Contact Lens City

If your contacts are so dry that they fall out, you could definitely have a dry eye issue! Many people (even doctors) think that dry eyes are not a big deal. However, severe dry eyes can cause corneal abrasion and big problems with contacts. Also,there is another common cause of severe dry eye- and that is any connection whatsoever with rheumatic conditions: Rheumatoid .Arthritis., lupus of any kind, scleroderma- or anything in those categories. What is more, you do not need to have markers for sjogren’s syndrome (thought of as the "dry-eye and mouth disorder") to be so afflicted. So, if you also have dry mouth- or you also have arthritic pain- I believe from experience that seeing the right kind of specialist would be important.
There is a lot that an ophthalmologist can do about this problem! I would ask about closing at least two of the puncta (the small holes in the inside corners of each eye that drain moisture down into the sinus areas). The good news is that they can begin with temporary plugs- which can either be removed or that dissolve in a short time. If you get relief from these plugs- then you may want to consider having the lower two puncta (one in each eye) closed by cauterization. Some people have such dryness that they close all four puncta (both the lower and the upper- which you can not see easily.)
No drops will work as well as a permanent solution like plugs or cauterization, but if closing the puncta is too much, you may want to investigate a sterile nasal mist (the kind in a can with a special spray button and clear plastic lid). It is much quicker than using any drops, since you simply spray it in front of your eyes. However, you would want to make certain that you never use that can on your nose (!) and to carefully check ingredients and sterility on the can, asking the doctor if it is safe (I use one identical to saline for eye use). There are also special glasses one can purchase through an ophthalmologist that conserve moisture while you are outside. they could be removed as soon as you get out of the wind/etc. so that you still look good.
Only an ophthalmologist is really qualified to deal with all these things – so it would be worth it to you! B.T.W.- I’m not an ophthalmologist- just a performer who had severe dry eye. Doctor’s found I had an autoimmune condition, and I had all four puncta closed- permanently!

Different contact lens brands are better for dry eyes. You could ask your optometrist for a different brand name (e.g. I use Acuvue Oasys and they’re great so far).

Otherwise, try carrying around article tears and use them when necessary. I use Complete "Blink and Clean" tears – they lube your eye and clean your contact lens at the same time.

Additionally, some optometrists recommend using a hot compress on your eyes every night before bed and doing an eyelid scrub (use a Q-tip dipped in a diluted solution of baby shampoo and water and rub it along your eyelids – if the solution burns you haven’t used enough water). These methods ensure that the glands in your eyelids remain clear and tears and oils flow normally.