Beauty

Why Do My Contact Lenses Feel Irritating? How to Ease Eye Irritation Caused by Contact Lenses.

Are you experiencing discomfort and irritation while wearing contact lenses? Wonder no more! We are here to offer solutions and ease your worries.

Administrator

22 July, 2024

Contact lenses, or lenses, are a convenient accessory for those with vision problems and can enhance one’s appearance. However, there are some drawbacks to wearing lenses, as they can cause discomfort and irritation, especially for first-time users.

Read on to discover the reasons behind lens-related eye irritation and how to address this issue.

1Why Do Eyes Feel Irritated When Wearing Lenses?

Bodily Reaction

Lenses are foreign objects to the body, and when placed directly on the eyes, our bodies may react with discomfort as a way of signaling the presence of a foreign object.

However, this reason is quite rare, as eye irritation is more commonly caused by improper lens usage.

Eye irritation can be a bodily reaction to contact lenses

Improper Lens Usage

This is a common mistake, especially for first-time lens users. Improper lens usage refers to placing the lens inside out on the eye, which can cause discomfort and irritation. When the lens is correctly oriented, it should sit comfortably on the iris without moving when you blink.

Improper lens usage can cause eye irritation

Incorrect Lens Size

Different brands and types of lenses have varying sizes and diameters. Wearing lenses that are too large for your eyes can cause discomfort and make them difficult to put on. Therefore, it is essential to read the lens information carefully and choose the right size for your eyes before purchasing.

Wearing the wrong lens size can cause irritation

Underlying Eye Conditions

Individuals with eye conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may experience irritation if they wear lenses that are not prescribed for their specific condition. Using incorrect lenses can further strain the eyes and worsen the underlying condition.

Wearing lenses that are not prescribed for your eye condition can cause irritation

Low-Quality Lenses

If none of the above reasons apply to you, it is possible that you have purchased low-quality lenses. The market is flooded with various types of lenses, and it is challenging to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.

Typically, low-quality lenses are extremely cheap, come in various designs, and are often smuggled goods of inferior quality, posing a danger to the user’s eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to purchase lenses from reputable sources.

Using low-quality lenses can be harmful to your eyes

Improper Lens Care

Along with contact lenses come specialized solutions such as eye drops, lens soaking solution, and lens cleaning solution, all of which are essential for maintaining lens quality.

It is crucial to only use these specialized solutions for lens care and not tap water, as this can cause eye redness and reduce lens quality.

Improper lens care can lead to eye irritation

Reusing Lens Soaking Solution

Reusing the lens soaking solution can cause the lens to come into contact with previously accumulated dirt and debris. Therefore, it is essential to discard the old solution and use fresh solution to ensure that any remaining dirt is thoroughly rinsed away.

Reusing lens soaking solution can cause eye irritation

Wearing Lenses for More Than 24 Hours

Wearing lenses for extended periods, more than 24 hours, can lead to eye dryness, irritation, and, in severe cases, blindness, corneal ulcers, and reduced vision. Wearing lenses for too long can overwork your eyes and cause minor injuries to your sensitive eyes.

Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommended wearing schedule and regularly use eye drops specifically designed for lens wearers.

Wearing lenses for too long can be dangerous for your eyes

2Tips for Wearing Lenses Without Eye Irritation

Always wash your hands before handling lenses to ensure that your hands are clean and free of dirt or germs.
Soak lenses for 6-8 hours before use to ensure they are adequately hydrated and comfortable to wear.

Soak lenses for 6-8 hours to ensure proper hydration

Check for scratches, tears, or debris on the lenses before inserting them.
Ensure that you are wearing the lenses with the correct orientation to avoid discomfort and eye redness.
Use specialized eye drops to soothe and moisturize your eyes and wash away any accumulated debris.

Use specialized eye drops to soothe and moisturize your eyes

After removing your contact lenses, clean them thoroughly to ensure that they are free of dirt and debris for the next use. Remember to discard the old lens soaking solution and use fresh solution before soaking your lenses.

For further reading: Discover simple and safe methods to care for your lenses at home.

3Additional Tips for Comfortable Lens Wear

Always wash your hands and any tools used for lens handling before touching your lenses.

Remember to wash your hands before handling lenses

Do not use lenses that are torn, scratched, or past their expiration date.
Always use lens soaking solution before and after wearing your contact lenses.
Change the lens soaking solution every other day to maintain lens quality.
Never wash your lenses with tap water or soap; instead, use a specialized lens cleaning solution.
When outdoors, wear glasses to minimize the amount of dust and debris that comes into contact with your lenses, preventing eye dryness, redness, and irritation.
If you feel something in your eye, like a piece of dust, remove the lens immediately and clean it with fresh lens soaking solution.
For individuals who wear makeup, it is advisable to put on contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid eye irritation caused by falling powder or debris. Additionally, remember to remove your contact lenses before removing your makeup to ensure eye safety.

Put on contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid eye irritation

In conclusion, this article has explored the various reasons why contact lens wearers may experience eye irritation and provided comprehensive solutions to address this issue. We hope that this information will help you wear your contact lenses safely and comfortably, ensuring the well-being of your eyes.

Frequently asked questions

There can be several reasons why contact lenses may feel irritating. Some common causes include: dry eyes, protein buildup on the lenses, lens is inside out, incorrect lens orientation, or debris trapped under the lens.

To ease eye irritation, you can try the following: use eye drops to lubricate your eyes, clean your lenses properly and regularly, replace your lenses as recommended, ensure your hands are clean when handling lenses, and consider switching to a different type of lens material or brand.

Proper contact lens care is important to prevent eye irritation. Here are some tips: always wash your hands before handling lenses, use fresh solution to clean and store your lenses, rub and rinse your lenses gently to remove protein buildup, and regularly visit your eye doctor for check-ups and to ensure your lenses are fitting properly.

If you continue to experience eye irritation, you may want to consider switching to daily disposable lenses, trying a different lens material or brand, or exploring other vision correction options such as glasses or laser eye surgery.

Yes, there are specific eye drops that are designed for use with contact lenses. Look for drops that are labeled as ‘contact lens friendly’ or ‘for use with soft contact lenses’. Always check with your eye doctor to ensure the drops are suitable for your lens type and eyes.