Burning eyes while wearing contact lenses is a common and intensely uncomfortable experience that signals immediate irritation on the sensitive surface of the eye. This stinging sensation demands prompt attention to prevent further discomfort or potential injury. Understanding how to quickly address this acute burning and prevent its recurrence is necessary for comfortable contact lens wear. The following steps and insights will help manage this common issue, moving from urgent relief to long-term strategies.
Immediate Steps for Relief
The first and most important action is to immediately remove the contact lenses to prevent further irritation or corneal damage. Do not attempt to power through the discomfort, as this can worsen the underlying issue. Once the lenses are out, thoroughly rinse your eyes with a sterile saline solution or an approved eye wash to flush away any debris, allergens, or chemical irritants.
After rinsing, apply preservative-free artificial tears, which are designed to soothe and rehydrate the ocular surface without introducing irritating chemicals. Avoid redness-relieving eye drops; these products constrict blood vessels and do not address the underlying dryness or irritation, often leading to rebound redness when their effect wears off. Applying a cool, damp compress over your closed eyelids for a few minutes can help reduce inflammation. Give your eyes a break by switching to eyeglasses until the irritation has completely subsided, allowing the eyes time to recover.
Common Underlying Causes of Burning
The burning sensation frequently stems from dry eye syndrome, a condition where the tear film is either insufficient or evaporates too quickly. Contact lenses can worsen this dryness by interfering with the natural tear layer, leading to friction and stinging. Environmental factors like low humidity, wind exposure, or prolonged screen time can further accelerate tear evaporation, making the eyes prone to burning.
Contamination of the lens surface with debris, often from poor hygiene or environmental exposure, is another major factor. Protein and lipid deposits naturally accumulate on lenses over time, which can trigger an allergic or inflammatory response that manifests as burning. Allergies, known as allergic conjunctivitis, can also cause burning, as the lens can trap airborne irritants like pollen or dander against the eye.
Sensitivity to contact lens solutions is a common culprit, particularly a reaction to the preservatives used in multi-purpose solutions. Certain preservatives, even in trace amounts, can cause a toxic or allergic reaction on the ocular surface, leading to chronic burning and irritation. Furthermore, using tap water or saliva to rinse lenses introduces harmful microorganisms and chemicals that cause immediate, severe burning and risk serious infection.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
A fundamental prevention strategy involves strictly adhering to a proper cleaning regimen. Begin by washing hands thoroughly with a mild soap and drying them with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. For reusable lenses, use a “rub and rinse” technique: gently rub the lens in the palm with fresh solution before rinsing, even if the solution is labeled “no-rub.” This physical action is highly effective at dislodging protein deposits and debris that cause irritation.
Switching to a daily disposable lens schedule is often recommended, as this completely eliminates the risk of deposit buildup and solution sensitivity, providing a fresh, sterile lens every day. For reusable lenses, consider a preservative-free hydrogen peroxide cleaning system. This system is a highly effective disinfectant that neutralizes into a gentle saline solution, avoiding irritation caused by chemical preservatives. Also, replace your contact lens case every three to four months, as the case itself can harbor biofilms and bacteria that re-contaminate lenses.
Managing wear time is another effective measure, as wearing lenses longer than prescribed reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea and increases irritation. Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically approved for extended wear, as this practice significantly increases the risk of eye infection and subsequent burning. Consistent use of lubricating, preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day can help maintain the tear film, especially in dry environments or during periods of prolonged visual concentration.
When to Seek Professional Help
While mild, temporary burning can often be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate consultation with an eye care professional. Seek professional help if the pain or burning sensation persists for more than 24 hours after removing the lenses. Any sudden or persistent decrease in vision or significant blurring should be treated as an urgent matter.
Red-flag symptoms that accompany the burning include:
- Severe sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- The presence of thick, colored discharge from the eye.
- Worsening or intense redness that does not improve with rest.
- A gritty feeling suggesting a corneal scratch or abrasion.
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection, such as keratitis or a corneal ulcer, which demand prompt medical treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.