Contact lenses are meant to provide clear and comfortable vision, but some people experience dryness, irritation, and redness while wearing them. This discomfort can make it difficult to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses, turning what should be a convenient option into a frustrating experience. Factors like dry eye, improper fit, or even sensitivity to the lens material can contribute to these symptoms.
While occasional moments of discomfort are normal, frequent irritation with contact lenses should be addressed by an eye care professional like our eye doctors at ProEye Vision Center. These symptoms can indicate something as minor as an environmental issue or as serious as an infection or corneal ulcer, and we can determine the underlying cause and help you find the best solution. Here are some common causes of painful or uncomfortable contact lenses:
1. Dry eyes
Dry eye is a common issue for contact lens wearers. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly, contact lenses can feel uncomfortable. Dryness can lead to sensations of grittiness or scratchiness (like you have sand in your eyes), making it hard to wear your lenses for extended periods. If you suspect dry eye is the culprit, our eye doctor can help you find relief with personalized treatment recommendations. We may suggest a combination of treatment options, including lifestyle changes, lubricating eye drops, or a different type of contact lens.
2. Astigmatism
Astigmatism is when the front of your eye (the cornea) is shaped more like a football than a basketball. This can cause blurry vision, and some contact lenses may not sit well on your eye if you have astigmatism. Toric Contact Lenses are shaped differently than regular contact lenses and can offer a better fit and improved comfort. Our experts can help determine the best lens options for your needs, especially if your astigmatism is severe.
3. Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) thins and bulges out into a cone shape. This can make it difficult to find contact lenses that fit properly. As the condition progresses, specialty contact lenses, such as Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses, Hybrid Lenses, and Scleral Lenses, can provide improved vision and comfort.
4. Corneal scarring
A variety of factors can cause corneal scarring, including previous eye injuries, infections, and conditions like dry eye. If you have scarring, it may cause discomfort when wearing contact lenses, as the lenses may not sit comfortably on the cornea. Our optometrist can evaluate the extent of the scarring and recommend appropriate treatment options, including specialized lenses.
5. Intolerance to certain lens types
Not everyone’s eyes react the same way to all types of contact lenses. Some individuals may be intolerant to certain materials or designs. If intolerance is causing your discomfort, we can suggest different brands or types of lenses that may be more suitable for your eyes.
6. Eye injury
Wearing contact lenses can be uncomfortable after an eye injury. If you have sustained an eye injury, you should consult an eye care professional immediately. They can assess the situation and recommend whether it’s safe to continue wearing lenses or if you should consider alternatives during your recovery.
7. Improper lens fit
Contact lenses need to be carefully fitted to the shape and size of your eyes. If the lenses don’t fit properly, they can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or even eye damage over time. At ProEye Vision Center, we use advanced technology to ensure your lenses fit perfectly and won’t affect your eye health.
8. Allergies
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your contact lenses but with your eyes. Allergies can cause symptoms like redness, itchiness, and dryness, which may be exacerbated by contact lens wear. If you have seasonal allergies or are sensitive to allergens like dust or pet dander, your eyes may react while you’re wearing your lenses, making them feel uncomfortable.
9. Improper lens care
Taking care of your lenses is critical to keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy. If you don’t clean your lenses regularly or forget to replace them on time, debris, bacteria, and proteins can build up, causing irritation and discomfort. Our team will walk you through simple and effective steps to keep your lenses clean and safe to wear. From using the right cleaning solution to establishing a replacement schedule, we’ll help you maintain your lenses so they stay comfortable for as long as possible.
10. Other serious issues
In some cases, contact lens discomfort could indicate more serious eye conditions like infections or corneal ulcers. Wearing your lenses for extended periods or not cleaning them properly can lead to these issues. Infections can cause redness, pain, and blurry vision, while corneal ulcers are painful sores on the surface of your eye that need immediate attention. If you notice any severe symptoms, it’s important to stop wearing your lenses and schedule an appointment with our eye doctors in Lincoln or Omaha right away.
Finding comfort again
If you’re struggling with uncomfortable contact lenses, it’s important to address the underlying causes. A comprehensive eye exam with one of our eye doctors can help identify the specific issues affecting your comfort. From there, we can explore tailored solutions, whether that means switching to a different type of lens, treating dry eye, or considering specialty lenses designed for your unique needs.
Our optometrists have extensive experience in fitting contact lenses for hard-to-fit eyes, and we offer a wide range of specialty contact lenses in Lincoln and Omaha. We can help you find the right solution for comfortable, clear vision regardless of whether you have dry eyes, astigmatism, keratoconus, or other complex eye conditions. If you’re struggling with contact lens discomfort, please schedule an appointment to explore the best options for your eyes.
