Contact lenses offer a popular and effective way to correct vision, providing many individuals with freedom from glasses. While generally considered safe for daily use, these medical devices can sometimes lead to eye pain. When eye pain occurs, it signals something is amiss, requiring attention.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Many everyday factors contribute to eye discomfort. Dry eyes are a frequent culprit, as contact lenses absorb the natural tear film, leading to irritation and a gritty sensation. Environmental factors like air conditioning or prolonged screen time can exacerbate this.
Over-wearing lenses beyond recommended duration is a common pain cause, reducing oxygen to the cornea and potentially leading to swelling. Ill-fitting lenses (too tight or loose) cause friction. Trapped particles or debris cause acute pain. Improper cleaning or rough handling introduces impurities or damages lenses, contributing to irritation.
Serious Underlying Issues
Beyond routine discomfort, certain conditions cause more severe eye pain requiring prompt attention. A corneal abrasion, a scratch on the eye’s outer surface, can occur from trapped debris or improper lens handling. This results in significant pain, foreign body sensation, and light sensitivity.
Eye infections like keratitis are a serious concern. Caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, they often result from poor hygiene or extended wear, leading to corneal inflammation. Symptoms include worsening pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
Untreated, severe infections can progress to corneal ulcers, open sores that may cause permanent vision loss. Allergic reactions to lens materials or cleaning solutions also cause pain, redness, itching, and swollen eyelids.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognizing when to consult an eye care professional prevents serious complications. Persistent or worsening pain, especially if it does not subside after lens removal, warrants immediate attention. Significant eye redness, inflammation, discharge, or excessive tearing are also warning signs.
Any sudden vision changes, such as blurriness or decreased sharpness, should prompt an eye doctor visit. Light sensitivity (photophobia) can indicate a more serious eye condition. A foreign body sensation continuing after lens removal, or a white/gray spot on the cornea, also indicate a potentially serious issue.
Preventing Eye Pain
Adopting proper contact lens care significantly reduces eye pain risk. Hand hygiene is fundamental; always wash and dry hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. Following the prescribed wear and replacement schedule is crucial to prevent oxygen deprivation and protein buildup.
Proper cleaning and storage with recommended solutions is important, including rubbing, rinsing, and replacing the lens case every few months. Never sleeping in lenses (unless prescribed for extended wear) ensures adequate oxygen flow and reduces infection risk. Regular eye exams monitor health, ensure proper fit, and detect issues early. Using rewetting drops helps manage dryness. Avoiding water exposure minimizes microbial contamination.