Contact lenses should be comfortable. They are less bulky than glasses. After you put them on, you should not feel them. If you are experiencing eye discomfort with contacts, something is not right. This discomfort can show up as sensitivity, blurred vision, swelling, redness, or tearing. The causes can be many.
Why Do My Contact Lenses Suddenly Feel Uncomfortable?
If you are an experienced contact lens wearer, a sudden change in comfort can be frustrating. Your lenses may have always felt fine, but now they irritate your eyes. Several things can cause this.
A major cause is dryness. Weather changes, air conditioning, and a lack of blinking can all dry out your eyes. When this happens, your contacts can feel uncomfortable. They can even feel rough. Dryness can be a sign of environmental factors or a deeper issue like dry eye syndrome. Top brands for dry eyes include Acuvue Oasys, Bausch + Lomb ULTRA, and Alcon Total30.
Another cause is a prescription change. Over time, your vision changes. Wearing an outdated prescription can force your eyes to strain. This can increase discomfort and lead to blurry vision and eye fatigue. Getting an updated prescription from your eye doctor is a simple solution.
Lens damage can also be a cause. Lenses can get a small tear or scratch that makes them painful to wear, especially during active routines or outdoor conditions where dust and debris are more likely to get on the lens. People comparing military contact lenses should still inspect each lens carefully before wear, since even a tiny damaged edge or rough spot can irritate the eye. If you feel a rough spot on your lens, take it out and inspect it. If you find a torn or damaged lens, throw it away.
Are Astigmatism Contacts Less Comfortable?
If you have astigmatism, your contacts may feel different. Contacts made for astigmatism are called toric lenses. They are often a bit thicker in a specific zone to keep them from rotating. This thickness can take some time to get used to and can feel a little uncomfortable at first. Toric lenses must be placed on your eye in a certain way to give you the best vision.
A professional eye doctor can help you get a proper fitting. You may need to try a few different brands of toric lenses, like Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism or Air Optix for Astigmatism, until you find the one that fits your eyes best.
What Are the Challenges for New Contact Lens Wearers?
When you are new to contacts, you can expect an adjustment period. It is not common to put something on your eye every day. It can take time to get used to the feel of a lens. Your eyes are still getting used to the sensation.
New wearers can help with the adjustment period by wearing their lenses for a bit longer each day. You can use eye drops for any dryness. Make sure you also have the right prescription. It is also a good idea to learn the basics of how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Proper technique can help you avoid irritation from debris or improper handling.
You can also ask your eye doctor about different materials. Some new materials are designed to be more comfortable and hold more water. These can help your eyes adjust faster. Most experts say it takes about 10–12 days to adjust to contacts. Do not give up too early.
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What Causes Discomfort for Experienced Wearers?
If you have been wearing contacts for a while, you know your discomfort is not a “new wearer” issue. The problem can be caused by a poor fit, improper lens care, or a worn-out lens. These issues can be solved so you can go back to being a happy contact lens wearer.
Poor Fit
A lens that is too tight can cause a lack of oxygen to your eye. This can lead to redness and swelling. A lens that is too loose can move around and cause blurry vision. It may also fall out. A professional fitting with an eye doctor can fix this. Your eye’s shape and size can change over time. Regular eye exams can help you stay in a lens that fits your eye.
Hygiene
If your lenses are dirty, they can cause discomfort. Dust, dirt, and other debris can get on your lenses. This can cause irritation. Proper cleaning is a simple way to avoid this problem. You should always wash your hands before handling lenses. Use a fresh solution every time you clean and store them. Do not reuse old solution. Using an all-in-one solution is a good way to keep your lenses clean without a lot of effort.
Lenses Are Worn Out
Every lens has a set lifespan. Daily disposables are meant to be worn for one day. Monthly lenses should be replaced once a month. Wearing lenses past their recommended time can cause discomfort. Protein and calcium deposits can build up on the lens surface. They can make the lenses feel uncomfortable and can cause eye irritation. This buildup also reduces oxygen flow to your eyes, which can cause them to feel tired and red.
Types of Contact Lenses
The type of lens you use can affect comfort. Some lenses are better for certain eye conditions.
- Daily Disposable Lenses
These lenses are for one-time use. You wear them for one day and throw them away. This can be a good choice for people with allergies. They reduce the buildup of pollen and other irritants on the lens. They are also a good choice if you have a busy lifestyle. Brands like Dailies Total1 and Acuvue Moist are popular choices.
- Soft Lenses
These are the most common lenses. They are made from soft, flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to your eye. They are a good choice for people who want a comfortable lens.
- Gas Permeable Lenses
These lenses are also known as hard lenses. They are more rigid than soft lenses. They allow more oxygen to reach the eye, which is good for eye health. They can take longer to get used to. They are durable and often provide clearer vision.
When Should I See an Eye Doctor?
You should not have to live with uncomfortable lenses. If you cannot find what is causing the discomfort, you should see an eye care professional. An eye doctor can give you a checkup to find any issues. They can also confirm if your prescription is correct.
There are certain times you should get medical help right away. You should book an appointment if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain in your eyes.
- A sudden loss of vision.
- Discharge or pus from your eyes.
- Extreme light sensitivity.
- Swelling around your eyes.
Getting Back to Comfortable Vision
Contact lenses are meant to be a simple, comfortable form of vision correction. If you feel any discomfort, there is a reason for it. It could be something simple like dry eyes or a more complex problem. Getting help from an eye doctor is the best way to get the right solution for your eyes. With the right care and a good pair of lenses, you can get back to comfortable vision.
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