Contact lenses are a popular way to correct vision, offering freedom from glasses. If you are considering contacts, you may wonder if the insertion process is painful. Contact lens insertion should not cause actual pain, though initial discomfort is common for new wearers. This mild, temporary sensation occurs because the eye is highly sensitive and is adjusting to the presence of a new object on its surface.
The Difference Between Discomfort and Pain
New contact lens wearers often experience a “foreign body sensation” immediately after insertion. This mild awareness feels like something lightly resting on the eye and is a normal reaction to the lens touching the sensitive cornea and conjunctiva. The eye’s natural response is to water or blink more frequently, attempting to clear what it perceives as an irritant. This sensation is generally brief and should fade quickly as the eye adjusts to the lens material.
Most individuals find that any initial discomfort subsides completely within the first few days to a couple of weeks. Soft contact lenses typically allow for a quicker adjustment period than rigid gas permeable lenses, which can take several weeks. If the lens is properly fitted and clean, the feeling of having something in the eye should disappear, allowing for comfortable all-day wear. If the sensation is sharp, stinging, or lasts longer than the first few minutes, it indicates a problem beyond normal adjustment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Comfortable Insertion
Hygiene and Preparation
Ensuring proper hygiene is the foundational step to a comfortable experience. Always wash your hands thoroughly with a non-scented, antibacterial soap and dry them completely with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses. Never use tap water to rinse lenses, as it can contain microorganisms harmful to the eye. Once clean, check the lens for the correct orientation; it should resemble a small, smooth bowl with the edges pointing straight up, often described as the “taco” shape.
Insertion Technique
To minimize discomfort during application, place the lens on the tip of your dominant index or middle finger. Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull your lower eyelid down gently. Simultaneously, use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open. Holding the eyelids firmly apart prevents the natural reflex to blink, which is a major cause of failed insertion attempts.
Centering the Lens
After the lens makes contact with the eye, slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to help the lens center itself over the cornea. Closing your eye for a few seconds can also help the lens settle and reduce the chance of irritating air bubbles forming underneath. If the lens feels off-center or uncomfortable, carefully remove it, rinse it with fresh solution, and try the insertion process again. If dryness is a concern, apply a lubricating drop approved for contact lens use before insertion.
Identifying Sources of True Pain
If you experience sharp, persistent, or increasing pain upon or after insertion, it signals that something is genuinely wrong and is not a normal part of adjustment. Immediate pain is often caused by a damaged lens, such as a tear or crease, which creates a jagged edge that scrapes the eye’s surface. A microscopic piece of debris, like dirt or a stray eyelash, trapped between the lens and the eye can also cause a scratchy or painful sensation.
Pain that develops over time may be due to a poor fit, where the lens’s base curve is either too flat or too steep. This poor fit causes the lens to move excessively or restrict tear exchange. Sensitivity to the cleaning solution is another possibility, often requiring a switch to a preservative-free or hydrogen peroxide-based system.
Symptoms requiring immediate attention are signs of a potential infection or corneal issue. In any scenario involving true pain, the lens should be removed immediately, and you should contact your eye care professional for guidance. These symptoms include:
- Persistent redness
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision that does not clear
- Any discharge