Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses for vision correction. However, blurry vision while wearing contacts is a common concern. While unsettling, it often stems from easily addressed issues. Understanding these potential causes helps maintain clear, comfortable vision with your lenses.
Common Reasons for Blurry Contacts
Insufficient moisture on the lens surface or in the eyes frequently causes blurry vision. Dryness can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, leading to blurriness, discomfort, and a gritty sensation. This can also warp the lens or make it stick to the eye, hindering proper function. Blinking frequently or using rewetting drops may improve vision if dryness is the issue.
Dirt, debris, or natural deposits on the lens surface can obstruct vision. Over time, proteins, lipids, and other particles from tears and the environment build up, making lenses cloudy or hazy. This buildup blurs vision and increases the risk of eye infections. Proper cleaning and disinfection routines are important to minimize this issue.
An improper lens fit significantly impacts visual clarity and comfort. Lenses that are too tight or too loose won’t sit correctly, causing fluctuating or consistently blurry vision. A poorly fitting lens can move excessively with blinking, leading to visual instability and eye strain. Eye care professionals consider each eye’s unique curvature and size for an optimal fit.
An outdated or incorrect prescription is another reason for blurry vision. As eyesight changes, lenses that once provided clear vision may no longer be adequate. This can lead to eye strain and blurriness. Regular eye examinations ensure the prescription remains accurate.
Damage to the contact lens, such as a tear or warp, can distort vision. Even microscopic scratches or tears can scatter light, causing blurriness. A damaged lens may also fail to maintain its proper curvature and position, further disrupting vision. Wearing a torn lens is detrimental to vision and can scratch the cornea.
Underlying eye conditions can also cause blurry vision with contacts. Conditions like allergies, causing excessive tearing or dryness, may prevent lenses from sitting properly. Eye infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis can also cause blurry vision, often with redness, irritation, or discharge. Dry eye syndrome, where eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, directly contributes to blurry vision and discomfort with contact lenses.
Overwearing contact lenses, beyond their recommended duration, can deprive the cornea of sufficient oxygen. The cornea needs adequate oxygen from the air to remain healthy. Reduced oxygen flow can lead to corneal swelling and damage, resulting in blurry vision and discomfort. Overwearing also promotes deposit buildup, contributing to blurriness and increasing infection risk.
Immediate Steps for Blurry Vision
When blurry vision occurs with contact lenses, several immediate actions can restore clarity. Use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses. These drops rehydrate the lens and eye surface, often improving vision if dryness is the cause. Blinking several times after applying helps distribute moisture evenly.
If dryness or deposits are suspected, remove, clean, and rinse lenses thoroughly with fresh multipurpose solution. Gently rubbing lenses with solution can dislodge debris. After cleaning, rinse lenses completely before reinsertion to remove any remaining particles.
Check the contact lens orientation; an inside-out lens won’t fit correctly and can cause blurriness and discomfort. To check, place the lens on a fingertip and view it from the side: a correctly oriented lens forms a perfect cup, while an inside-out lens flares outward. Some lenses also feature laser markings or tinted edges that indicate proper orientation.
If the current lens seems problematic, replacing it with a fresh lens can quickly resolve issues related to damage or stubborn deposits. This ensures the lens is clean, intact, and has correct optical properties. Daily disposable lenses are convenient, as a new, sterile pair is used each day.
Giving eyes a break from contact lenses by wearing eyeglasses can alleviate blurriness caused by overwear, dryness, or irritation. This allows eyes to recover and receive oxygen directly from the air. For frequent blurriness, incorporating regular breaks from contact lens wear can be beneficial.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If blurry vision persists despite troubleshooting, consult an eye care professional. Persistent blurriness could signal an underlying issue requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. An optometrist can determine if the problem stems from an incorrect prescription, improper lens fit, or other factors.
Seek professional help if blurriness is accompanied by additional symptoms. These warning signs include eye pain, excessive redness, unusual discharge, increased sensitivity to light, or a foreign body sensation. Such symptoms can indicate an eye infection, inflammation, or corneal damage, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Sudden or significant changes in vision quality should prompt an eye doctor visit. Rapid onset of blurriness, especially if severe, could be a symptom of a more serious ocular or systemic health condition. An eye care professional can conduct a comprehensive examination to identify the cause and provide appropriate care.
Any concern about a potential eye infection, scratch, or injury warrants immediate consultation with an eye care specialist. Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk if proper hygiene and wear schedules are not followed. Early diagnosis and treatment protect eye health and prevent long-term damage.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are important for all contact lens wearers, even without symptoms. Annual check-ups ensure accurate prescriptions and proper contact lens fit. These routine visits also allow the eye doctor to monitor overall eye health, detect early signs of conditions like dry eye syndrome or glaucoma, and provide guidance on lens care.