It can be frustrating when new contact lenses result in blurry or unclear vision. This common experience often leads people to assume their prescription is wrong, but the cause is frequently simpler and easily corrected. The goal is to troubleshoot immediate issues before considering complex optical or physiological problems. By systematically checking the lens, the fit, and the environment, you can often restore clear vision quickly.
Immediate Lens and Handling Checks
Before assuming a major issue, check the lens’s orientation and cleanliness. An improperly inserted lens will not align correctly with the eye’s curvature, resulting in distorted vision. To check, place the lens on your fingertip: if the edges flare outward like a shallow bowl, it is inside-out; if it forms a smooth cup, it is correct.
Foreign matter on the lens surface is a frequent cause of immediate blurriness, including dust, lint, or residue from hand creams. Always handle lenses with clean, dry hands and use only fresh, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and rinsing. Never use tap water to clean or store lenses, as it contains microorganisms that pose a significant risk of serious eye infection. If you mix up lenses with different prescriptions, placing the wrong lens in the wrong eye will also cause immediate blurriness and discomfort.
Issues Related to Lens Fit and Prescription
If immediate checks do not resolve the blurriness, the issue may stem from the lens’s physical specifications or power correction. The prescription includes a specific power to correct refractive errors; if this power is slightly too weak or too strong, the eye must strain, leading to blurriness, fatigue, and headaches. The contact lens prescription is often slightly different from a glasses prescription because the lens sits directly on the eye.
The fit of the lens is determined by the base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA) measurements, which must match the unique curvature and size of your cornea. The base curve dictates how the lens sits on the eye’s surface. If the base curve is too “steep,” the lens may be too tight, restricting tear exchange and oxygen flow. If it is too “flat,” the lens may move excessively or shift off-center with each blink, causing vision to become intermittently blurry.
For those with astigmatism, blurriness occurs if the toric lens, which has a specific axis for correction, does not align or rotates too much on the eye. Switching to a new lens material, such as a different water content or silicone hydrogel formulation, can temporarily affect clarity while the eye adjusts to the altered oxygen permeability and moisture retention. If blurriness is due to any of these fit or power issues, a professional adjustment from an eye doctor is required.
Environmental and Tear Film Causes
The contact lens relies heavily on the eye’s natural tear film, a complex layer of water, oil, and mucus that lubricates the surface and ensures clear vision. Introducing a new lens can disrupt this film, potentially absorbing moisture and increasing tear evaporation, which leads to dryness and fluctuating vision. This physiological adaptation period, where the eye adjusts to the new lens’s surface, can cause temporary blurriness for a few hours or days.
Environmental factors can exacerbate dryness and blurriness, particularly low-humidity settings caused by air conditioning or forced-air heating. Prolonged screen time also contributes by reducing the natural blinking rate, which is necessary to replenish the tear film over the lens surface. Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and some antidepressants, can decrease tear production, making new contact lenses feel dry and appear cloudy. Using lubricating eye drops designed for contact lenses can help stabilize the tear film and restore clarity.
When to Call Your Eye Doctor
While minor blurriness can often be self-corrected, certain symptoms signal a more serious underlying issue requiring professional attention. If blurriness is accompanied by persistent pain, a burning sensation, or noticeable redness, remove the lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. These symptoms indicate irritation, a corneal abrasion, or a developing infection, and ignoring them can lead to long-term damage.
Another warning sign is increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, especially if sudden or severe. This light sensitivity suggests inflammation or irritation within the eye that needs immediate evaluation. If you experience a sudden decrease in vision, or if the blurriness continues unchanged for more than 48 hours after confirming the lens is clean and correctly oriented, schedule an urgent appointment. Regular follow-up appointments allow your doctor to confirm the lenses are fitting correctly and the prescription is providing optimal vision.