Contact lenses are thin medical devices worn on the eye surface to correct vision, but their use often raises questions about comfort. A properly fitted and maintained lens should not cause pain, though temporary discomfort or irritation may occur. The distinction between normal adjustment and a serious problem is determined by the type and persistence of the sensation. Understanding expected feelings during initial wear and recognizing signs of ongoing irritation is important for safe lens use.
Expected Sensations During Initial Wear
New contact lens wearers commonly experience a mild “foreign body sensation” as the eye adapts to having a lens resting on the cornea. This initial awareness is a normal protective reflex that often causes increased blinking and temporary tearing. The adjustment period typically lasts from a few days up to two weeks, after which most people find the lenses feel nearly invisible. Soft contact lenses generally require a shorter adaptation period compared to rigid gas permeable lenses.
Temporary discomfort can also occur during insertion and removal until the technique is mastered. Minor irritation from briefly touching the eye surface is common but should quickly resolve once the lens is correctly positioned. Sharp or stabbing pain, even during this early phase, is not a normal part of the adaptation process and requires immediate attention. Gradually increasing the wear time, as directed by an eye care professional, helps the eye adjust more comfortably.
Causes of Ongoing Irritation
After the initial adaptation period, persistent discomfort usually signals an issue related to the lens itself or the surrounding environment. A frequent complaint is the sensation of dryness, which is often exacerbated by environmental factors like air conditioning, wind, or prolonged screen time that reduces the natural blink rate. This lack of moisture can cause the lens to feel scratchy or gritty against the eye’s surface.
Another common source of irritation is the buildup of deposits, such as proteins and lipids from the tear film, which adhere to the lens material over time. This deposition creates a rougher surface, leading to chronic discomfort and sometimes allergic reactions. Poor lens fit, where the base curve is either too tight or too loose for the corneal shape, can also lead to constant rubbing or excessive movement on the eye.
In these cases, switching to a different lens material, such as a higher-water-content hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel, or using rewetting drops approved for contacts can often alleviate the irritation. Sensitivity to the preservatives in certain contact lens solutions can also manifest as chronic burning or a mild chemical irritation. This is often resolved by switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system or a preservative-free multipurpose solution. Persistent irritation that does not improve with simple adjustments suggests the need for a professional evaluation to rule out underlying conditions like dry eye syndrome.
When Pain is a Medical Emergency
While mild irritation is common, severe or persistent pain that does not subside immediately upon lens removal signals a potentially serious medical problem. Symptoms that demand immediate action include sudden, intense, or stabbing pain, especially if it worsens after the lens is taken out. This level of discomfort is often associated with damage to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
Other warning signs include excessive light sensitivity, medically termed photophobia, and a noticeable decrease or sudden blurring of vision. The presence of a significant, non-resolving eye redness, particularly if it forms a dense ring around the iris, or any thick discharge, suggests a serious infection such as microbial keratitis. Microbial keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, which can rapidly lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. If a person feels like something is lodged under the lens that cannot be flushed out, it may indicate a corneal abrasion, a scratch on the cornea, which also requires urgent medical attention. In any instance of severe pain or these accompanying symptoms, the lens must be removed immediately, and an eye care professional should be contacted without delay.