Many contact lens wearers experience a burning sensation in their eyes after removing their lenses. This discomfort is a frequent concern. While typically not a sign of severe damage, understanding the reasons can help manage and prevent it. This issue often stems from various factors related to lens wear and eye health.
Common Reasons for Eye Discomfort
Dry eye is a frequent cause of burning eyes after contact lens removal. Lenses can absorb moisture and interfere with the natural tear film, leading to increased tear evaporation and dryness. This can result in symptoms like grittiness, redness, and a burning sensation, especially as the day progresses.
Allergies and sensitivities also contribute to eye discomfort. Environmental allergens like pollen or dust can adhere to contact lenses, causing irritation. Some individuals may also react to specific lens materials or ingredients in care solutions. This can manifest as burning, itching, or redness.
Improper lens care and hygiene significantly increase discomfort. Neglecting to wash hands before handling lenses, reusing old solution, or not cleaning the lens case can lead to buildup of protein deposits, bacteria, and other contaminants on the lenses. These deposits can irritate the eye and interfere with lens comfort, causing a burning sensation upon removal.
Wearing lenses for too long or using ill-fitting lenses can also cause issues. Over-wearing reduces oxygen supply to the cornea (hypoxia), leading to irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. Lenses that do not fit correctly, whether too tight or too loose, can cause friction, disrupt tear flow, and result in discomfort, redness, and a foreign body sensation.
Underlying eye conditions can be exacerbated by contact lens wear, contributing to burning eyes. Conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affect eyelid oil glands, can lead to an unstable tear film. When combined with lens wear, these conditions can intensify dry eye symptoms and increase discomfort.
Addressing and Preventing Eye Burning
For immediate relief, use rewetting drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers. These drops lubricate the eye and rehydrate the lens, alleviating dryness and discomfort. Blinking frequently also helps distribute tears and re-moisten the eye surface, improving comfort.
Maintaining proper contact lens hygiene prevents eye burning. Always wash and thoroughly dry hands with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. Use fresh, recommended solution for cleaning, rinsing, and storing lenses; never reuse old solution or “top off” existing solution. Clean the lens case after each use and replace it every one to three months to prevent bacterial contamination.
Adhering to the optimal wearing schedule prescribed by your eye care professional is important. This means replacing daily disposable lenses after one use, bi-weekly lenses every two weeks, and monthly lenses every 30 days. Avoiding sleeping in lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear is also crucial, as this practice significantly increases the risk of complications.
If sensitivity to current lens materials or solutions is suspected, discuss alternatives with an eye care professional. Switching to different lens materials, like silicone hydrogel, or preservative-free solutions might improve comfort. Environmental adjustments, such as using humidifiers in dry indoor environments or avoiding direct exposure to smoke, dust, or strong winds, can also reduce eye irritation.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
It is important to consult an eye doctor if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of burning eyes. If the discomfort does not resolve after removing your lenses or continues despite proper care routines, professional evaluation is necessary. This persistence can indicate an underlying issue requiring medical attention.
Red flags that warrant an immediate visit include severe eye pain, significant redness, unusual discharge, blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, or a foreign body sensation. These symptoms could suggest a more serious condition, such as an infection or corneal damage.
Seeking professional help is also advised if burning eyes become a frequent occurrence, even after diligently practicing proper contact lens hygiene and adhering to recommended wear times. If discomfort begins to interfere with daily activities, an eye doctor can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Only an eye care professional can properly assess your eye health and determine the best course of action.