Contact lenses are a popular and convenient alternative to glasses, offering clear vision without obstructing your face. However, many users experience an uncomfortable sensation of burning or stinging when wearing contacts. Understanding the causes of this common issue can help you find solutions and protect your eye health.
Environmental Factors Affecting Eye Comfort
| Environmental Factor | Impact on Eye Comfort (%) |
|---|---|
| Dry Air (Low Humidity) | 80% |
| Smoke | 70% |
| Air Pollution | 60% |
| Prolonged Screen Use | 90% |
| Dust | 75% |
This chart illustrates the impact of various environmental factors on eye comfort, with prolonged screen use ranked highest at 90% and air pollution at 60%. Addressing these factors can significantly improve eye health and comfort.
Common Causes of Eye Burning from Contacts
1. Dry Eyes
Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye syndrome by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea. This often leads to irritation and a burning sensation. The problem is more pronounced in arid environments or after long hours of lens wear.
2. Poor Lens Hygiene
Not cleaning your lenses properly or using expired cleaning solutions can introduce bacteria or debris to your eyes, leading to discomfort. Similarly, failing to replace your lenses on schedule can cause protein deposits to accumulate, irritating your eyes.
3. Lens Fit Issues
Contacts that don’t fit well can rub against your eye’s surface, causing friction and a burning sensation. This can be due to wearing lenses with the wrong size, shape, or prescription.
4. Allergic Reactions
Some people are sensitive to preservatives in contact lens solutions or materials used in the lenses themselves. This can trigger an allergic reaction, resulting in redness, itching, and burning.
5. Environmental Factors
Dust, smoke, and air pollution can irritate your eyes, especially when wearing contact lenses. Additionally, spending long hours staring at screens can reduce your blink rate, worsening the burning sensation.
6. Underlying Eye Conditions
Conditions like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or keratitis can cause eye irritation, making it uncomfortable to wear contacts. If you’ve ruled out other causes, it’s worth consulting an eye doctor to check for these issues.
Causes of Burning Eyes When Wearing Contacts
| Cause | Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Dry Eyes | 85% |
| Poor Lens Hygiene | 70% |
| Lens Fit Issues | 60% |
| Allergic Reactions | 50% |
| Environmental Factors | 40% |
This chart shows the prevalence of common causes of burning eyes when wearing contact lenses, with dry eyes being the most frequent at 85% and environmental factors at 40%. Addressing these causes can significantly improve comfort and eye health.
Preventive Measures
1. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Clean your lenses daily using a fresh solution, and replace them as recommended by your eye care provider. Avoid using water or saliva to clean lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria.
2. Use Artificial Tears
If dry eyes are the culprit, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief. Look for preservative-free options to avoid potential allergic reactions.
3. Choose the Right Solution
Switching to a different brand of contact lens solution can alleviate burning caused by sensitivities to certain preservatives. Your eye doctor can recommend hypoallergenic solutions tailored to your needs.
4. Limit Wear Time
Give your eyes regular breaks by removing your lenses after 8-10 hours of wear. Opt for glasses on days when you don’t need to wear contacts for extended periods.
5. Optimize Your Environment
Use a humidifier to reduce dryness in the air, especially during winter. Avoid smoky or dusty areas and practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
6. Get a Professional Lens Fitting
Ensure your lenses are correctly fitted by an optometrist. A proper fit minimizes friction and ensures optimal comfort.
Tips to Prevent Contact Lens Discomfort
This horizontal bar chart highlights effective tips to prevent contact lens discomfort, with maintaining hygiene rated the highest at 90% and optimizing the environment at 70%. Following these tips can significantly improve lens-wearing comfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’ve tried these preventive measures but continue to experience burning, it’s important to consult an eye care professional. Persistent discomfort could indicate a serious issue, such as corneal damage or an infection, that requires immediate attention.
Editorial Advice
Caring for your eyes is essential to maintaining both your vision and overall quality of life. By identifying the cause of burning and taking appropriate steps, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without compromising your comfort or eye health. Always follow your optometrist’s recommendations and prioritize good lens hygiene to keep your eyes happy and healthy.
I think in some cases the cause is the service and not the lenses. I had a really bad reaction to an option for delicate eyes. I do not remember the name or brand, however it might have been the re-new. I had extremely red eyes and burning. The service taken in into the lenses and I might not use them again. If I tried the eyes got red again and burned.