Contact lenses are a popular vision correction method, but some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness while wearing them. While not a typical primary symptom, various underlying factors related to contact lens wear can contribute to these sensations. Understanding these connections can help address discomfort and maintain eye health.
How Contact Lenses Can Lead to Dizziness
An incorrect prescription is a common reason for discomfort, including dizziness, when wearing contact lenses. If the lenses are either too strong or too weak, or if they don’t properly correct conditions like astigmatism (an imperfection in the curvature of the eye’s front surface) or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), the eyes may strain to focus. This constant effort can lead to symptoms such as headaches, blurred or double vision, nausea, and dizziness.
When first transitioning to new contact lenses, particularly progressive or multifocal designs, an adjustment period is often necessary. The brain requires time to adapt to the new visual information. During this initial phase, which can last from a few days to up to two weeks, some individuals may experience temporary spatial disorientation, issues with depth perception, headaches, or even dizziness.
Dry eye or eye irritation can also contribute to feelings of dizziness. When the eyes are dry or irritated from contact lens wear, it can lead to increased blinking and eye strain. This general discomfort and visual fatigue can indirectly manifest as lightheadedness or dizziness.
In rare instances, allergic reactions or sensitivities to the contact lens material or solutions used for cleaning and storage can cause significant eye discomfort. While direct dizziness from an allergy is uncommon, the severe irritation, redness, itching, and excessive tearing associated with such reactions could indirectly contribute to systemic symptoms like dizziness. Protein deposits on lenses can also trigger an immune response, leading to discomfort.
A poor fit of contact lenses can cause fluctuating or blurry vision and ongoing discomfort. Lenses that do not sit correctly can also lead to reduced oxygen flow to the cornea, which can cause irritation and visual disturbances. The eyes working harder to stabilize vision due to an improper fit can result in eyestrain that might indirectly lead to dizziness.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you experience persistent or concerning dizziness while wearing contact lenses, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine if the dizziness is related to your contact lenses, checking for issues like an incorrect prescription, improper lens fit, or underlying eye conditions. If symptoms persist after removing the lenses or inserting new ones, it could indicate a more serious condition.
Dizziness can be a symptom of various medical conditions unrelated to eye health. If your dizziness is severe, sudden in onset, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a visit to a general practitioner for a full medical evaluation is recommended. This helps rule out other potential causes, such as heart problems, low blood pressure, or neurological issues.
If you feel dizzy while wearing contacts, remove them and allow your eyes to rest. Ensuring adequate hydration and rest can also be beneficial. Be aware of specific warning signs that suggest a more serious underlying medical issue. These include sudden, severe dizziness, dizziness accompanied by new confusion, trouble speaking, numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, severe headache, or sudden vision loss. If any of these red flags appear, seek immediate medical attention.