6 reasons why you may have discomfort and eye irritation from contacts

Do you have hurting eyes? Check out this expert advice for contact lens wearers.

If you wear contacts and your eyes are stinging, itching or painful, you may not be wrong to blame your lenses for the discomfort — and you wouldn’t be alone. In fact, discomfort and eye irritation from contacts is the number-one reason that people stop wearing contacts entirely, according to Dr. Megan Sumrall Lott, an optometrist in Hattiesburg, MS.¹

But before you call it quits and revert to eyeglasses, it’s worth having a conversation with your eye doctor about how to find a solution that makes wearing your contact lenses pain-free again. After all, when properly worn and taken care of, contact lenses needn’t be uncomfortable. “Discuss your cleaning and wearing regimen with your provider,” Lott says. “There could be a number of causes for contact lens discomfort and irritation, ranging from your wear schedule to cleaning solutions, seasonal allergies, dry eyes and other causes.” Read on to learn about common causes of contact lens discomfort, the symptoms to look out for and some possible solutions to discuss with your eye doctor.

Contact lens fit

“A contact lens should fit like a good pair of shoes,” Lott says. That translates into fitting securely in your eye, providing good coverage and allowing for a bit of movement, she explains. The wrong contact lens fit could trigger a slew of unpleasant symptoms of irritation, including watery eyes and eye secretions, redness, sensitivity to light, dryness and increasing discomfort the longer you wear the lenses. “Contact lenses come in different curvatures and diameters, so finding the right contact lens could just be a simple size adjustment,” Lott explains. “Your provider can evaluate the fit in-office and choose the best lens for your eye.”

Over-the-counter medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications could be a reason your lenses are feeling uncomfortable. For example, many OTC eyedrops are not compatible with contact lenses, and deposits of the medication could build up on the lens surface, Lott explains. Medications such as antihistamines are designed to dry out watery eyes and stuffy noses, but they might also make your eyes too dry to tolerate lenses. To rule out any issues caused by your OTC medications, consult with your eye doctor.

Dry eyes

Wearing contacts when your eyes are parched can result in burning, itching, redness or a gritty sensation. But there are solutions for contact lens wearers with dry eyes. “Your doctor may provide you with eye drops or change the lens material,” Lott says. “Some lenses are better at retaining moisture on the ocular surface than others.”

Allergies

Your eye doctor can help determine whether the reaction you’re having is caused by seasonal or environmental allergies, the lenses themselves or your cleaning solution. “Oftentimes eyedrops are the best treatment for allergies, as they deliver topical coverage to the irritated area,” Lott says.

Contact lens overwear

Contact lenses are approved for a set duration of continuous wear, which might be a daily, weekly or monthly time period. “Overwear is when a lens should be replaced and a patient tries to extend wear beyond the life of the contact lens,” Lott says. It sounds like it would be innocuous to try to wear a pair of lenses for longer than directed, but overwear can lead to a slew of problems, including eye infections from contacts and even long-term complications. So don’t overdo it, and speak to your doctor about the type of lenses you’re using if you’d prefer a different duration of continuous wear.

Contact lens solution

The solution that is best for your contact lenses can vary depending on what they’re made out of. “There are better solutions for different materials,” Lott says. “An eye care provider can help in choosing the correct one.” The choice of solution also depends on you. Some people accumulate buildup on their lenses quickly, for example, and may need to soak them overnight in a hydrogen peroxide solution in lieu of a saline-only solution, Lott says. Speaking to your doctor can help you determine the right way to clean your lenses.

Ultimately, it pays to remember that contact lenses are medical devices, says Lott, that require proper care. So if your contacts feel uncomfortable, your eyes may be telling you something important. Check in with your eye doctor and keep your eyes healthy and happy.

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