Experiencing blurry vision in one eye while wearing a contact lens is a common and frustrating issue. When one eye’s vision remains clear but the other is compromised, it often indicates a localized problem that needs attention. This article explores the common factors contributing to this unilateral blurriness, distinguishing between issues originating from the contact lens itself and those stemming from the eye.
Common Contact Lens-Related Reasons
Blurry vision in a single eye often traces back to the contact lens itself. A common issue is improper insertion or orientation; if the lens is accidentally placed inside out, it will not sit correctly on the eye, leading to discomfort and distorted vision. The edges of an inside-out lens may flare out instead of maintaining a smooth, bowl-like curve. Additionally, a dirty lens, accumulating protein, lipid deposits, or environmental debris, can significantly obscure vision. These buildups hinder light transmission and can make the lens appear cloudy.
A damaged lens, such as one with a tear, scratch, or fold, will also cause blurriness because its altered surface distorts light passing through it. An incorrect prescription, where the lens power is not appropriate for that specific eye, is another frequent cause, especially if vision has recently changed or if lenses were swapped between eyes. If the lens itself becomes dehydrated due to environmental factors, prolonged wear, or insufficient tear film, it can warp slightly and lead to blurry vision.
Using expired contact lenses can also result in blurriness and increase the risk of complications. Compromising the lens’s sterility can potentially lead to contamination. Furthermore, a foreign particle, such as a spec of dust, a fiber, or even an eyelash, trapped underneath the lens, can cause immediate irritation and blurry vision by interfering with the lens’s fit and the eye’s natural tear film.
Eye-Related Factors
Blurriness in one eye can stem from conditions affecting the eye itself rather than the contact lens. Unilateral dry eye syndrome occurs when one eye experiences more dryness than the other, leading to insufficient tear film to keep the contact lens hydrated and vision clear. Allergies can also manifest unilaterally, causing irritation, inflammation, and blurry vision in one eye.
An eye infection or inflammation, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, can specifically affect one eye, leading to symptoms like redness, pain, discharge, and blurred vision. Keratitis is a common contact lens-related infection that can significantly impair vision. Corneal issues, like a minor abrasion, an irregularity in shape, or developing astigmatism in one eye, might not be fully corrected by the existing contact lens prescription, resulting in blurriness.
Meibomian gland dysfunction, where oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, can primarily affect one eye, disrupting the tear film’s oil layer and causing evaporative dry eye. This leads to poor tear quality and subsequent blurriness. Eyelid issues, such as a stye or chalazion, can also impact lens comfort and vision in a single eye by altering the eyelid’s interaction with the contact lens or affecting tear distribution. Lastly, a change in vision, like a new or worsening refractive error (e.g., astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia), can develop in just one eye, rendering the current contact lens prescription inadequate for that eye. This necessitates an updated prescription to regain clear vision.
What to Do and When to See a Professional
If you experience blurriness in one eye with a contact lens, take these immediate steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove the affected contact lens and carefully inspect it to ensure it is not inside out; a properly oriented lens forms a smooth, bowl-like shape.
- Clean the lens thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, gently rubbing it to remove any deposits or debris.
- If the lens appears damaged or if cleaning does not resolve the blurriness, replace it with a fresh, sterile one.
- Using rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses can also help alleviate dryness and improve clarity.
Seek prompt professional evaluation by an eye care specialist if the blurriness persists despite your efforts to clean or replace the lens. It is also important to consult an eye doctor if the blurry vision is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, significant redness, unusual discharge from the eye, or increased sensitivity to light. These signs could point to an eye infection, inflammation, or a corneal abrasion, which require timely medical intervention to prevent serious complications like corneal ulcers or permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams are also recommended to ensure your contact lens prescription remains accurate and to monitor your overall eye health.