Contact lens discomfort is a common issue that can make daily wear feel like a chore, often leading people to switch back to glasses or stop using lenses entirely. This persistent irritation is usually not inevitable, but rather a sign that an element of your routine or equipment needs adjustment. Improving wearability requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach, focusing on handling, cleaning, and the specific material of the lenses. By controlling the factors that contribute to irritation, you can significantly enhance your comfort and maintain clear, healthy vision.
Optimizing Your Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a rigorous cleaning regimen is the primary defense against discomfort caused by the natural buildup of proteins, lipids, and debris from your tears. Before touching your lenses or case, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel. This step prevents the transfer of microbes from your hands to the lens, a frequent cause of irritation and potential infection.
The physical act of cleaning is important, even with “no-rub” solutions. Gently rubbing the lens with your finger and a few drops of solution physically dislodges deposits that rinsing alone cannot remove, enhancing the solution’s disinfecting power. After rubbing, rinse the lens as directed before placing it into the case with fresh disinfecting solution.
Always use new solution for storage each night; never reuse or “top off” the old solution, as this dilutes the disinfectant and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. The lens case should be replaced at least once every three months. After inserting your lenses, rinse the empty case with fresh solution and leave it uncapped to air-dry, preventing microorganisms from growing inside.
Managing Dryness and Environmental Stressors
Discomfort often arises due to environmental factors that accelerate tear film evaporation. Conscious blinking is an excellent tool to manage this, particularly during long periods of screen time when your natural blink rate can drop significantly. Performing short blinking exercises, such as closing your eyes gently for a few seconds and then slowly opening them, helps fully spread the tear film over the lens surface.
For digital device users, the 20-20-20 rule offers a simple way to combat dryness and eye strain. Every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This brief break allows your focusing muscles to relax and encourages a more complete blink.
Using rewetting or lubricating drops can provide immediate relief, but choose drops specifically formulated for contact lens use. These drops contain lubricating agents and are designed to safely moisturize the eye’s surface without damaging the lens material. Systemic hydration is also a factor, as drinking plenty of water helps maintain the quality and volume of your natural tear production. In dry environments, such as air travel or air-conditioned offices, using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% can slow tear evaporation and significantly improve comfort.
Understanding How Lens Material Affects Comfort
The physical properties of the lens material profoundly impact comfort and require consultation with your eye care professional to change. Modern soft lenses are primarily made from two polymers: hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. Hydrogel lenses rely on water content to transmit oxygen to the cornea, but high-water-content hydrogels can act like a sponge, drawing moisture away from the tear film to maintain their own hydration.
This effect can worsen dryness, especially in arid or air-conditioned settings. Silicone hydrogel lenses address this limitation by using silicone to allow high oxygen permeability (Dk/t) independent of the lens’s water content. These lenses offer a Dk/t value significantly higher than older hydrogels, which is healthier for the cornea and often translates to better end-of-day comfort.
Oxygen permeability is not the sole determinant of comfort; the lens must also fit your unique corneal shape perfectly. A poorly fitted lens, whether too tight or too loose, causes friction against the eye’s surface, leading to chronic irritation, redness, and the feeling of a foreign object. Professional measurement of your corneal curvature and diameter ensures the lens remains stable and allows for proper tear exchange beneath the lens, which is vital for long-term wearability.
Recognizing When Discomfort Signals a Larger Issue
While minor discomfort can often be resolved with routine adjustments, certain symptoms indicate a serious underlying problem requiring immediate lens removal and prompt medical attention. Sudden, sharp, or severe eye pain is a warning sign that should never be ignored, as it can signal an infection such as keratitis. This is particularly true if the pain does not subside immediately after taking the lens out.
Other significant red flags include persistent or unusual redness, a noticeable decrease in vision, or sudden light sensitivity (photophobia). The presence of a sticky or watery discharge, or the sensation of a foreign object that cannot be resolved by rinsing, also points toward potential infection or corneal damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately, do not attempt to self-treat, and contact your eye doctor right away to prevent serious complications.