When considering contact lenses, a common concern is whether they will cause pain. Properly fitted and cared-for contact lenses should not be painful; the eye’s cornea is highly sensitive, and true, sharp pain signals a problem that needs immediate attention. Healthy lens wear involves only a mild, temporary awareness of the lens, which is technically a foreign object resting on the eye’s surface. Understanding the distinction between this minor foreign-body sensation and genuine pain is the foundation for a comfortable experience.
Expected Sensation During Insertion and Initial Wear
The first time a lens touches your eye, it is normal to experience a brief, foreign-body awareness or mild irritation as the eye adjusts. This sensation fades quickly for most people. For soft lenses, the adaptation period typically lasts only a few days to a week. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses may require a longer adjustment time, sometimes up to a few weeks, before they feel completely comfortable.
Procedural discomfort can be avoided with correct handling. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching the lens or your eye to prevent introducing debris or pathogens. Check that the lens is not inside out before insertion, as a reversed lens causes immediate, noticeable edge irritation. Once inserted, a few slow blinks help center the lens and smooth the tear film, aiding in the final seating and comfort.
Causes of Ongoing Discomfort and Irritation
Discomfort hours after insertion is often related to the lens material interacting with the environment or the tear film. Dryness is a frequent cause, as contact lenses rely on the eye’s tear film to maintain their shape and comfort. Environmental factors, such as air conditioning or forced-air heating, actively remove moisture from the air, accelerating the evaporation of the tear film and the lens itself.
Prolonged screen time reduces the blink rate by up to 50% when concentrating on digital devices. This reduced blinking prevents the lens surface from being regularly re-wet, causing it to dehydrate and feel scratchy or sticky.
The lens surface can also accumulate deposits from the natural tear film, mainly proteins and lipids. These substances adhere to the lens material, and as they degrade, they create a rough surface. This rough surface causes friction and a gritty sensation against the inside of the eyelid.
Over-wearing lenses beyond the prescribed schedule is another common issue. Wearing lenses for too long restricts the flow of oxygen to the cornea. This lack of oxygen can lead to eye redness, inflammation, and decreased lens tolerance over time. Additionally, a lens that is too tight or too loose will cause constant friction or fluctuating vision, leading to persistent mechanical discomfort.
When Pain Signals a Serious Medical Issue
While mild irritation is common, certain symptoms indicate a serious medical issue requiring immediate attention. True, sharp, or stabbing eye pain is a warning sign. If this pain is accompanied by severe sensitivity to light (photophobia) or a sudden, persistent blurring of vision, remove the lenses immediately.
These symptoms can point to conditions like a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the eye’s outer layer, often caused by a foreign particle trapped under the lens or trauma during handling. They may also signal infectious keratitis, an inflammation or open sore on the cornea, often caused by bacteria or fungi entering a compromised eye surface.
Other alarming indicators include persistent redness that does not improve after removing the lens, excessive discharge, or swelling of the eyelid. If any of these signs occur, contact an eye care professional or seek emergency care immediately. Do not attempt to wear the lenses again until the eye has been examined.