Contact lenses are a medical device that provides vision correction directly on the eye’s surface. Understanding the difference between a normal feeling and genuine discomfort is important for eye health and comfort. Recognizing the subtle awareness that is common versus the negative feelings that signal a problem is the first step toward maintaining comfortable and healthy vision with contacts.
The Spectrum of Normal Sensation
A properly fitted contact lens should ultimately feel like nothing at all, allowing the eye to blink naturally and smoothly. When first inserted, a slight awareness, such as mild pressure or a tickle, is common. This initial sensation is the eye’s natural response to a foreign object and should fade quickly, often within a few minutes, as the eye adjusts and the lens centers itself.
The goal of daily wear is to forget you are wearing the lenses entirely throughout the day. However, it is normal to experience a minor return of lens awareness later in the evening. This mild sensation typically happens because the natural tear film begins to thin and evaporate after many hours of lens wear, leading to subtle dryness. If this awareness persists or becomes distracting, it suggests the need for rewetting drops or an end to the wearing time for the day.
Recognizing Specific Signs of Discomfort
Discomfort that progresses beyond mild end-of-day awareness signals that the lens should be removed immediately. A persistent foreign body sensation is a common complaint, often described as the eye feeling gritty, sandy, or like something is stuck beneath the eyelid. This symptom indicates mechanical irritation, potentially caused by trapped debris or a torn or warped lens.
Sharp pain, stinging, or a burning sensation point to serious issues. Stinging and burning often indicate chemical irritation, perhaps from a reaction to the cleaning solution or an allergy. Sharp pain, especially upon blinking, could signal a corneal abrasion—a scratch on the eye’s surface that requires immediate professional evaluation. Excessive and uncontrolled tearing, known as reflex tearing, is another sign, as the eye produces extra fluid to flush out an irritant.
Common Reasons for Poor Sensation
The physical fit of the lens is often a primary factor behind discomfort, as a proper fit ensures a healthy exchange of tears and oxygen. A lens that is too tight can suction to the eye, restricting the flow of oxygen and tears, which leads to redness and a feeling of dryness. Conversely, a lens that is too loose will move excessively with each blink, creating friction against the delicate corneal surface.
Lens material plays a significant role in maintaining comfort, particularly regarding moisture retention. Older hydrogel lenses rely on high water content to transmit oxygen, which can cause them to draw moisture from the eye as the day progresses. Modern silicone hydrogel materials transmit more oxygen independent of water content, which helps reduce the drying effect and maintain a stable tear film. Discomfort may also stem from deposits, such as dust, lint, or residues from hand creams and makeup, that adhere to the lens surface. These deposits accumulate over time, increasing friction and making the lens feel rough against the eyelid.
Daily Practices for Maximizing Comfort
Maintaining a strict routine is the most effective way to ensure consistent comfort and prevent irritation. Always wash your hands thoroughly with non-lotion soap before handling lenses to avoid transferring oils and microorganisms. For reusable lenses, use fresh disinfecting solution every time a lens is stored; never top off or reuse old solution from the case.
Respecting the manufacturer’s and your eye doctor’s prescribed wear time limits prevents significant discomfort. Wearing lenses past their recommended duration can lead to oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia, which results in irritation and redness. If your eyes begin to feel dry or strained during the day, using preservative-free rewetting drops approved for contacts can temporarily stabilize the tear film and restore comfort. Regular replacement of lenses according to the daily, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule is also important for avoiding discomfort caused by protein and lipid buildup.