Common Problems Encountered by Contact Wearers

While many people are able to comfortably wear contact lenses for vision correction on a daily basis some may experience discomfort or irritation on occasion. Irritation, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and dry lens or eyes are common problems that may be experienced at some point while wearing contact lenses.

Eye irritation or discomfort for contact lens wearers may be caused by protein build up on lenses, an intolerance of cleaning or storing solution, wearing worn out lenses, wearing a torn lens or poor lenses hygiene. Most of the problematic situations can be avoided by following the lens cleaning regimen that your eye practitioner outlined for you and only using the products that he or she has recommended. Switching to a different brand of contact lens solution can result in sensitivity to light as well as blurred vision and irritation if you experience intolerance to the solution you have chosen.

Eye Irritation

If you immediately experience irritation after applying your lens, remove the lens promptly and examine it to determine whether the lens was applied right side out and not inside out, the lens has any tears or if the lens has any debris or protein build up on its surface. If you applied the lens while it was inside out, simply rinse the lens with fresh solution and apply it right side out.

If the lens has a tear in it, you should discard it immediately and replace it with a fresh lens. Light debris such as a makeup or an eyelash can be rinsed off before attempting to reply the lens. If the lens looks cloudy from protein build up, you may be able to clean the lens to relieve discomfort; however, in most cases the lens should be replaced with a fresh one.

Dry Eyes

Contact lens wearers may experience dry eyes on occasion especially when they experience changes in their environment such as the use of an air conditioner or dry heating system, insufficient blinking while at a computer for several hours or the start of a new medication.

For those wearers who occasionally have dry eyes, use of artificial tears or eye drops designed for contact lens wearers can offer much needed relief. Wearers who experience persistent dry eyes may suffer from a more severe case of dry eye syndrome and benefit from prescription eyedrops such as Restasis.

Avoiding Problems with Your Lenses

While you may experience eye discomfort or irritation from time to time, some precautions can be taken to prevent any of these problems from becoming habitual.

• Clean your contact lenses every day.
• Always store lenses in a clean case with fresh solution.
• Discard contacts as recommended by the manufacturer and your eye care practitioner.
• Examine your lens for debris, protein build up and tears before applying them each day.

If you experience persistent eye discomfort or irritation while wearing your contacts, you should discontinue wearing the lenses and contact your eye care practitioner for an exam to rule out the possibility of a more serious issue. Failure to address persistent discomfort increases your possibility of contracting an eye infection or developing a corneal abrasion.

Maintaining proper hygiene and cleaning your lenses thoroughly is the first step to avoiding eye irritation and the possibility of infection. For more information on the proper way to care for your contact lenses, check out Proper Contact Lens Care.