Why Do My Contacts Burn?

"Why do my contacts burn?" is a common question, but the answer varies; it could be irritation from something on the lens, dryness, solution sensitivity, allergies, overwear, poor fit, or a possible eye infection. Whew, what a list!

We've all heard the phrase "no pain, no gain," but burning isn't something you should just push through. We put together this guide to help you understand common causes of burning, learn how to ease discomfort, and determine when to seek professional care.

Why do my contacts burn when I put them in?

If your eyes burn right when you put your contacts in, the problem is often due to the lens surface, your hands, your tear film, the solution, or how the lens fits. Some issues arise due to poor insertion technique, but it's possible to experience burning even if you do everything right.

Note: "Burning" is a catch-all term. Some people describe the sensation as stinging or irritation instead. No matter how you slice it, contact lens discomfort isn't any fun.

Something is on the lens or your hands

Residue or debris can make a contact lens burn as soon as it touches your eye. Yes, we know you've been using cucumber melon lotion since you were a teen, but you've got to wash it off before you handle your contacts!

To prevent eye burning after putting contacts in, you should eliminate every trace of:

• Soap

• Lotion

• Hand sanitizer

• Perfume

• Cosmetics

• Lint

• Debris

That starts with washing your hands thoroughly and drying them before you even attempt to pick up a contact lens. Prior to insertion, examine each contact for signs of damage. If you notice anything questionable, open a new pair.

Your eyes are dry or already irritated

For some people, the answer to "Why do my contacts burn when I put them in?" is "Because your eyes are already dry or irritated." This can make it feel like your lens is sitting on an unstable or uncomfortable tear film.

Dryness can be worse with:

• Screen use

• Allergies

• Environmental dryness

• Wearing lenses for longer than recommended

If you're glued to a screen all day, try taking frequent blink breaks. You may also benefit from using a humidifier.

Your contact lens solution may be irritating your eyes

If your eyes burn when putting in contacts, it might be a problem with your solution, not with the lens itself, as some eyes are more sensitive to certain ingredients. This can cause burning even when the lens is sparkling clean.

The key is to follow guidance from your eye doctor or lens manufacturer. Don't just switch products willy-nilly.

The old lens may be damaged, overworn, or the wrong fit

A torn, inside-out, expired, overworn, or poorly fitting lens can irritate the ocular surface, making eyes burn when putting in contacts.

The first step is to examine your contact for signs of damage. If you notice chips, tears, or other issues, discard the lens and open a new pair. It's important to follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule, as wearing lenses too long makes it easier for protein deposits to form.

You also need to check for fit or prescription issues. If a lens is too tight, shifts out of place, or isn't oriented correctly, it can cause significant discomfort. You may need a new prescription to account for recent vision changes or correct fit problems.

Get a head start by learning how to read your contact lens prescription.

Why your eyes may burn after taking contacts out

Burning after removing contacts can happen for related but slightly different reasons, such as dryness, irritation from overwear, removal friction, or an already irritated eye surface.

If your eyes burn after taking contacts out, see an eye doctor, especially if you experience pain or redness.

What to do if your contacts burn

At the first sign of burning, you should remove your contact instead of pushing through the discomfort. Wash your hands first, though!

Once you have the lens in hand, inspect it carefully for rips or other signs of damage. If necessary, use fresh solution for cleaning. You may have to switch to glasses for a few days if the burning persists.

Note: Always follow the instructions provided by the lens manufacturer and your eye care professional. Also, never use tap water to rinse your contacts.

Can I use eye drops when my contacts burn?

Contact-safe lubricating drops may help if dryness is the issue, but don't use drops to hide pain, redness, or ongoing irritation. They're not a magic potion that cures every eye problem.

Look for drops labeled as "contact lens rewetting drops" or marked safe for use while wearing contacts. Regular drops can trap debris in the eye, making your burning even worse.

If burning persists, see an eye doctor right away. DIY is fine when it comes to making holiday wreaths, but not when your vision and eye health are at stake.

When should I see an eye doctor for burning contacts?

Call an eye doctor if burning doesn't go away after removing the lens, keeps coming back, or comes with pain, redness, swelling, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes. Prompt attention is especially important if you have severe pain, signs of infection, allergic reaction, or worsening symptoms.

Almost everything you do involves your sense of vision, so now isn't the time to mess around with home remedies or TikTok trends. Find an eye doctor near you to get the professional help you deserve.

How can I prevent my contacts from burning?

You can reduce the risk of burning contacts by keeping lenses clean, replacing them on schedule, using the right solution, and making sure your prescription and fit are correct.

Easing discomfort starts with good habits. Always wash your hands before handling contacts, use fresh contact solution every time, and replace your lenses and storage cases as directed by their manufacturers.

We also recommend avoiding overwear, removing your lenses before sleep (unless your eye doctor says otherwise), and keeping a pair of backup glasses on hand.

Recurring burning may indicate that your prescription, lens type, solution, or fit needs review. Once you get to the bottom of the issue, renew your contacts prescription online.

What to remember if your contacts burn

Think of burning eye like a yield sign. They're telling you to slow down, inspect your contacts, and avoid pushing through discomfort. You can prevent irritation by keeping your prescription current, replacing lenses as directed, and consulting an eye doctor when you experience bothersome symptoms.

When you're ready, trust 1-800 Contacts to help you learn how to order contacts online. With the right pair of lenses, you may never have to ask, "Why do my eyes burn when I put my contacts in?"

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!

Original publish date: 2/14/2024

Updated date: 7/31/2026