Burning eyes while wearing contact lenses is a common and uncomfortable sensation, ranging from mild irritation to significant discomfort. This article explores the various reasons why eyes might burn with contact lenses.
Common Contact Lens Related Causes
Lenses that do not fit correctly, either too tight or too loose, can cause constant friction against the eye’s surface, leading to irritation and burning. An improper fit prevents adequate tear exchange beneath the lens, which can result in localized dryness and discomfort.
Poor hygiene practices are a frequent culprit, as debris, proteins, and lipids from tears can accumulate on the lens surface. This buildup creates a rough surface, harbors microorganisms, and irritates the eye. Inadequate cleaning or handling, such as not washing hands before touching lenses, introduces contaminants, leading to burning and potential infection.
Wearing contact lenses beyond their recommended duration, known as overwearing, significantly reduces oxygen flow to the cornea. This oxygen deprivation can cause the cornea to swell and become irritated, causing a burning sensation. Expired lenses also degrade, affecting oxygen permeability and irritating the eye.
Sensitivity or an allergic reaction to specific contact lens solutions, particularly those containing preservatives, can also cause burning. Different individuals react to various chemical components, and a solution that works for one person may cause irritation for another. Natural proteins from tears can also accumulate on the lens, especially with extended wear, triggering an inflammatory response.
Environmental and Eye Health Contributors
Environmental factors and eye health conditions also contribute to eye burning. Insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, characteristic of dry eye syndrome, significantly exacerbates discomfort when wearing contacts. Contacts absorb tear film, making already dry eyes feel even more irritated and burning.
Seasonal or environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust, can irritate the eyes, and contact lenses can inadvertently trap these particles against the eye’s surface. This prolonged exposure intensifies allergic reactions, causing redness, itching, and burning. Poor air quality, including smoke, dust, pollution, or dry air from HVAC systems, can also dehydrate the eyes and lenses, causing discomfort.
Prolonged screen time often leads to reduced blinking rates. Reduced blinking means the tear film does not replenish effectively, leading to increased evaporation and dryness. This digital eye strain can cause a burning sensation, especially with contact lenses.
When Burning Signals a Problem
Persistent eye burning with contact lenses can indicate a serious underlying issue requiring professional medical attention. Symptoms such as redness, discharge, pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision accompanying the burning may signal an eye infection. These infections can range from bacterial to fungal and require specific treatment to prevent vision loss.
Damage to the eye’s surface, such as corneal abrasions or ulcers, can cause severe burning and intense pain. An abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, while an ulcer is an open sore, both of which can be caused by foreign bodies, improper lens wear, or infections. Any sudden changes in vision alongside burning should be considered a red flag, as it could indicate a serious condition affecting the eye’s structure or function. If burning persists despite removing lenses or trying common remedies, it is important to consult an eye care professional without delay.
Practical Solutions and Prevention
For immediate relief, remove contact lenses promptly and allow the eyes to rest. Using rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers can help rehydrate the eyes and lenses, providing temporary comfort. These drops are formulated to be compatible with lens materials and the eye’s natural tear film.
Consistent and proper lens care prevents burning sensations. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses to avoid introducing contaminants. Following the “rub and rinse” method for cleaning lenses, using fresh solution daily, and replacing the contact lens case every three months significantly reduces bacterial buildup. Adhering strictly to the recommended replacement schedule for lenses and solutions is also important, as lens materials degrade over time and solutions lose their efficacy.
Consult an optometrist for persistent burning. An eye care professional can assess lens fit, suggest different lens types or materials, or recommend alternative contact lens solutions if sensitivity is suspected. For managing underlying dry eyes or allergies, using appropriate lubricating eye drops or allergy management techniques can alleviate symptoms. Adjusting environmental factors, such as using a humidifier in dry indoor environments or taking regular breaks from screens, can also help mitigate discomfort.