To address eye irritation from contact lenses, it is important to first identify the underlying cause to ensure the right management steps can be taken. While triggers, such as poor hygiene or overwear, are common, other causes are less obvious and require professional assessment. In these instances, a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist, like our professionals at Kacee Eye Care, can help pinpoint the issue and recommend the most suitable option for lasting comfort.
Common Causes of Contact Lens Discomfort
If you are wearing contact lenses and experience irritation in one eye or both, this can often be traced back to the following factors:
1. Poor Fitting Contact Lenses
Even long-term lens wearers may find that not all lenses may be equally comfortable. Variations in lens curvature or material breathability can lead to irritation, dryness, or discomfort. For example, you might find the customised fit of rigid Ortho-K contact lenses comfortable while experiencing irritation with some soft lenses or vice versa.
2. Possible Eye Infections
Several factors can increase the risk of contact lens-related infection, including:
- Overwearing lenses beyond the recommended hours
- Sleeping in contact lenses
- Exposing lenses to water, such as during showers, swimming, or tap water contact
- Using expired lenses
- Reusing old or contaminated contact lens solution
This could lead to symptoms of discomfort ranging from:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness in the eye
- Eye pain or soreness
- Discharge from the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A persistent feeling of something in the eye
Should these symptoms occur, remove your contact lenses immediately and seek professional care to prevent further complications.
3. Other Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, the irritation is not caused by the lenses themselves but by pre-existing eye conditions.
- Dry eye syndrome reduces tear production, making lens wear uncomfortable
- Allergies can inflame the eye surface, worsening discomfort
- Environmental factors such as air-conditioning and screen use can aggravate symptoms
Tips to Soothe Irritated Eyes from Contacts
If your eyes feel uncomfortable, there are practical steps you can take to ease the irritation.
- Try a Better Fitting Lens: Visit your optometrist for a professional evaluation to ensure your lenses fit correctly. Properly fitted lenses reduce discomfort and improve vision clarity, especially if you frequently experience contact lens irritation in one eye.
- Practice Proper Hygiene Before Cleaning Contacts: Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses to prevent debris, bacteria, and other eye irritants from getting to your contact lenses.
- Clean Lenses Properly: Soak and clean your contact lenses with fresh solution every day. Never reuse a solution or tap water, as this could harbour bacteria that could cause eye infection.
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Preservative-free lubricating drops can help relieve dryness and irritation. But before using one while wearing contact lenses, always consult your optometrist.
- Give Your Eyes a Break: Occasionally switch to prescription glasses to allow your eyes to rest. Also, avoid sleeping in your contacts unless they are specifically designed for overnight use, as overwearing lenses increases the risk of infection.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
While mild irritation can often be managed at home, certain symptoms require professional attention.
See our optometrists at Kacee Eye Care if you experience:
- Persistent irritation or pain
- Suspected eye infection
- Sudden changes in vision
- Ongoing discomfort even after removing lenses
- Frequent episodes of eye irritation from contact lens use
Professional evaluation is important to prevent complications such as corneal scratches, ulcers, or infections.
Get the Right Contact Lens or Eyewear from Kacee Eye Care
If you frequently experience contact lens irritation, the solution may involve changing your lens type, adjusting the fit, or managing an underlying condition like dry eye. At Kacee Eye Care, our experienced optometrist provides thorough eye examinations in Singapore to assess your vision, detect any underlying issues, and recommend the most suitable eyewear solution for your needs.
Whether you require comfortable contact lenses, Ortho-K contact lenses for overnight correction, or bifocal and progressive lenses for glasses, we offer a wide range of options designed for clarity, comfort, and eye health. Our team also provides guidance on lens care, fit, and hygiene practices to minimise irritation and ensure you enjoy safe, comfortable vision every day.
For more information about contact lenses, check out our guide on contact lenses for kids.