The experience of wearing contact lenses should ideally result in an imperceptible fit, meaning you should not be actively aware of the lens on your eye. However, the sensation of “feeling” your contacts, medically termed foreign body sensation, is common for many wearers. This awareness results from the lens resting on the highly sensitive surface of the cornea and interacting with the eyelid during blinking. Whether this feeling is normal depends entirely on its intensity and duration, ranging from a mild, temporary awareness to persistent, sharp discomfort.
Understanding Normal Versus Abnormal Sensation
A mild, brief sense of the lens is often considered normal, especially for new wearers as the eye adjusts to the presence of the lens. This mild awareness may also occur immediately upon insertion but should quickly subside within the first few minutes of wear. It is common for a slight awareness or mild irritation to develop late in the day as the natural tear film begins to break down.
The sensation becomes abnormal when it involves persistent discomfort, which is not relieved by blinking or lubricating drops. Symptoms that are not typical include sharp pain, a persistent gritty or scratchy feeling, or a burning sensation that lasts more than an hour after insertion. If the feeling is severe enough to prevent comfortable blinking or causes excessive tearing, it indicates that something is wrong with the lens, the eye, or the environment.
Common Reasons Why Contacts Feel Noticeable
One frequent cause of a noticeable lens is tear film instability, often experienced as dryness. Contact lenses pull moisture from the eye’s surface, and if the eye does not produce enough tears, the lens material begins to rub against the cornea and inner eyelid, creating friction. This lack of proper lubrication causes the sensory nerves on the cornea to become hypersensitive, amplifying the feeling of the lens.
Another common source of sudden, acute discomfort is a foreign particle trapped beneath the lens. Even a microscopic piece of dust, lint, or makeup residue can cause a sharp, painful sensation as the eyelid drags it across the delicate corneal surface with every blink. A quick removal, rinse, and reinsertion often resolves this issue immediately.
The physical parameters of the lens, specifically its fit, also play a significant role in comfort. A contact lens is prescribed based on measurements like the base curve and diameter to ensure it sits correctly. A lens that is too tight restricts the natural movement needed for tear exchange, leading to dehydration and discomfort. Conversely, a loose lens moves excessively, causing friction against the eyelid.
Over time, contact lenses can accumulate natural deposits from the tear film, such as proteins and lipids. This residue creates a film on the lens surface, making it feel gritty or less smooth against the eye. Failure to properly clean or replace lenses according to the prescribed schedule allows this build-up to occur, which reduces comfort and can eventually lead to inflammation.
When to Remove Lenses and Seek Professional Help
Immediate removal of the contact lens is necessary if you experience sudden, severe pain or a rapid onset of blurred vision that does not clear with blinking. These symptoms can indicate a serious issue like a corneal abrasion or a developing infection. If the lens appears ripped, chipped, or torn, it must be discarded immediately, as a damaged edge can cause trauma to the eye’s surface.
Certain symptoms require professional attention even after the lenses have been removed. Persistent redness, especially if it does not improve hours after removal, is a warning sign. Other indicators of a potential problem include sensitivity to light (photophobia), unusual discharge, or excessive tearing.
If discomfort persists despite consistent cleaning and proper wear schedules, or if you suspect a problem with the fit, contact your eye care professional. An optometrist can evaluate the lens movement, check for signs of surface irritation, and assess whether a change in lens material, solution, or fit is necessary to restore comfortable wear.