Contact Lenses Hurt Eyes

While contact lenses can be highly advantageous, they may also occasionally lead to discomfort or even pain. 

Understanding the causes of this pain and being familiar with effective ways to relieve it can significantly improve the situation. 

Causes

• Incorrectly fitting lenses can hurt your eyes when they move with each blink, because of creating friction.
• Lenses that are made from materials that restrict the flow of oxygen to the eye can cause dryness, discomfort or even pain. 
• Not cleaning the lenses properly can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, protein deposits, and debris, causing pain with irritation. 
• Wearing contact lenses can exacerbate the severity of dry eye syndrome, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and an overall sense of discomfort. 

What to Do if Contact Lenses Hurt Your Eyes?

• Make sure the contact lenses fit well and feel comfortable by getting a thorough eye exam and additional fittings from a qualified optometrist.
• Choose the suitable lens material: Take into account using silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the eye, thus reducing dryness and discomfort. 
• To ensure that lenses are free from dirt and protein buildup, it is important to clean them according to the suggested guidelines. 
• To effectively deal with dry eye syndrome while wearing contact lenses, one can alleviate symptoms by utilizing rewetting drops, reducing the frequency of contact lens usage, and donning sunglasses when outdoors. 

How long should contacts feel uncomfortable?

Contact lenses are a common and convenient alternative to conventional eyeglasses. However, the user’s comfort is highly significant and crucial. If a person is using contact lenses for the first time, they might feel a slight unnatural presence in their eyes. Nevertheless, this feeling should dissipate promptly.

• Initial Adjustment Period: Typically, discomfort or mild irritation should subside within 15 minutes to a few hours after the initial application. A light sensation or awareness of the contact lens in the eye is normal during this period.
• Prolonged Discomfort: If the feeling of discomfort persists beyond 48 hours, it may indicate a problem. The issue could be due to various reasons such as improper fitting, incorrect lens care, or an allergic reaction.
• Uncomfortable Contacts: Consistently uncomfortable contacts should not be a regular experience. If lenses continue to be uncomfortable, it is strongly advised to cease use immediately and consult an eye care professional.