Feeling as though something remains in your eye after removing contact lenses is a common experience. This lingering discomfort, even without a visible foreign object, can range from mild annoyance to significant concern. Understanding the underlying reasons for this phenomenon can help contact lens users better manage their eye health.
The Sensation Explained
The eye’s surface, especially the cornea, has highly sensitive nerve endings designed to detect irritation and act as a protective mechanism. When contact lenses are removed, these nerves can react to minor surface irregularities or environmental shifts, triggering a “foreign body sensation” even if nothing is physically present. This occurs because the brain interprets these nerve signals as an indication that something is in the eye, even when the irritation is microscopic or physiological. For instance, a lack of oxygen to the cornea (hypoxia) can inflame the cornea and increase its sensitivity, leading to this feeling once lenses are out.
Common Causes
Several factors can contribute to the feeling that something is in your eye after contact lens removal. Tiny particles like dust, lint, or makeup can become trapped under the lens during wear or may be left on the eye’s surface after removal, causing irritation. Dry eye, a frequent issue for contact lens wearers, can lead to a gritty or scratchy sensation because lenses can disrupt the natural tear film, leaving the eyes parched once the lenses are out. Minor scratches on the cornea, known as corneal abrasions, can result from improper lens removal techniques, rubbing the eye, or microscopic tears in the lens itself. These abrasions expose sensitive corneal tissue, leading to discomfort. Contact lens materials or solutions can also cause irritation, including residue from cleaning solutions, protein deposits, or an ill-fitting lens. Allergic reactions to lens materials, solutions, or environmental allergens can cause irritation, redness, and a foreign body sensation. Conditions like conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, can cause a gritty feeling. Blepharitis, characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, may also lead to persistent eye irritation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a transient foreign body sensation after contact lens removal is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Severe or increasing eye pain could indicate a serious issue like keratitis (cornea inflammation or infection). Persistent redness or irritation that doesn’t improve within a few hours or a day also signals a need for professional evaluation. Blurred or decreased vision, eye discharge, or increased light sensitivity (photophobia) are warning signs. These symptoms, especially when combined, can indicate infections or conditions that could lead to vision loss if untreated. If the sensation lasts more than a few hours or a day, or if home remedies fail, consult an eye care professional.
Relief and Prevention Strategies
Immediate Relief
For immediate relief, frequent blinking can stimulate natural tear production and dislodge microscopic debris. Preservative-free lubricating eye drops can provide moisture and soothe irritation. Gently rinsing the eye with sterile saline may help flush out irritants. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause further damage.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing this sensation involves diligent contact lens care and healthy eye habits. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling lenses to prevent transferring dirt or bacteria to your eyes. Adhering to proper contact lens insertion and removal techniques, along with following recommended cleaning and disinfection schedules, is important. Replacing lenses and lens cases as recommended by your eye care professional also prevents the buildup of deposits that can cause irritation, and avoiding sleeping in lenses (unless prescribed for extended wear) reduces the risk of oxygen deprivation and infection. Staying well-hydrated, using rewetting drops designed for contact lenses, and having regular eye exams and contact lens check-ups are all beneficial for maintaining eye health and comfort.