Contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses, but sometimes they don’t feel as comfortable as they should. Whether it’s irritation, dryness, or even pain, uncomfortable contact lenses can significantly affect your day-to-day life. But why are your contacts causing discomfort, and what can you do about it? Here are some reasons why your contact lenses might be uncomfortable and how to find relief.
1. Your lenses might be dirty
Throughout the day, your lenses can collect dust, particles, or oils, irritating your eyes. Even if they look clean, sometimes tiny bits of dirt can get on your lenses when you handle them. To avoid this, make sure you’re cleaning your lenses properly. Always wash your hands before handling your contacts and follow your optometrist’s instructions for cleaning and storing your contact lenses.
2. You’re experiencing dry eyes
Dry eye is another leading cause of contact lens discomfort. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the tears you have evaporate too quickly—it can lead to a gritty, uncomfortable feeling in your eyes. Unfortunately, contact lenses can sometimes make dry eye symptoms worse.
Using rewetting eye drops designed for contact lenses can help alleviate dryness. However, if your symptoms persist, our Port Richey eye doctors can recommend more effective dry eye treatments for lasting relief.
3. Your contact lenses might not fit properly
Just like shoes, contact lenses need to fit your eyes perfectly. If your lenses are too tight or too loose, they can move around on your eye, causing discomfort or even damage. Even if your lenses once fit well, your eyes can change over time, meaning a refitting might be necessary.
If your lenses feel uncomfortable, schedule an appointment with our eye doctor to check if your prescription or lens type needs adjusting.
4. You may be sensitive to your contact lens solution
Did you know that your contact lens solution might be the issue? Some people develop sensitivities to the preservatives in their solution, which can lead to burning, redness, or discomfort. You can try switching to a preservative-free solution or a different brand to see if it makes a difference.
5. You might need a different type of lens
Not everyone can wear traditional contact lenses comfortably. If you’re wearing standard soft lenses but have specific eye conditions like keratoconus or corneal irregularities, those lenses may not provide the comfort and visual clarity you need. Specialized lenses, such as scleral lenses, can offer a better fit and sharper vision for people with complex corneal conditions.
6. You’re over-wearing your lenses
Wearing your contact lenses for too long can lead to discomfort, as your eyes need time to breathe. Over-wearing contacts can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, leading to redness, irritation, and long-term damage.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s guidelines on how long you should wear your contacts each day. Don’t forget to give your eyes a break by switching to glasses when you can.
7. You could have an underlying eye condition
In some cases, underlying eye conditions like allergies, infections, or corneal issues can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. If you’ve tried all the solutions above and nothing seems to work, it’s time to visit our eye doctor. They can diagnose underlying issues and recommend treatments or alternative contact lenses that will work better for you.
Find comfort at our Contact Lens Clinic in Port Richey
At our Contact Lens Clinic, we can help you find the perfect fitting contact lens for your eyes. We offer a wide range of specialty contact lenses in Port Richey for those who can’t wear traditional contact lenses. If you have a condition like keratoconus or need a better-fitting pair of contacts, Dr. Veronia Abadeer and our expert team are here to help.
Our clinic offers custom contact lenses tailored to your prescription, eye shape, and lifestyle, ensuring you get the comfort and clarity you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!