are scleral lenses good for dry eyes?

Scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir over the cornea, which may help provide hydration for severe dry eye cases.

How often should I replace my contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Daily disposables are typically more ideal, as they are used once and discarded, minimizing deposits. Reusable lenses may still be an option if you have dry eye, though. For the best recommendation in your case, speak with your eye doctor.

When should I see my eye doctor?

If you experience ongoing dryness, irritation, or discomfort, schedule an appointment. Proper evaluation ensures safe and comfortable lens wear.