Experiencing blurriness in just one eye while wearing a contact lens can be a common and often perplexing issue. This problem can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from minor lens-related annoyances to more significant eye conditions or fitting discrepancies. Understanding the potential reasons behind this unilateral blurriness can help in identifying the cause and determining the appropriate course of action.
Lens-Related Issues
The physical condition of the contact lens often contributes to blurriness. Particles like dust, lint, or makeup residue can settle on the lens surface, scattering light and obscuring vision. Microscopic foreign bodies can also create noticeable visual disturbances.
Natural secretions from the eye, such as proteins and lipids, can accumulate on the lens over time. This buildup forms a film that reduces clarity. Inadequate cleaning practices or using incompatible cleaning solutions can leave behind residues that also contribute to blurriness.
A lens with a scratch, tear, or nick can distort the light passing through it, leading to a blurry image. Such damage might not always be immediately visible, but it significantly impacts visual acuity.
Eye-Related Causes
Blurriness in one contact lens can also originate from conditions affecting the eye. Dry eye, characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, can lead to an unstable tear film over the cornea and lens. This instability results in fluctuating vision and blurriness.
Allergies can trigger an inflammatory response, causing redness, itching, and swelling. This irritation can affect the tear film and lens comfort, leading to a hazy or blurry sensation. Environmental allergens like pollen or pet dander are common culprits.
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, can specifically affect one eye, causing localized blurriness, discomfort, and often discharge. A foreign body trapped beneath the lens can scratch the cornea or irritate the conjunctiva, leading to localized pain and blurred vision.
Fit and Prescription Problems
The way a contact lens sits on the eye plays a significant role in vision clarity. A lens that is either too tight or too loose can cause blurriness; a tight lens restricts tear flow, while a loose lens can move excessively, leading to inconsistent vision. The curvature of the lens must match the cornea for stable positioning.
An incorrect prescription is a common cause of blurriness. This might occur if the lens power is no longer appropriate for the eye’s current refractive state, or if the lenses for each eye were accidentally swapped. Even a slight discrepancy in power can make vision unclear.
For individuals with astigmatism, specialized toric lenses are designed to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea. If a toric lens rotates out of its intended orientation, it will not properly correct the astigmatism, resulting in pronounced blurriness. Subtle changes in the eye’s shape or prescription between eye examinations can also lead to a previously clear lens becoming blurry.
What to Do When Blurry
When one contact lens becomes blurry, several immediate steps can often resolve the issue. Begin by blinking several times, as this can help redistribute the tear film and dislodge minor debris on the lens surface. If the blur persists, rewetting drops designed for contact lenses can provide lubrication and wash away irritants.
If blinking and rewetting do not clear the vision, carefully remove the blurry lens. Wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses to prevent introducing contaminants. Once removed, inspect the lens closely for any visible tears, nicks, or foreign particles.
After inspection, clean the lens with fresh contact lens solution, rubbing it gently in your palm. Before reinserting, ensure the lens is not inside out, as this can also cause discomfort and blurriness. If the problem continues after these steps, or if you suspect lens damage, discard the lens and use a fresh one. If the issue still persists, consider switching to glasses to give the eye a rest.
When to See a Professional
Certain symptoms accompanying a blurry contact lens warrant immediate attention from an eye care professional. If the blurriness does not resolve after basic troubleshooting, or if it recurs frequently, a comprehensive eye examination is advisable. This persistence could indicate an underlying issue requiring professional diagnosis.
The presence of pain, significant redness, or discharge from the eye alongside blurriness are concerning signs that could point to an infection or severe irritation. Any sudden and noticeable changes in vision, even if temporary, should also prompt a visit to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If the blurriness is accompanied by light sensitivity or headaches, these symptoms might suggest a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation.