Contact lenses provide clear and convenient vision correction, but they can sometimes lead to eye pain and discomfort. This irritation can range from a mild, gritty feeling to a sharp, constant pain and should never be ignored. Understanding the immediate steps for relief and recognizing the underlying causes is important for maintaining eye health. This article offers practical steps for soothing irritated eyes and identifies symptoms that require professional medical attention.
Immediate Steps to Soothe Eye Pain
The most important action upon feeling pain is to remove the contact lenses immediately. Continuing to wear an irritating lens can lead to serious issues, such as a corneal abrasion. After thoroughly washing your hands, gently take out the lens and place it in a clean, fresh solution.
Next, apply rewetting drops or artificial tears specifically formulated for use with contact lenses. Preservative-free options are often recommended to minimize further irritation. These drops help restore the eye’s natural moisture layer, which can become disrupted by lens wear. Avoid using over-the-counter eye drops intended to reduce redness, as these do not address the underlying dryness and may not be compatible with lens materials.
Resting your eyes by wearing glasses instead of contacts allows the eye tissue time to recover. If the eye feels warm or slightly swollen, a clean, gentle cold compress applied to the closed lid can help reduce inflammation. Never use tap water to rinse your lenses or eyes, as it contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections.
Common Reasons Contacts Cause Discomfort
One frequent cause is Dry Eye Syndrome, where the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Contact lenses can interfere with the tear film, leading to a gritty or burning sensation that can be managed with compatible lubricating drops.
Another common culprit is the accumulation of foreign bodies or debris on the lens surface. If debris is the issue, cleaning the removed lens thoroughly with fresh solution before reinserting it may resolve the problem. If the discomfort persists after cleaning, discard the lens.
Overwearing lenses or exceeding the replacement schedule can also lead to pain because the lens material loses its ability to transmit sufficient oxygen to the cornea over time. Extended wear can cause a lack of oxygen, resulting in discomfort. Similarly, a lens that is improperly fitted—either too tight or too loose—will rub against the eye or not allow for proper tear exchange, creating friction and irritation that requires an eye doctor to correct.
Sometimes the eye reacts to cleaning chemicals, a condition known as Solution Sensitivity. Preservatives in multipurpose solutions can cause a mild allergic reaction, leading to inflammation and persistent redness. Switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system or an alternative solution recommended by an eye care professional can often alleviate this type of irritation.
Red Flags: When to Consult an Eye Doctor
While mild, temporary discomfort can often be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious problem that requires immediate professional evaluation. Stop wearing contacts and contact an eye doctor promptly if you experience severe, sudden eye pain that does not subside after lens removal. Pain is a sign that your body is signaling a significant issue, such as a corneal infection or ulcer.
Extreme light sensitivity, known as photophobia, is another serious warning sign, especially when accompanied by pain or redness. This symptom may point to inflammation or a more serious issue affecting the cornea.
Additionally, any noticeable change in vision, such as persistent blurriness, cloudiness, or a significant decrease in visual clarity, must be addressed by a professional. Visible discharge, pus, or excessive watering from the eye are also red flags, as these can be signs of a bacterial or fungal infection.
Finally, if your eye exhibits intense, persistent redness that does not improve within an hour or two after removing the lenses, this warrants medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to permanent damage to your vision.