Finding your vision still blurry with contact lenses can be frustrating. While contacts offer a convenient way to correct vision, several factors can contribute to persistent blurriness. Understanding these potential causes is a first step toward finding a solution for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Common Contact Lens-Related Causes
One common reason for blurry vision is an inaccurate contact lens prescription. Just like eyeglasses, contact lens prescriptions can become outdated as vision changes, potentially requiring a new power for spherical correction or adjustments for astigmatism. A contact lens prescription is distinct from a glasses prescription, as contact lenses sit directly on the eye and require specific measurements like base curve and diameter.
Another factor is an improper lens fit. Lenses that are either too tight or too loose on the eye can lead to unstable or blurry vision. A tight lens might restrict the natural flow of tears, while a loose lens can move excessively with blinks, causing intermittent blurriness. The unique curvature of each individual’s cornea necessitates a precise fit, determined during a contact lens fitting examination.
Dirty or damaged lenses also frequently cause vision issues. Protein and lipid deposits from tears, along with environmental debris, can accumulate on the lens surface, creating a cloudy film that obstructs clear vision. Even microscopic scratches or tears on the lens, not visible to the naked eye, can scatter light and result in blurriness. Regular and proper cleaning, along with adhering to replacement schedules, is important to prevent such buildup and damage.
Overwearing contact lenses or not following the recommended replacement schedule can also lead to blurriness. Wearing lenses for longer than prescribed, or sleeping in them when they are not designed for extended wear, can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and cause deposits to build up, leading to discomfort and hazy vision. This can also make the lenses feel dry and cause vision to fluctuate. Using an unsuitable lens type, such as a spherical lens for significant astigmatism, or not using multifocal lenses for presbyopia, will prevent adequate vision correction.
Eye and Vision-Related Factors
Beyond the contact lenses, certain eye conditions can contribute to blurry vision. Dry eyes are a common cause, as insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can lead to lenses becoming dry and uncomfortable, resulting in fluctuating and blurry vision. The tear film is composed of multiple layers, and disruption of any layer can cause dryness, often exacerbated by contact lens wear. If vision temporarily clears after blinking or using rewetting drops, dry eye is a likely culprit.
Eye allergies can also cause blurriness, particularly for contact lens wearers. When allergens like pollen or dust adhere to the lens surface, they can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation, redness, itching, and excessive tearing, all of which can blur vision. Histamines released during an allergic reaction cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell, further contributing to symptoms.
Underlying eye conditions can also manifest as blurry vision, even with properly fitted contacts. Infections, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, can cause inflammation and swelling of the cornea, altering its shape and leading to blurred vision. Other conditions like keratoconus, which involves a thinning and bulging of the cornea, or less common issues, can affect how light focuses on the retina.
Vision changes naturally occur over time, necessitating updated prescriptions. As individuals age, a common change is presbyopia, a condition where the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. This often begins around age 40 and requires specific multifocal contact lenses to correct both near and distant vision.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If blurry vision persists despite addressing common contact lens issues like cleaning or replacement, seeking professional guidance from an eye care specialist is important. Persistent blurriness could indicate an underlying issue that requires diagnosis and treatment.
It is especially important to consult an eye care professional if blurriness is accompanied by other symptoms. These include eye pain, redness, unusual discharge, extreme light sensitivity, or sudden changes in vision. These symptoms can signal an infection, inflammation, or another serious eye condition that needs prompt medical attention.
Regular, annual eye examinations are important for all contact lens wearers. These appointments ensure the contact lens fit remains appropriate, the prescription is current, and the overall health of the eyes is monitored. During an appointment, an eye care professional can perform a comprehensive eye exam, evaluate the contact lens fit, assess tear film quality, and determine the root cause of the blurriness, recommending the most suitable course of action.