There are a variety of reasons why your contacts may be hurting you, ranging from allergies to poor fit. Contact lenses are commonly worn because they are a practical approach to improve vision. Unlike glasses, they are comfortable to wear during vigorous activity and do not require frequent cleaning. Unfortunately, contact lenses can irritate the eyes on occasion.
Many contact lens wearers experience discomfort at times, but if it occurs frequently, there may be a problem.
Here are five frequent reasons your contacts may be causing you problems, as well as solutions.
“5 Common Reasons for Contact Lens Discomfort”
Dryness
One of the most prevalent concerns among contact lens wearers is dry eyes, which occur when the eye does not produce enough tears.
Dryness can be caused by long-term medical disorders such as dry eye syndrome, or it can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking or computer use.
Dryness can also be caused by using the incorrect contact lens solution or improper lens care.
While using contacts, lubricated eye drops can help alleviate pain.
Consult your eye doctor before selecting a contact lens brand that is compatible with your eyes.
Allergies
Allergy season can cause a slew of problems for your eyes.
It’s possible that seasonal allergies are making your contacts uncomfortable, but it’s also possible that you’re allergic to the contacts themselves.
A common complication of contact lens wear is giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), which is an inflammation of the blood vessels of the eye.
GPC can cause pain and/or visual issues, thus persons who develop it should avoid wearing soft contact lenses completely.
Fit
Because everyone’s eyes are different, not all types of contacts will work for everyone.
Properly fitted lenses should be barely noticeable, but ill-fitting lenses may make you feel as though something is in your eye that shouldn’t be.
That is why it is critical to get your contacts fitted by a certified specialist.
An eye doctor will examine your eyes and decide not only your prescription, but also which kind of contact lenses will be most comfortable for you.
If you have other issues, such as astigmatism, you may face strain if you don’t use contacts that correct for that as well.
Something on the lens
It’s critical to keep your contacts as free of debris as possible.
If you don’t, you risk getting something stuck on your lens, causing irritation, infection, and discomfort.
Before putting on or taking off your contacts, make sure you wash your hands.
To avoid collecting dirt or debris, keep your contact case clean and replenish your contact solution on a regular basis.
If you discover any foreign bodies on your lens, clean it and disinfect it before reinstalling it in the case.
Comorbid conditions
It’s possible that the discomfort you’re experiencing isn’t due to the contact lens.
Other illnesses, such as conjunctivitis, can make doing anything with your eyes, including wearing contacts, difficult. If you feel you have a health concern with your eye, don’t use contacts until the problem is diagnosed and treated.
There’s no reason you should continue to suffer in order to see clearly if your contacts are causing you discomfort.