Worn correctly, contact lenses should feel nearly invisible. These delicate, flexible devices hold great power. When they rest properly on the eye’s surface, they can seamlessly correct vision, offering a natural and more comfortable field of vision.
With proper contact lens wear and care habits, you should not be able to feel them in your eyes. If you notice the contact in your eye, this could stem from several reasons:
- Improper fit or size
- Dry eye
- Lens positioning
- Extensive wear
- Poor contact lens hygiene
Together, we can help you address these concerns so that contact lens wear feels smooth and natural, and so comfortable that you may even forget you’re wearing them!
Common Reasons for Contact Lens Discomfort
Even if you’re a pro with your contact lenses, discomfort in your eyes can feel extremely irritating.
If you’re new to contact lenses, these culprits can make adapting to this form of vision correction much more challenging. Rather than giving up on contacts altogether, addressing these concerns with your optometrist can make a significant difference.
Improper Fit or Size
Your contacts must match your eyes’ shape and size for a perfect fit. Lenses that are too tight or too loose can irritate your eyes and even affect the quality of your vision.
This highlights the importance of a contact lens exam and fitting. Along with monitoring your vision, your eye doctor takes precise measurements of your eye to find the perfect pair of contact lenses.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common cause of discomfort for contact lens wearers. If your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the composition of your tear film is unstable, the eye’s surface no longer has the hydration it needs to stay moist.
As a result, your lenses might not sit comfortably or even dry out entirely, as the eye pulls any moisture it can from the contacts for hydration.
Part of the contact lens exam requires your eye doctor to evaluate the health of your eyes, focusing on the cornea and tear film, to see if your eyes can sustain lens wear. If they notice any concerns, such as dry eye, they may wish to address them before finalizing any contact lens prescription.
Managing dry eye with artificial tears, warm compress mask, and lifestyle changes can help. If you suspect you have moderate to severe dry eye, take a break from contacts and visit your optometrist. It might be time to explore dry eye therapies.
Lens Positioning
A contact lens that shifts or isn’t properly centered on your cornea can lead to irritation.
If you notice your vision fluctuating or feel the edge of your lens, it might need adjusting. Clean your hands and gently slide the lens back into place if needed.
If the problem persists, visit your eye doctor. Another contact lens fitting might help.
Prolonged Wear
Even though contact lenses feel lightweight and comfortable, they have intended wear times for a reason.
Knowing the lifespan of your lenses is important. With soft contact lenses, this generally means:
- Daily contacts should be thrown away at the end of the day. They are too delicate to wear again.
- Bi-weekly contacts need replacing every 2 weeks or 14 days. Even if you only wear the contacts once during these 14 days, you still need to dispose of them.
- Monthly contact lenses are valid for 30 days of wear. Even if they are only worn a handful of times, you still need to dispose of them.
Overextending their use can lead to discomfort or even more severe complications, such as dry spots or corneal abrasions.
Let your eyes rest by removing your contacts after their recommended wear length. Switch to glasses for parts of your day, like when relaxing at home. Although contact lenses are made with breathable materials, removing them entirely helps your eyes relax.
Poor Lens Care
You must clean your lenses after every wear. This means removing them safely at the end of the day and carefully placing them in their storage container with fresh lens solution.
Improper cleaning and storage habits can lead to protein buildup, debris, or even bacterial contamination, making your lenses feel less comfortable.
Diligently follow the care instructions from your optometrist and always use the right cleaning solutions. Never use tap water or any unapproved solutions to clean your eyes. This can introduce harmful pathogens to your lenses, increasing your risk of eye infection or irritation.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you continue to feel discomfort despite these efforts, don’t ignore the problem. Some signs you should contact your eye doctor include:
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- A feeling of a foreign object in your eye
These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or poorly fitted lenses, and should be addressed promptly.
Experience the Joy of Seamless Vision
Wearing contact lenses should feel like a natural part of your day. Contact lenses should almost feel invisible, so if you notice the lenses in your eyes, it could stem from several factors.
With a few adjustments and guidance from Total Vision Sports Arena, you too can enjoy the convenience and clarity contacts provide without discomfort holding you back. From fittings to ongoing care, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Connect with our team to book an eye exam today.
