Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision, but many wearers experience eye fatigue, a sensation of tiredness or strain. This discomfort can range from mild irritation to a significant hindrance. Understanding its causes and solutions is key to maintaining eye comfort and health.
Why Contact Lenses Can Cause Eye Fatigue
Contact lenses can contribute to eye fatigue through several mechanisms, primarily by affecting the eye’s natural environment. One significant factor is reduced oxygen flow to the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye. Lenses act as a barrier, limiting the direct oxygen supply that the cornea normally receives from the air, which can lead to a feeling of tiredness or irritation.
Another common contributor is dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Contact lenses can absorb the tear film, interfering with its natural function and increasing friction between the lens and the eye’s surface. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as dryness, burning, and a gritty sensation. Prolonged wear beyond recommended times exacerbates these issues by further reducing oxygen supply and allowing protein deposits and microorganisms to build up on the lens, leading to discomfort.
Digital eye strain, intensified by prolonged screen use, also plays a role in eye fatigue for contact lens wearers. When focusing on digital devices, individuals tend to blink less frequently and completely, which can worsen dry eye symptoms and increase eye strain. Furthermore, an improper fit or an unsuitable lens type can contribute to discomfort. Lenses that are too tight or too loose can cause friction, blur vision, or restrict oxygen flow, forcing the eyes to work harder to focus.
Strategies for Preventing and Relieving Tired Eyes
Implementing specific practices can help prevent and alleviate eye fatigue when wearing contact lenses. Maintaining proper lens hygiene is important; this includes thoroughly washing hands before handling lenses, cleaning them according to manufacturer instructions, and adhering to recommended replacement schedules. Using fresh lens solution each time and replacing the lens case regularly are also important steps to prevent bacterial buildup.
Hydration is another strategy. Using rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses can lubricate the eyes and rehydrate the lenses, improving comfort throughout the day. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking water can also support overall eye moisture. Taking breaks from contact lenses, especially during extended periods of screen use, allows the eyes to rest and receive more oxygen directly.
Incorporating blinking exercises can promote eye comfort. Fully and frequently blinking helps spread the tear film evenly across the eye’s surface and stimulates oil glands, which are crucial for tear film stability. Environmental adjustments, such as reducing screen brightness, adjusting screen position, and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), can significantly reduce digital eye strain. Discussing different lens materials, such as silicone hydrogels which allow more oxygen to reach the eye, or daily disposables, with an eye care professional can help find a more comfortable option.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While many instances of tired eyes from contact lenses can be managed with self-care, there are situations that warrant professional evaluation. If eye fatigue persists or worsens despite consistently applying preventive strategies, it may indicate a more significant issue. Accompanying symptoms like severe redness, noticeable pain, blurred vision that does not resolve with blinking, unusual discharge, or increased sensitivity to light signal a need for prompt medical attention.
These symptoms could suggest an underlying infection, an allergic reaction to lens materials or solutions, or other ocular complications that require diagnosis and treatment by an eye care professional. Furthermore, if current contact lenses cause ongoing discomfort or if vision seems to have changed, a professional eye exam can determine if a new prescription or a different type of contact lens is necessary for eye health and comfort.