Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision, but eye irritation is a common concern. This discomfort can range from mild to persistent. Understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can help maintain eye comfort and health. This article explores common reasons for discomfort and provides steps for relief and prevention.
Common Reasons for Contact Lens Discomfort
Eye dryness is a frequent contributor to contact lens irritation. Lenses absorb tear film, reducing tear volume and causing friction. Environmental factors like low humidity, wind, or screen time can exacerbate dryness, making eyes feel gritty or scratchy.
Deposits on the lens surface can also lead to discomfort. Proteins and lipids in tears accumulate, forming a film that roughens the lens, attracting debris. Environmental particles like dust, pollen, or makeup can adhere, causing a foreign body sensation and irritation.
Over-wearing lenses beyond their recommended duration deprives the cornea of oxygen, causing irritation and inflammation. The cornea relies on air for health, and extended lens wear restricts this supply. Oxygen deprivation can lead to redness, discomfort, and tightness.
Allergies can also manifest as contact lens irritation, especially during high pollen seasons. Airborne allergens bind to the lens surface, triggering an allergic reaction characterized by itching, redness, and watery discharge. Sensitivities to lens material or preservatives in solutions can also occur.
An improper lens fit can cause constant friction, leading to localized irritation or abrasions. Lenses that are too tight restrict tear flow and oxygen, while loose lenses move excessively. Expired or contaminated contact lens solutions introduce harmful substances, potentially leading to chemical irritation or microbial growth. Bacterial or fungal infections, often from improper hygiene, can also cause severe irritation, pain, and redness.
Immediate Actions for Relief
The immediate step when experiencing contact lens irritation is to remove the lenses. This eliminates the potential source of discomfort. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching eyes or lenses to prevent contamination.
If irritation is mild and you suspect a dirty lens, clean reusable lenses thoroughly with fresh solution according to manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse them well and inspect for visible debris or damage before reinsertion. If the lens appears damaged or irritation persists after cleaning, do not reinsert it.
Over-the-counter rewetting drops, formulated for contact lens wearers, provide temporary relief by lubricating the eye surface. These drops replenish the tear film and reduce friction, offering comfort for dryness-related irritation. Ensure the drops are compatible with your specific type of contact lenses.
Switching to glasses temporarily gives your eyes a break from contact lenses, allowing them to recover. This is helpful if you suspect your eyes are dry or have been over-wearing lenses. Avoid rubbing irritated eyes, as this can worsen irritation, introduce contaminants, or cause damage.
Strategies to Prevent Irritation
Maintaining strict hygiene practices is fundamental to preventing contact lens irritation. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Adhering to the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses is crucial. Daily disposable lenses should be discarded after one use; two-week or monthly lenses must be replaced as advised by your eye care professional. Over-wearing lenses allows protein and lipid deposits to accumulate, increasing irritation and infection risk.
Always use fresh, sterile contact lens solution each time you clean and store lenses. Never “top off” old solution in the case, as this dilutes disinfectant and promotes microbial growth. Multipurpose solutions not designed for your lens type can also lead to irritation or reduced cleaning effectiveness.
Regular eye examinations with an eye care professional are important for assessing lens fit and overall eye health. An optometrist can detect subtle changes and recommend adjustments. Staying well-hydrated supports overall eye health and tear production, reducing dryness. In dry environments, a humidifier can add moisture, preventing tear evaporation. Discussing different lens materials or daily disposable lenses might also be beneficial for chronic irritation.
When to Seek Professional Eye Care
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort that does not subside after removing your contact lenses, seek professional eye care. This could indicate a serious underlying issue. Significant redness or inflammation, especially if it worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, warrants an immediate visit to an eye doctor.
Any sudden blurred or decreased vision, or changes in visual acuity, should be promptly evaluated by an eye care professional. Discharge or excessive tearing, particularly if thick or discolored, can signal an infection. Extreme light sensitivity (photophobia) can be a symptom of various eye conditions and should not be ignored.
If you have a persistent feeling of something in your eye, even after removing and cleaning your lens, this could indicate a corneal abrasion or foreign body needing professional removal. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after attempting immediate relief, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.