Contact lenses are thin layers of material designed to rest directly on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. Once an eye care professional has properly fitted the lenses and a short period of adaptation has passed, you should not constantly feel them. The goal of a successful contact lens fit is for the lens to become functionally invisible to the wearer. If you consistently feel the lens after the initial adjustment, it signals a problem that needs to be addressed.
The Difference Between Initial Awareness and True Discomfort
The eye naturally reacts to anything placed on its surface, and new contact lens wearers will often experience a sensation called “initial awareness.” This feeling occurs because the cornea, which has one of the highest concentrations of sensory nerves in the body, detects the foreign object. This is a normal, temporary response as the eye and brain adjust to the presence of the lens.
This mild irritation or awareness should subside quickly, often within a few minutes or hours of insertion, as the cornea begins a process of desensitization. For new wearers, the adaptation period can last a few days or up to two weeks. True discomfort, however, is a sustained, irritating, or painful sensation that persists throughout the day and does not improve with continued wear.
Identifying the Reasons for Persistent Feeling
The most common reasons for persistent lens feeling relate to the lens-eye fit, the condition of the lens, or the surrounding environment. If the lens is too flat, it may move excessively on the eye, causing a constant rubbing sensation against the eyelids. Conversely, a lens that is too tight can restrict the natural movement of tears beneath the lens, leading to dryness and discomfort later in the day.
Foreign debris, such as dust, lint, or an eyelash, often gets trapped between the lens and the cornea. If this occurs, immediately remove the lens, rinse it thoroughly with a compatible solution, and then reinsert it. Failure to remove debris can lead to a corneal scratch.
Environmental factors like low humidity, air conditioning, or extended periods of staring at a computer screen can significantly reduce the natural blink rate, resulting in a dry tear film. This dryness causes the lens material to dehydrate and adhere slightly to the eye, creating a gritty or uncomfortable feeling. Using rewetting drops specifically approved for contact lenses can help restore moisture to the lens and ocular surface.
Natural substances from the tear film, such as proteins and lipids, can build up on the lens surface over time, interfering with both vision and comfort. This deposit accumulation makes the lens feel rough and can contribute to inflammation. A damaged lens, such as one with a tear, chip, or bent edge, will cause immediate irritation and must be discarded.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Removal and Consultation
While minor irritation can often be self-corrected, certain symptoms signal a serious eye health issue that requires immediate attention from an eye care professional. Any sudden, severe, or sharp pain upon insertion or during wear is a major warning sign. This type of pain may indicate a corneal abrasion or an inverted lens irritating the eye’s surface.
Other symptoms that mandate immediate lens removal and consultation include persistent redness that does not subside shortly after removing the lens. Blurry or hazy vision that does not clear with blinking, along with excessive tearing or a sticky discharge, can be signs of an eye infection. Seek urgent care if you develop light sensitivity (photophobia) or notice inflamed bumps on the inner surface of the eyelid, which may signal a contact lens-related allergic reaction.