Think your contact lenses are the problem? Think again. Dry eye disease is one of the most overlooked causes of contact lens discomfort, and if left untreated, switching brands or types won’t make a difference.
At Mohawk Eyecare, we offer advanced dry eye assessments in New Castle to help you stop guessing and start seeing comfortably again because you shouldn’t have to choose between clear vision and eye comfort.
Myth: If Your Contacts Feel Bad, They Must Be the Problem
Most contact lens wearers assume that irritation, blurry vision, or a gritty sensation means they need a new lens brand, a better cleaning solution, or more eye drops. And while those things can help, they don’t get to the root of the problem.
We see this all the time at Mohawk Eyecare: patients go through multiple lens types, still feel dry or irritated, and eventually give up on contacts altogether.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the right kind of tears, to stay properly lubricated. It’s often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked, leading to a poor tear film that evaporates too quickly.
When that protective tear layer breaks down, contacts become almost impossible to tolerate. They stick, shift, blur, or create a burning sensation that no drop or lens change can fix on its own.
Dry Eye Symptoms That Masquerade as Lens Issues
You might be dealing with dry eye if you notice:
- A scratchy, gritty feeling in your eyes, especially while wearing contacts
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that clears with blinking
- Redness or stinging, especially later in the day
- The feeling that your lenses are "always dry," no matter what you do
- Frequent use of rewetting drops with little relief
Why Eye Drops and New Lenses Aren’t Enough
Most over-the-counter eye drops offer temporary relief, and in some cases, they can actually make things worse. Plus, they don’t treat the cause of the dryness, which usually comes from inflammation, gland blockage, or poor tear film quality.
The same goes for new contact lenses. If the surface of your eye isn’t healthy, no lens, not even the most breathable, advanced one, will feel comfortable.
Dry Eye Treatment in New Castle, PA
At Mohawk Eyecare, we don’t just treat symptoms; we get to the source of your discomfort. Our dry eye clinic in New Castle is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and a wide range of treatment options to help restore balance to your tear film and comfort to your contact lenses. Here’s what we offer:
Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluations
We use tear film analysis, gland imaging, and symptom screening tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your dryness, whether it’s evaporative, aqueous-deficient, or inflammation-based.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
We offer proven therapies like LipiFlow®, blepharoexfoliation, and heat therapies to target blocked oil glands and restore moisture where it counts.
Prescription and At-Home Relief
Dr. Carver may recommend prescription eye drops, omega-3 supplements, or custom at-home routines tailored to your specific needs.
Specialty Contact Lens Fittings
If you have dry eye or other corneal surface issues, standard soft lenses may not cut it. We fit scleral lenses and other specialty contacts designed for comfort, clarity, and all-day moisture retention.
We’ll walk you through every step, from diagnosis to long-term care, so you feel confident and cared for.
Love Your Contacts Again
If you’ve been cycling through contact lenses that never feel quite right, it’s time to take a closer look at what your eyes are really trying to tell you. Dry eye doesn’t mean you have to give up on contact lenses; it just means you need the proper diagnosis and a plan.
Book a dry eye assessment with our New Castle eye doctors at Mohawk Eyecare and start seeing comfortably again.