Experiencing pressure behind the eye while wearing contact lenses is a common concern. This sensation can range from mild discomfort to a feeling of fullness or strain. Understanding the factors that contribute to this experience is important for maintaining eye health and comfort. This article explores common reasons for this feeling and offers practical steps for management and prevention.
Common Explanations for Pressure
An improper contact lens fit is a frequent cause of pressure behind the eye. If a lens is too tight, it can restrict the flow of tears and oxygen to the cornea, leading to a feeling of suction or pressure. Conversely, a lens that is too loose may move excessively on the eye, causing irritation and a foreign body sensation. These fitting issues can disrupt the delicate balance of the eye’s surface.
Dry eyes are another common contributor to contact lens discomfort and pressure. Contact lenses can interfere with the natural tear film, leading to increased evaporation of tears and reduced lubrication. When the eyes are dry, the lens can feel gritty or sticky, creating a sensation of pressure or irritation as the eyelids blink over the dehydrated lens surface. Overwearing contact lenses beyond the recommended hours also leads to dryness and reduced oxygen supply to the cornea, which can cause discomfort, redness, and a feeling of pressure.
Minor irritations from foreign particles, such as dust, lint, or makeup debris, can become trapped under a contact lens, causing a foreign body sensation that manifests as pressure or a sharp feeling. Additionally, issues with the lens material itself or the cleaning solutions used can trigger an allergic reaction or sensitivity, leading to inflammation, redness, and a generalized feeling of pressure. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain plastics or preservatives in lens solutions.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While many instances of eye pressure from contact lenses stem from minor, easily remedied issues, certain symptoms warrant immediate professional evaluation. Persistent and severe eye pain, especially if it worsens even after removing the contact lenses, is a warning sign. This type of pain, coupled with sudden vision changes like blurriness or seeing halos around lights, suggests a more serious underlying problem.
Other red flags include significant redness of the eye, particularly if it is accompanied by discharge, extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), or a persistent sensation that something is in the eye despite lens removal. These symptoms could indicate conditions such as corneal infections (keratitis), which can be sight-threatening if not treated promptly. Corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the eye’s surface, can also cause severe pain, tearing, and light sensitivity.
Though rare, acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ocular emergency characterized by sudden, severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and halos around lights, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. This condition involves a rapid increase in eye pressure and requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. Any combination of these severe or persistent symptoms should prompt an an urgent visit to an eye care professional.
Managing and Preventing Discomfort
Maintaining proper contact lens hygiene is important for preventing discomfort and potential complications. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. It is also important to clean and disinfect lenses according to your eye care professional’s instructions, even if using a “no-rub” solution, and to use fresh solution daily, never “topping off” old solution. The contact lens case should also be cleaned with solution, air-dried, and replaced every two to three months.
Respecting the recommended wear schedule and replacement timelines for contact lenses is also important. Overwearing lenses, or sleeping in them when they are not designed for extended wear, can deprive the cornea of oxygen and increase the risk of irritation and infection. Taking “contact lens holidays” by wearing glasses for a few hours each day or on weekends can give the eyes a necessary break and allow them to rehydrate.
For mild dryness and discomfort, using rewetting drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers can provide immediate relief by lubricating the lens and eye surface. Regular comprehensive eye exams are also important, as they allow an optometrist or ophthalmologist to assess lens fit, check for any changes in eye health, and update prescriptions. If current lenses continue to cause issues, discussing alternative lens types, materials, or brands with an eye care professional may lead to a more comfortable solution.