The sensation of burning, stinging, or intense irritation while wearing contact lenses is a clear signal that something is wrong. This discomfort is not a normal part of lens wear and should never be ignored. Any persistent irritation indicates an underlying issue that demands immediate attention. Ignoring the sensation can lead to serious complications, such as corneal inflammation or infection.
Immediate Actions When Lenses Burn
The first step when burning begins is to immediately remove the contact lenses to prevent further irritation or damage. Before touching your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water, drying them with a lint-free towel. Following removal, gently flush your eyes with a sterile saline solution or preservative-free artificial tears to wash away potential irritants.
After resting your eyes, inspect the removed lenses for visible tears, chips, or foreign material like an eyelash or dust particle. If irritation persists, switch to wearing your backup glasses and give your eyes a substantial break for several hours. Lenses should not be reinserted until the cause of the burning is identified and the eyes feel completely comfortable and symptom-free.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
The burning sensation is frequently traced back to the lens itself or the tear film surrounding it, with dryness or dehydration being one of the most common causes. Contacts require moisture to remain soft and function correctly; when tear production is insufficient, the lens draws moisture from the eye’s surface, resulting in a stinging sensation. Environmental factors, such as low humidity or prolonged screen time that reduces the blink rate, can significantly exacerbate this dryness.
Another primary source of irritation is a reaction to the preservatives in contact lens solutions, often termed solution toxicity. Multipurpose solutions contain disinfecting agents that can be absorbed by the lens and released onto the eye, causing a mild toxic reaction on the corneal surface. This toxicity can lead to generalized, mild punctate epithelial staining. Switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system, which is preservative-free, often resolves this type of chemical sensitivity.
Burning can also be a sign of poor lens hygiene, where foreign debris or protein deposits accumulate on the lens surface. Tears naturally contain proteins, lipids, and calcium that can build up on the lens over the day, and if not cleaned properly, these deposits can trigger an allergic response or cause friction. Even microscopic particles from hand soaps, lotions, or makeup transferred during insertion can contaminate the lens and cause immediate stinging.
Improper lens fit is a mechanical cause of discomfort leading to a burning feeling due to physical irritation or restricted oxygen flow. A lens that is too tight can suction to the cornea, limiting the exchange of tears and oxygen, resulting in corneal swelling. Conversely, a lens that is too loose may move excessively with each blink, creating friction against the conjunctiva. A professional eye examination is necessary to confirm the base curve and diameter are correctly matched to the individual eye’s shape.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
While mild, temporary burning often resolves with lens removal and rest, certain symptoms are considered red flags that require immediate professional attention. If the pain or burning sensation persists or worsens even after the contact lenses have been out of the eye for several hours, this may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Significant and lasting redness in the white of the eye is a concern, especially if it is accompanied by a thick, pus-like or stringy mucus discharge.
Any sudden or noticeable change in vision, such as blurriness or cloudiness, alongside the burning should prompt an urgent call to your eye care professional. Extreme light sensitivity, known as photophobia, suggests an inflammatory reaction within the eye that could be a sign of a corneal abrasion, keratitis, or other infection. These symptoms indicate a need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to protect vision health.