The sensation of “feeling” your contact lenses when you blink, often described as a scratchy, gritty, or foreign-body awareness, is one of the most common complaints among lens wearers. This discomfort occurs because the eyelid, which is one of the fastest-moving muscles in the body, is constantly sliding over the lens surface. When the lens is not perfectly smooth or stable, the friction created during a blink registers as irritation. Understanding the root causes of this increased friction is the first step toward finding a solution and restoring comfortable wear.
Identifying the Root Cause of the Sensation
Discomfort often begins with debris accumulation on the lens surface. Throughout the day, debris like environmental dust, evaporated tear proteins, or residue from cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner can adhere to the lens material. When the upper eyelid sweeps across the eye during a blink, these deposits act like sandpaper, creating the scratchy sensation that signals the presence of the lens.
Another significant source of discomfort relates to the physical condition or positioning of the lens. A lens that is inverted, or inside-out, will have edges that flare slightly outward rather than hugging the cornea, causing it to catch on the eyelid. Even a tiny tear or chip along the edge of the lens can create a sharp point that irritates the delicate conjunctiva and cornea.
Furthermore, the fit of the lens is determined by parameters like the base curve and diameter, which must match the eye’s natural curvature. If the base curve is too flat for your eye, the lens will move excessively, causing a noticeable awareness upon blinking and possibly even shifting out of position. Conversely, a lens that is too steep may cling too tightly, restricting the natural flow of tears underneath and leading to a feeling of suction or restricted movement.
Dryness and dehydration are common causes of discomfort, directly impacting lens-to-eyelid friction. When the lens loses moisture, it becomes less flexible and the surface of the eye is exposed to more friction. Contact lens wearers often experience a reduced blink rate, especially when focusing on screens, which prevents the tear film from being adequately refreshed over the lens surface. This leads to a gritty or sandy sensation as the lens material effectively dries out against the eye.
Simple Troubleshooting for Quick Relief
When discomfort begins, the immediate action is to remove the lens for thorough cleaning and inspection. Rub the lens gently in the palm of your hand with a few drops of fresh contact lens solution for the recommended time to dislodge accumulated debris or protein deposits. After rinsing it well, reinserting a clean, hydrated lens often eliminates the gritty feeling entirely.
Before reinserting, it is helpful to check the lens orientation. The easiest way to check is the “taco test,” where you gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger. If the edges point straight up like a perfect cup or a taco shell, it is correctly oriented; if the edges flare outward, resembling a bowl with a rim, it needs to be flipped.
If the lens feels fine when first inserted but becomes noticeably uncomfortable after several hours, it is usually a sign of surface dehydration. Using rewetting drops can temporarily restore moisture to the lens and the eye’s surface, reducing friction from the blink. These drops are designed to be compatible with the lens material and can be applied without removing the lens.
If the discomfort persists even after cleaning, checking the orientation, and using rewetting drops, the quickest route to relief is to remove the lenses and switch to glasses. Giving your eyes a rest allows the cornea and conjunctiva to recover from any minor irritation or surface damage that the uncomfortable lens may have caused.
When to Consult Your Eye Care Professional
While minor irritation can usually be resolved with simple troubleshooting, certain symptoms indicate the problem requires professional attention. If the discomfort is accompanied by redness, a noticeable discharge, or an increased sensitivity to light, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. These signs can suggest the presence of a more serious issue, such as an infection or inflammation.
If the feeling of a foreign object or constant awareness of the lens lasts all day, or if the lens seems to move excessively despite multiple cleanings, the issue may be related to an improper fit. A professional eye exam can measure the base curve, diameter, and fit of the lens, revealing if your current prescription parameters are no longer suitable. Switching to a different material or design may be necessary to achieve stable, comfortable wear.
Consistent discomfort can also be a sign that the lens material or replacement schedule is not compatible with your tear film and environment. Over time, factors like age, medication, and screen use can change your eye’s tear quality, making a previously comfortable lens feel dry or irritating. Your eye care professional can recommend specialized lenses with higher water content or materials designed to manage contact lens-related dryness.