Crying while wearing contact lenses introduces a temporary imbalance to the eye’s environment. This influx of emotional tears changes the chemical composition of the tear film that lubricates the eye and surrounds the lens. This experience results in a dual impact: a noticeable change in comfort and vision, and a physical interaction that can affect the lens material itself. Understanding these immediate effects and subsequent risks is key to protecting eye health and ensuring the longevity of your contacts.
Immediate Effects on the Eye and Lens
Emotional tears differ chemically from the basal tears produced for constant lubrication, often causing an initial sensation of stinging or burning. Emotional tears contain higher concentrations of proteins, stress hormones, and neurotransmitters compared to regular tears. This altered chemical makeup creates a temporary imbalance in the tear film’s optimal environment, leading to irritation on the eye’s surface.
The sheer volume of tear production during a crying episode is significantly greater than the normal tear flow. This flood of liquid can cause the contact lens to become overly hydrated, which temporarily changes its shape and fit on the cornea. The excess moisture also creates a slippery layer between the lens and the eye, often causing the lens to float or shift out of its proper central position.
When the lens moves or becomes saturated, vision often becomes blurry or foggy due to the disrupted tear film. The lens may fold under the eyelid or even pop completely out of the eye due to the mechanical forces of blinking across the water-logged surface. It is important to avoid the natural reflex to rub the eyes during this time, as this greatly increases the risk of scratching the cornea with a displaced lens.
Potential for Eye Irritation and Adhesion
The problems often continue after the acute crying episode has passed and the tears begin to evaporate. As the water content of the tears evaporates from the lens surface, the concentrated proteins and salts are left behind. This residue forms a concentrated buildup on the contact lens material.
This protein and salt buildup can cause the lens to dry out and stiffen, leading to a phenomenon known as adhesion, where the lens sticks tightly to the corneal surface. A lens that adheres to the eye increases the risk of eye irritation or a corneal abrasion if it is removed improperly or without adequate re-lubrication. The presence of excess protein deposits on the lens can also create a rougher surface, increasing friction against the inner eyelid.
Furthermore, the act of rubbing the eyes while crying can introduce bacteria, dust, or debris from the hands or face into the space beneath the lens. This contamination, combined with the temporary irritation of the eye’s surface, can slightly elevate the risk of developing an infection. The lingering discomfort and redness are often a sign that the lens has either dried out or is carrying unwanted residue.
Necessary Steps for Lens Recovery
If you find yourself crying with contacts in, the first action is to gently blot the tears from your cheek without touching your eyelids or the lens itself. The most immediate and helpful step is to rewet the eyes using preservative-free lubricating or rewetting drops specifically approved for contact lens wear. These drops are formulated to rehydrate the lens and restore the tear film, which can help a displaced lens return to its central position.
If the lens feels stuck or uncomfortable after rewetting, you should not attempt to forcefully peel it off your eye. Instead, apply several more drops of approved rewetting solution and wait a few minutes, gently blinking to encourage the lens to float freely again. Once the lens moves easily, remove it thoroughly and clean it with your designated contact lens solution to wash away any deposited proteins, hormones, or salts from the emotional tears.
After cleaning, inspect the lens for any tears or damage before reinserting it, or simply discard the pair if they are daily disposables. If your eye remains red, painful, or your vision is persistently blurry even after removing the lens, switch to wearing glasses temporarily. Persistent symptoms after a crying episode may indicate a scratch or irritation to the cornea, which requires prompt examination by an eye care professional.