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PROBLEMS WITH CONTACT LENSES

Discover the common problems and effects of wearing contact lenses. Learn tips to prevent issues and keep your eye healthy. Click for more advice.

Written by :-DeepseekAI

Of course. Contact lenses are a fantastic vision correction option for millions, but they can come with a host of problems. These issues range from minor annoyances to serious eye infections.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the common problems with contact lenses, their causes, and what you should do.

1. Discomfort and Dryness

This is the most frequent complaint among contact lens wearers.

  • Symptoms: A gritty, sandy, or burning sensation; feeling like something is in your eye; eyes tired of wearing lenses sooner than usual.
  • Causes:
    • Lens Material: Some materials (like older hydrogel lenses) dehydrate more easily.
    • Environmental Factors: Air conditioning, heating, wind, and low humidity.
    • Screen Time: Reduced blink rate while using computers or phones.
    • Lens Deposits: Protein and lipid buildup can make lenses less comfortable.
  • Solutions:
    • Use lubricating rewetting drops that are specifically formulated for contact lenses.
    • Switch to daily disposable lenses, which are fresh and moist every day.
    • Ask your eye doctor about silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to pass through and often stay more hydrated.
    • Take regular breaks from screens and make a conscious effort to blink fully.

2. Redness and Irritation

  • Symptoms: Bloodshot eyes, general irritation, feeling that you need to remove the lenses immediately.
  • Causes:
    • Hypoxia (Oxygen Deprivation): Wearing lenses for too long, especially while sleeping (unless prescribed for extended wear).
    • Allergies: Allergens like pollen or pet dander can get trapped under the lens.
    • Poor Fit: A lens that is too tight or too loose can irritate the eye.
    • Solution Reaction: Residual chemicals from multipurpose solution.
  • Solutions:
    • Never sleep in your lenses unless approved by your doctor.
    • Stick to your replacement schedule. Don’t try to stretch the life of your lenses.
    • For allergies, use preservative-free rewetting drops to flush out allergens and ask your doctor about allergy eye drops.
    • Rub and rinse your lenses when cleaning them, even with “no-rub” solutions.

3. Infections (Keratitis)

This is the most serious category of problems and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, discharge (pus), and the feeling of something stuck in your eye.
  • Causes:
    • Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands before handling lenses.
    • Water Exposure: Showering, swimming, or using a hot tub while wearing lenses. (Water exposes lenses to harmful bacteria and amoebas).
    • Overwear: Sleeping in lenses not designed for it dramatically increases the risk.
    • Using Expired Products: Using old solution or lenses past their disposal date.
  • Types of Infections:
    • Bacterial Keratitis: Rapid-onset, can be very aggressive.
    • Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare but severe and painful infection caused by a water-borne amoeba. It is very difficult to treat.
    • Fungal Keratitis: Less common, but can occur after an eye injury involving plant material.
  • SOLUTION: SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Delaying treatment can lead to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss.

4. Allergic Reactions

  • Symptoms: Itchy, watery, red, and swollen eyes, especially after inserting a fresh lens.
  • Causes:
    • Solution Ingredients: A reaction to the preservatives (e.g., thimerosal) in your contact lens solution.
    • Lens Deposits: Protein buildup on the lens can trigger an immune response.
    • Environmental Allergens: As mentioned before, lenses can trap allergens against your eye.
  • Solutions:
    • Switch to a preservative-free solution (e.g., a hydrogen peroxide-based system like ClearCare).
    • Consider daily disposable lenses to avoid buildup and solution exposure altogether.
    • Use antihistamine eye drops before inserting your lenses (consult your doctor first).

5. Corneal Abrasion

A scratch on the surface of the cornea.

  • Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain, redness, tearing, feeling like something is gravely stuck in your eye, sensitivity to light.
  • Causes:
    • A dirty or torn lens.
    • Inserting or removing a lens with a fingernail.
    • Rubbing your eye aggressively with a lens in.
    • A foreign particle (dust, sand) getting under the lens.
  • Solutions:
    • Remove the lens immediately.
    • See an eye doctor right away. A scratch can easily become infected.
    • Do not wear contact lenses until the abrasion is fully healed.

6. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

This is a common complication where bumps (papillae) form on the underside of the eyelids.

  • Symptoms: Itchy eyes, increased mucus/discharge (especially upon waking), blurred vision, lenses moving around excessively.
  • Causes: A reaction to the contact lens itself, often due to protein buildup on the lens surface or the mechanical friction of the lens.
  • Solutions:
    • See your eye doctor. You will likely need a new lens type/care regimen.
    • Switch to daily disposable lenses to eliminate buildup.
    • You may need to stop wearing lenses completely for a period of time to allow the inflammation to subside.

The Golden Rules for Problem Prevention

  1. Wash Your Hands: Always with soap and water, and dry with a lint-free towel before handling lenses.
  2. Don’t Sleep in Them: Unless specifically prescribed by your doctor for overnight wear.
  3. Stick to the Schedule: Replace your lenses as directed (daily, bi-weekly, monthly). Never “stretch” their use.
  4. Replace Your Case: Get a new contact lens case at least every three months.
  5. Use Fresh Solution: Never “top off” old solution in your case. Use fresh solution every time.
  6. Avoid Water: Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.
  7. Listen to Your Eyes: If your eyes are red, painful, or vision is blurry, take your lenses out!
  8. Regular Check-ups: See your eye doctor for annual exams or anytime a problem arises.

When in doubt, take them out and call your eye doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your vision.

Read more:-

Contact Lens Complications: Recognition, Prevention and Management

Common Contact Lens Problems – Optometrists.org

8 Reasons You Can’t Wear Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses: What Can Go Wrong? – Optometrists.org

The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses – Optometrists.org

Contact Lens Complications – EyeWiki

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