A bandage contact lens is a specialized soft contact lens used as a therapeutic tool to protect the eye and promote healing after an injury or surgery. This type of lens creates a protective barrier over the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Its primary purpose is to reduce pain and support the eye’s natural recovery process. Experiencing some blurry vision while wearing a bandage contact lens is common and often represents a normal part of the healing.
Why Blurry Vision Occurs
Blurry vision with a bandage contact lens can stem from multiple factors, often related to the underlying eye condition and the healing process. The lens itself, while transparent, can slightly alter vision by changing how light enters the eye, especially if it does not perfectly conform to the eye’s surface. The underlying eye condition, such as a corneal abrasion or post-surgical recovery, significantly contributes to temporary visual disturbances. The cornea, which handles much of light refraction, may have an irregular surface from damage or healing, scattering light and reducing clarity.
Inflammation and swelling, common after injury or surgery, also affect vision. These temporarily alter eye structures, causing hazy or blurred perception.
Tear film instability on the eye’s surface, crucial for clear vision, can occur with a bandage lens. An unstable tear film causes dry spots, contributing to blurriness.
The lens may also cause slight corneal curvature changes as the eye recovers, temporarily impacting visual acuity. Vision may also fluctuate throughout the day, improving or worsening depending on factors like eye dryness or fatigue.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While some blurriness is expected with a bandage contact lens, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention from an eye care professional. A sudden, significant worsening of blurriness could indicate a complication. New or increased pain in the eye, beyond typical discomfort, is a concerning sign. Any noticeable redness of the eye that intensifies or spreads should be evaluated.
Discharge from the eye, especially if thick, colored, or increasing in volume, can suggest an infection. Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, or a feeling that something is constantly in the eye also requires prompt medical assessment. These symptoms, alone or combined, may signal an infection or other issues needing urgent intervention to prevent vision loss.
Living with a Bandage Contact Lens
Wearing a bandage contact lens means adapting to a period where vision may not be perfectly clear, but should remain functional. The primary goal of the lens is to promote healing and provide comfort, not necessarily to improve vision. Patients should anticipate fluctuating vision and periods of blurriness, especially in the initial days after lens insertion.
It is important to follow all instructions from your eye care professional, including using prescribed eye drops like antibiotics or lubricants. Maintain good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly before touching the eye, to reduce infection risk. Avoid activities like swimming or getting tap water directly in the eyes while the lens is in place. Blurriness with a bandage contact lens is typically temporary and should improve as the eye heals and the lens is removed by your eye care professional.