Refreshing insights: Understanding dry eyes and finding relief

Did you know wearing contact lenses can contribute to or worsen dry eye symptoms? The tell-tale signs demand attention, from the sensation of stinging or burning to the red eyes staring back at you in the mirror.

And if you’re a contact lens wearer, dry eyes can add an extra layer of discomfort to daily life, with up to 1 in 2 people wearing contact lenses reporting:²

• Pain or irritation
• Feeling like there’s something in their eye
• Dryness
• Burning
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness

Stuck between contact lens and dry eyes?

Dry eyes are a common reason why people choose to ditch the contacts for glasses.

While contact lens help us see clearly, they also disrupt the natural tear film, making it harder for the eye to stay lubricated and protected. As contacts break up the tear film, it evaporates more quickly, leaving the eye vulnerable to damage with each blink.

Does this mean you need to ditch the contacts? Keep reading to learn how you can keep your contact lens and wear it too! Be sure to speak to your doctor If you have prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eye.

Practical tips for maintaining eye health

• Shield your eyes from pollutants such as smoke, as well as wind and air conditioning, all of which may contribute to dryness. Consider humidifying your home to maintain optimal moisture levels.
• Combat digital eye strain by taking regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.
• Safeguard your eyes from ultraviolet exposure by wearing suitable sunglasses whenever you’re outside.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support overall eye health.
• Ensure your eyes get the rest they need by prioritising sufficient sleep each night.

Moisten up contact lens wearers

Seeing clearly through contact lenses shouldn’t come at the compromise of comfort. Thankfully, there are over-the-counter drops available to help relieve dry eye symptoms.

When considering a product to help provide relief, consider:

• BALANCE of salts that mimic the natural composition of tears
• COATING that sticks to the surface of the eye, providing a moist surface the eyelid can glide across with ease
• COMPATIBILITY with contact lenses

REFRESH PLUS^® has refreshment for dry eyes in multidose or single-use vials at the ready.

Feel the soothe of moisture-rich REFRESH PLUS^®

REFRESH PLUS^® eye drops is specially formulated for rapid and long-lasting relief of dry eye associated with contact lens wear, and contains:

• Carmellose sodium (CMC), an eye lubricant used in dry eye products for over 30 years to COAT the surface of the eye with a lubricating shield that helps tears stay on the surface of the eye.
• Electrolytes that helps maintain the BALANCE of tears
• Suitable and COMPATIBLE with contact lenses, so wearing them can be more comfortable
• Convenient preservative-free single-use vials or a multidose bottle with the gentle preservative PURITE® that breaks down to natural components of tears when it touches the eye

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

REFERENCE:

1.  Insight. Australia dry eye disease update – 2023. Published 16 May 2023. Available from: https://www.insightnews.com.au/australia-dry-eye-disease-update-2023/ (accessed May 2024).
2.   Ramamoorthy P, et al. Optom Vis Sci 2008;85(8):764–772.
3. © 2024 AbbVie. All rights reserved. REFRESH PLUS and its design are trademarks of Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company. AbbVie Pty Ltd, Mascot, NSW 2020. 1800 043 460. AU-OPF-240008. June 24.