Beauty

Some Common Issues When Wearing Contact Lenses for the First Time

To maintain eye health while wearing contact lenses, let's delve into some common issues associated with lens wear and explore sensible solutions.

Administrator

20 August, 2024

Red eyes, sore eyes, and eye irritation are common issues experienced by contact lens wearers. In this article, we will explore some of the most common problems and provide sensible solutions to ensure a comfortable lens-wearing experience.

Related article: 5 Simple Tips for New Contact Lens Wearers

1 Red Eyes from Contact Lenses

Red eyes from contact lenses

Possible causes of red eyes when wearing contact lenses include:

Oxygen deprivation: Lenses made from low-quality materials may not allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea, leading to redness.
Bacterial infection: Wearing contaminated lenses can cause direct irritation to the cornea, resulting in inflammation and redness.

Solutions:

Moisturize your eyes with eye drops

Soak lenses for 2-4 hours in a disinfecting solution before each use.
Use eye drops every 2 hours to prevent dryness and reduce redness.
Change the lens solution regularly to eliminate any bacteria that may be present.
Always store lenses in a clean, dry case to maintain hygiene.
Rinse used lenses with fresh solution before placing them in the case.

2 Irritation and Discomfort

Irritation and discomfort from contact lenses

Here are some possible reasons why your contact lenses may be causing irritation:

Foreign body sensation: Your eyes may react defensively to the presence of lenses, causing a sensation of irritation.
Inside-out lenses: Wearing lenses inside out can cause discomfort as they won’t fit properly on the eyeball.
Incorrect lens size: First-time lens wearers often experience discomfort due to improperly sized lenses.
Underlying eye conditions: Pre-existing conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can cause discomfort if the lenses don’t match your prescription.
Low-quality lenses: Poor-quality lenses can irritate the eyes, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Solutions:

Keep your contact lens equipment clean

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
Check the orientation of the lenses to ensure they are not inside out.
Clean lenses after each use to remove any dirt or debris.
Follow the instructions provided by your optometrist or lens manufacturer.
Use eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers to help your eyes adjust.

3 Eye Fatigue and Headaches

Wearing contact lenses with the incorrect prescription can lead to eye strain and headaches. When the lenses don’t match your level of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, it can cause frequent headaches and impact your daily life.

Solutions:

Get your eyes checked by a professional

Visit an eye clinic to get an accurate measurement of your prescription. For those with myopia over 3 degrees, opt for lenses that are 0.25 to 0.5 degrees lower than your measured prescription. Typically, contact lenses have a slightly lower degree than your glasses prescription.

4 Tired and Dry Eyes

Tired and dry eyes from contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses that don’t match your prescription or wearing them for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue and dryness.

Solutions:

Moisturize your eyes regularly

Ensure your lenses match your prescription for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism to reduce eye strain.
Use eye drops every 1-2 hours while wearing lenses to keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable.

5 Eye Irritation and Itching

Eye irritation and itching from contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods without proper care can lead to eye irritation and itching.

Solutions:

Change your lens solution regularly

Moisturize your eyes frequently with eye drops and blink often to prevent dryness. Aim for every 2 hours to ensure adequate oxygen supply and comfort.
Clean your lens case and tools regularly, replacing them every 5 to 7 weeks to maintain optimal hygiene.
Wear sunglasses when riding a motorcycle or bike to protect your eyes and lenses from dust and debris.
Change your lens solution daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and contaminants.

Further reading: Tips for a Speedy Recovery from Eye Infections

We hope these tips help you address any issues you may be having with your contact lenses. Remember to always prioritize the health and comfort of your eyes.

Frequently asked questions

Some people experience discomfort, dryness, irritation, or blurred vision. It’s also possible to have a lens slip out of place or have difficulty inserting or removing the lenses.

Start by washing your hands and ensuring the lenses are correctly oriented before insertion. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions on lens care and replacement, and always use fresh solution to clean and store your lenses.

If your lenses feel dry, try using eye drops designed for use with contact lenses. Avoid drops that claim to ‘get the red out,’ as these can actually make your lenses feel drier.

Remove your contact lenses and give your eyes a break if you experience irritation or blurred vision. Consult your eye doctor if the problem persists or if you experience any pain or unusual symptoms.

If a lens slips out of place, don’t panic. Gently move your eye around to reposition the lens, and if necessary, remove and rinse the lens with solution before reinserting it.

Practice makes perfect! Inserting and removing lenses can be tricky at first, but with time and patience, you’ll get the hang of it. Ask your eye doctor for guidance if you’re still struggling.