Having foggy contact lenses is a common and frustrating experience for many wearers, often hindering clear vision. Understanding the various causes of this issue and knowing how to address them can significantly improve comfort and visual clarity. This guide explores why contacts become foggy, what immediate steps you can take, preventative measures, and when to seek professional medical advice.
Understanding Why Contacts Become Foggy
Contact lenses can become foggy for several reasons. A primary cause is the accumulation of protein and lipid deposits from your tear film on the lens surface. These natural secretions can gradually build up, forming a hazy film that obstructs vision.
Dry eyes also frequently lead to foggy vision. When eyes do not produce enough tears, or tears are of poor quality, the contact lens can dry out, leading to blurriness. Environmental factors like low humidity, air conditioning, or prolonged screen time can accelerate this drying. Improper cleaning and storage practices also contribute to fogginess. Inadequate rinsing or reusing old solution can leave debris and allow microorganisms to accumulate on the lens, leading to haziness and potential infection.
The physical characteristics of the lens can also play a role. An ill-fitting contact lens may not sit properly on the eye, leading to discomfort and blurry vision. Damaged lenses with small scratches or tears can also impair clarity. Certain medications can impact tear production or quality, resulting in dry eyes and fogginess.
Immediate Steps for Foggy Contacts
If your contacts become foggy, immediate actions can restore clear vision. First, carefully remove the contact lens from your eye. Rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh, approved contact lens solution. Gently rubbing the lens in your palm with solution can help dislodge protein and lipid deposits.
After cleaning, rinse the lens again with solution and reinsert it. If dry eyes contribute to fogginess, blinking can help redistribute natural tears, potentially clearing minor blurriness. Using over-the-counter re-wetting drops, specifically formulated for contact lenses, can also provide lubrication and improve clarity. If these steps do not resolve the fogginess, or if the lens appears damaged, replacing it with a fresh, sterile lens is advisable. Giving your eyes a break by switching to glasses for a few hours can also allow them to rest and recover.
Preventing Foggy Contacts
Establishing a consistent and proper contact lens care routine is important for preventing fogginess and maintaining eye health. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses to avoid transferring oils, lotions, or microorganisms. After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel. It is important to adhere strictly to your cleaning regimen, which typically involves daily rubbing and rinsing your lenses with fresh disinfecting solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution in your lens case.
Regularly replacing your contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your eye care professional—whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly—is important, as overwearing can lead to significant deposit buildup and reduced oxygen flow to the eye. Your lens case should also be rinsed with fresh solution, air-dried, and replaced at least every three months to prevent bacterial growth. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports healthy tear production, and preventative use of re-wetting drops can help maintain lens moisture throughout the day. Minimize exposure to environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and strong fumes. Using humidifiers in dry environments can also help preserve lens clarity.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
While occasional fogginess can often be resolved with at-home care, certain symptoms indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires immediate professional attention. If fogginess persists despite proper cleaning and replacement of your lenses, it is important to consult an eye doctor. This is especially true if the fogginess is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as pain, unusual redness, excessive tearing or discharge, increased light sensitivity, or a feeling of grit or sand in your eye.
These symptoms could signal an eye infection, inflammation, a corneal ulcer, or other serious conditions that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss. If you experience frequent occurrences of fogginess even after consistently following best practices for lens care, it may suggest a need for a different lens type, material, or an adjustment to your prescription. Any sudden changes in your vision, or if fogginess begins after starting new medication, also warrant an immediate consultation with your eye care professional.