Experiencing blurry vision with contact lenses is a common issue. This blurriness can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of a more complex problem. Understanding the various causes helps maintain clear and comfortable vision.
Everyday Reasons for Blurry Lenses
Blurry contact lenses often stem from routine, easily addressed factors. One frequent cause is dry eyes, where an insufficient tear film or environmental elements like air conditioning or wind reduce moisture on the lens surface. This dryness can cause the lens to warp or accumulate deposits, resulting in blurry vision. Using rewetting drops specifically formulated for contact lenses can help rehydrate the eyes and lenses, restoring clarity.
Another common culprit is the accumulation of deposits on the lens surface. Proteins, lipids, and other debris naturally present in your tears can build up, creating a hazy or cloudy appearance. Improper cleaning or handling, such as not rubbing lenses adequately during disinfection or touching them with unclean hands, can also leave behind residues or transfer contaminants, contributing to blurriness. Environmental factors like smoke, dust, or prolonged screen time can further affect lens clarity.
Issues with Your Contact Lenses Themselves
Blurriness can also originate from problems with the contact lenses themselves. Damaged lenses, exhibiting tears, nicks, or scratches, can distort vision because these imperfections scatter light. Warping from improper handling or storage can also prevent a lens from sitting correctly, leading to blurred vision. Damaged lenses should be immediately replaced.
An incorrect fit can also cause significant blurriness. If a contact lens is too tight, it can restrict oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to discomfort and swelling. Conversely, a lens that is too loose may shift excessively on the eye, causing intermittent blurriness as it moves out of proper alignment. Wearing expired lenses is a common cause of blurriness; their materials can degrade, and the solution can lose sterility, leading to reduced oxygen permeability and potential bacterial contamination. Finally, an outdated or incorrect prescription means the lenses no longer provide the precise vision correction needed, resulting in persistent blurriness.
When Blurriness Signals a Deeper Issue
While many causes of blurry contacts are minor, persistent blurriness can indicate a more serious underlying eye condition requiring professional attention. Eye infections, such as keratitis (corneal inflammation), are a significant concern. Symptoms like unusual redness, pain, discharge, increased light sensitivity, or a foreign body sensation, combined with blurriness, warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional. These infections, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, can lead to serious vision loss if left untreated.
Eye allergies can also contribute to blurry vision. Allergic reactions cause irritation, swelling, and excessive tearing, which interferes with how the contact lens sits on the eye. This can lead to discomfort and visual disturbances. Certain underlying eye conditions, like giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) or corneal edema (corneal swelling), can be exacerbated by contact lens wear and manifest as blurry vision. A sudden and persistent change in vision may also signal a significant shift in your prescription, necessitating an updated eye exam.
Keeping Your Lenses Crystal Clear
Maintaining clear vision with contact lenses involves consistent and careful practices. Proper hygiene is fundamental; always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling lenses to prevent the transfer of oils and microorganisms. Adhering to a strict cleaning regimen is also important for reusable lenses. This includes using only fresh, recommended contact lens solution, rubbing the lenses gently to dislodge deposits, and replacing the solution in your lens case daily.
Following the prescribed replacement schedule for your lenses (daily, weekly, or monthly disposables) minimizes deposit buildup and material degradation. Regular eye exams with an eye care professional are necessary to monitor eye health, assess lens fit, and ensure your prescription remains accurate. Staying well-hydrated and using rewetting drops designed for contact lenses can provide additional moisture and comfort, preventing dryness that often leads to blurriness.