A burning sensation when inserting contact lenses is a common experience. This discomfort can stem from various factors, ranging from simple irritations related to lens care to more significant underlying eye health conditions. Understanding these potential causes helps individuals identify the problem and take appropriate steps to address it, ensuring comfortable and healthy contact lens wear.
Lens and Care-Related Reasons
Burning eyes upon contact lens insertion often trace back to issues with the lenses or care products. Insufficient cleaning allows proteins, lipids, and other debris to accumulate on the lens surface, leading to irritation and discomfort. This buildup also occurs if lenses are worn longer than their recommended replacement schedule. Similarly, using tap water or not washing hands thoroughly before handling lenses can introduce bacteria, causing irritation or infection.
Lens care solutions also play a significant role. Expired contact lens solution, or “topping off” old solution, compromises disinfectant properties and can lead to contamination. Some individuals may also experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to certain preservatives in solutions or the lens material itself. Furthermore, a contact lens that is either too tight or too loose can cause friction or impede tear flow, leading to a burning sensation. Lenses that are torn, chipped, or have other physical damage can directly scratch or irritate the eye.
Eye Health-Related Reasons
Beyond lens and care practices, various eye health conditions or environmental factors can contribute to burning eyes with contacts. Dry eye is a common cause, where eyes do not produce enough tears or tears of sufficient quality for lubrication. Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by absorbing moisture from the tear film, leading to a gritty, stinging, or burning sensation. Environmental factors like low humidity, air conditioning, or prolonged screen time can also reduce tear production and increase dryness.
Allergies are another common cause. Airborne allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can adhere to contact lenses, trapping irritants against the eye, triggering allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is characterized by itching, redness, excessive tearing, and a burning sensation. Residue from cosmetics, lotions, or environmental pollutants can also transfer to lenses or the eye, causing irritation. Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, make the eye highly sensitive, and inserting a contact lens can intensify burning, pain, and other symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognizing when to consult an eye care professional is important for eye health. Seek professional help if you experience:
Persistent burning or discomfort that does not subside after removing lenses.
Unusual redness that lingers.
Blurred vision or a decrease in visual sharpness.
Excessive tearing or discharge.
Severe sensitivity to light or pain that worsens.
A sensation that something is constantly in the eye.
Any symptoms that do not improve despite removing lenses, suggesting a need to rule out serious conditions like corneal abrasions or infections.
Preventing Future Burning
Adopting consistent practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of burning when inserting contact lenses. Meticulous hygiene is fundamental: wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. Always use fresh, unexpired contact lens solution for cleaning and storing lenses, and never “top off” old solution. Replacing the lens case every three months also helps prevent microbial buildup.
Ensuring proper contact lens fit is another important preventive measure. Regular eye examinations and lens fittings confirm the correct size and curvature, which helps prevent friction and oxygen deprivation. Other preventive steps include:
Using rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses if prone to dry eyes.
Choosing contact lenses designed for dry eyes, such as silicone hydrogel or daily disposables.
Managing allergies through prescribed anti-allergy drops or by minimizing exposure to allergens.
Applying makeup after lens insertion and avoiding oil-based products near the eyes.
Adhering to recommended wear times and replacing lenses as prescribed.