Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses, but discomfort is a common concern. This irritation can range from mild dryness to significant pain or a persistent feeling of something in the eye. Understanding the factors contributing to discomfort is a primary step toward comfortable contact lens wear. This article explores common and less obvious reasons for discomfort, offering insights into potential solutions.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
Dryness is a common source of contact lens discomfort. Lenses absorb the natural tear film, reducing moisture on the eye’s surface. Environmental conditions like air conditioning or extensive screen time can exacerbate dryness, diminishing blinking and increasing tear evaporation.
An improper lens fit also contributes to discomfort. If a contact lens is too tight, it can restrict tear flow and reduce oxygen supply to the cornea. Conversely, a lens that is too loose may move excessively, causing friction and irritation with each blink.
Poor hygiene practices frequently lead to discomfort and eye health issues. Neglecting to properly clean and store contact lenses allows proteins and lipids to accumulate on the lens surface. This buildup creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to irritation, inflammation, and an increased risk of infection.
Overwearing contact lenses beyond their recommended schedule, or sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear, reduces oxygen flow to the cornea. This oxygen deprivation can cause corneal swelling and discomfort, increasing susceptibility to infections. Each type of lens has a specific wear duration to maintain eye health.
The material of the contact lens plays a role in comfort. Older hydrogel lenses offer lower oxygen permeability compared to newer silicone hydrogel lenses. Silicone hydrogels allow more oxygen to reach the eye, which can improve comfort, especially for extended wear. Even a minute foreign object, such as a speck of dust or an eyelash, trapped beneath the lens can cause immediate irritation.
Less Apparent Influences
Seasonal or environmental allergies can impact contact lens comfort. Allergens like pollen or dust mites can adhere to the lens surface, triggering allergic reactions such as itchiness, redness, and irritation. This makes wearing lenses during allergy season challenging.
External environmental factors also contribute to discomfort. Exposure to strong winds can accelerate tear evaporation, causing lenses to dry out more quickly. Similarly, smoke, air pollution, or dry climates can irritate the eyes and make contact lens wear less tolerable.
Certain underlying eye conditions can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. Conditions like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) or meibomian gland dysfunction (affecting eyelid oil glands) can disrupt the tear film’s stability. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), an allergic reaction to deposits on the lens, results in large bumps on the inner eyelid, causing irritation and lens intolerance.
Systemic medications can induce dry eyes, affecting lens comfort. Antihistamines and diuretics are known to reduce tear production, making contact lenses feel dry and scratchy. Even subtle damage to a contact lens, such as a tiny tear or a chipped edge, can cause persistent irritation. This type of damage may not always be immediately visible but can impact comfort.
Steps to Improve Comfort
Establishing a proper lens care routine is important for maintaining comfort. This includes consistently washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses, using only fresh, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storage, and carefully rubbing and rinsing lenses as directed by an eye care professional. These steps help prevent the buildup of deposits and reduce the risk of infection.
Utilizing re-wetting drops can provide relief for dry eyes while wearing contact lenses. These drops are formulated to be compatible with contact lenses and help rehydrate the lens surface, restoring moisture and alleviating dryness. It is important to use drops recommended for contact lens wearers to avoid adverse reactions.
Adhering to the prescribed wear schedule for contact lenses is important. Replacing lenses as recommended by the manufacturer (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly) helps ensure optimal oxygen permeability and reduces deposit accumulation. Overwearing lenses beyond their intended lifespan can lead to discomfort and eye health complications.
Taking periodic breaks from contact lens wear, especially during long days or when eyes feel fatigued, can improve comfort. Removing lenses for a few hours allows the eyes to rest and rehydrate naturally. Trying different lens types or brands may resolve persistent discomfort. Different lens materials, water content levels, or designs can offer varying levels of comfort. Daily disposable lenses offer a convenient option, as they are discarded after each use, reducing the risk of deposit buildup and contamination.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Certain symptoms warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional. These include persistent eye pain, severe redness that does not subside, sudden blurry vision, or any unusual discharge from the eye. Increased sensitivity to light or a persistent feeling that something is stuck in the eye, even after removing the lens, signals a need for professional evaluation.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can accurately diagnose underlying issues contributing to contact lens discomfort. They can adjust contact lens prescriptions, recommend alternative lens types or materials, or treat any existing eye conditions. Regular eye examinations are important for all contact lens wearers, ensuring ongoing eye health and sustained comfort.