Eye irritation from contact lenses
Contact lenses are great for discreet vision correction, and lots of people appreciate having the option of wearing them. But what happens if you're dealing with eye irritation from contact lenses? You're probably going to be fine, but it may take a few changes to keep irritation under control.
Understanding eye irritation from contact lenses
Some eye irritation from contact lenses is inevitable, especially if you're new to wearing them and still adjusting to the whole thing. But sometimes, the irritation gets bad, or it just doesn't go away. Then, the lenses might be the cause of the problem (trust us, it isn't just you).
Common causes of eye irritation
Like some people, eyes are sensitive things, and also like people, it doesn't take much to get them irritated. Eyes can get itchy, painful, and red over some of the silliest things, such as allergies or touching contact lenses for any length of time. Some of the more common causes of eye irritation are dryness and the presence of foreign objects where they don't belong.
The impact of contact lens material
Unfortunately, contact lenses are a type of foreign object that you put in your eye. That means there's always a chance they can cause irritation. A lot of contact lenses use a material that's soft on the eyes, usually a polymer- or silicone-hydrogel compound. Polymers are an affordable material that's usually fine for most people, but it is a bit more likely to cause eye irritation, while silicone lenses might be gentler.
What about eye irritation after removing contact lenses?
A little eye irritation while you're wearing lenses isn’t uncommon, but it should stop after you take the lenses out. If it keeps on, you may have to take steps to stop it (or at least reduce the problem to a level you can live with).
Causes of post-removal irritation
Persistent irritation after you've taken out your lenses can have several causes. It could be dryness, which should be temporary and can be fixed with artificial tears as needed. If it's allergies, you can try an antihistamine (or switch to a hypoallergenic material). If the irritation is caused by foreign object debris, make sure your lenses are properly cleaned (these go in your eyes, after all).
Minimizing discomfort during lens removal
Sometimes, the irritation isn't the fault of your lenses, per se, but something that's going wrong with your removal process. Most people take out their contacts by gently pinching them with the index finger and thumb and then peeling the lens away from the eye. This can be harder to do if your eyes are dry from wearing contacts for too long, but you can fix that with some drops just before you remove the lenses.
Preventive measures for eye irritation
Prevention is better than a cure (stunning insight, we know). Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of eye irritation from contact lenses.
Hygiene and maintenance practices
The first thing to do is make sure your lenses are clean. If you have reusable lenses, follow the directions for regular cleaning, and soak them overnight. You could also switch to daily disposable lenses that can be delivered right to your home and skip the whole hassle.
Here's a quick checklist for cleaning your lenses every day:
- Empty the case and never reuse old solution.
- Rinse the lenses with actual cleaning solution (not tap water ... and never coffee, no matter how good an idea that seemed like in the morning).
- Air-dry the lenses (don't try to dry them with a napkin or anything).
- Replace old lenses when they hit their expiration date or have maxed out the number of uses.
Lubricating eye drops and cleaning solutions
Eye drops are great for keeping eyes moist and comfortable, which reduces irritation overall. It's generally safe to use nonmedicated drops whenever you need them, but check with an eye care professional before getting medicated drops for your eyes. You can usually drop over-the-counter artificial tears right onto your contacts before taking them out but be sure not to use a brand with preservatives.
Eye irritation is a bummer
Sometimes, you can't avoid irritation from contact lenses. There's a lot you can do to manage it, though. Find your prescription online and try these great coupons to get fresh contacts that are less irritating for your eyes. And always check with your eye care provider if you have concerns about the irritation you experience.
FAQs
Can I wear contact lenses if I have allergies and experience eye irritation?
Wearing contacts with any kind of allergies can be tough, but if it's your lenses that are causing the irritation you might have to go without, at least during a flare.
Are there specific contact lens materials recommended for sensitive eyes?
People with sensitive eyes can generally wear disposable lenses made from silicone hydrogel. They can also switch to scleral lenses, which distribute contact pressure over more of the eye.
Can eye irritation from contacts lead to more serious eye conditions?
Persistent eye irritation from contacts can cause a range of serious problems, including corneal ulcers, eye infections and eventually loss of vision.