Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision, providing freedom from glasses. While generally safe and effective, various factors can lead to discomfort or pain during wear. Understanding the underlying reasons for contact lens irritation is important for maintaining optimal eye health and ensuring comfortable lens use. This knowledge helps wearers identify issues early and take appropriate action to protect their eyes.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
Dry eyes are a frequent cause of discomfort, occurring when eyes don’t produce enough tears or they evaporate too quickly. Contact lenses sit on the tear film, and insufficient protection makes lenses feel dry, sticky, or cause burning. Environmental factors like dry air, wind, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time can exacerbate this dryness. Reduced blinking during computer use further disrupts the tear film, leading to increased discomfort.
Improperly fitted or damaged lenses also contribute to eye irritation. A lens that is too tight restricts tear flow and oxygen to the cornea, while a loose one may move excessively, causing friction. Small tears, chips, or warped lenses can scratch or irritate the delicate corneal surface, leading to pain. Even microscopic damage can cause a gritty, scratchy feeling.
Allergies and sensitivities can cause redness, itching, and pain when wearing contact lenses. Individuals may react to ingredients in contact lens solutions or environmental allergens like pollen or dust trapped under the lens. This can trigger an immune response, irritating the eyes.
Eye infections or inflammation present a serious concern. Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (corneal inflammation or infection), or corneal ulcers can cause severe pain, redness, discharge, and heightened light sensitivity. These infections, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, require prompt treatment.
Overwearing contact lenses or poor hygiene frequently results in discomfort. Wearing lenses beyond the recommended time can deprive the cornea of oxygen, leading to irritation, redness, and dryness. Inadequate cleaning or storage allows protein and lipid deposits, as well as bacteria, to accumulate on the lens surface, increasing the risk of contamination and infection.
Immediate Steps and When to Seek Professional Help
When discomfort begins, immediately remove the contact lens. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Inspect the removed lens for any visible debris, tears, or damage. If the lens appears dirty, rinse it thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution (never tap water) and try reinserting it if the eye feels better.
If discomfort persists after reinsertion, remove and discard the lens, replacing it with a fresh one. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen irritation or cause further damage. If dryness is suspected, use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses to provide lubrication and help remove debris.
Seek immediate professional help from an eye care specialist if symptoms like severe or persistent pain, sudden vision changes, excessive redness, discharge (pus or watery), extreme light sensitivity, or a persistent feeling of something stuck in the eye arise. These could indicate serious conditions like corneal abrasions, keratitis, or ulcers, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent long-term damage or vision loss.
Preventing Future Irritation
Preventing future contact lens irritation involves consistent adherence to proper care routines. Always follow the cleaning, rinsing, and storage instructions provided by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer for both your lenses and lens case. Regularly replacing your lens case (typically every one to three months) helps prevent bacterial buildup. Never reuse old contact lens solution or “top off” existing solution in the case.
Adhere strictly to the recommended wear schedule for your contact lenses. Do not wear lenses longer than prescribed, and replace them as advised, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Avoiding sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear is also a key preventative measure.
Regular eye exams are essential for contact lens wearers to ensure proper lens fit and monitor overall eye health. These routine check-ups allow professionals to detect early signs of potential issues, adjust prescriptions, and recommend alternative lens types if needed. Incorporating breaks from contact lens wear, such as using glasses for a few hours each day or having a glasses day once a week, can allow the eyes to rest and maintain their natural moisture. Staying adequately hydrated also contributes to overall eye health and tear production.