Are Your Contact Lenses Becoming Uncomfortable?
Contact lenses should help you move through your day comfortably. If you now find yourself removing them early or counting the hours until you can switch to glasses, something may need attention. At our office in San Diego’s 4S Ranch community, we help patients from Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and nearby neighborhoods understand what may be causing contact lens discomfort.
A lens that worked well before may no longer feel the same. Changes in your tear film, wearing habits, or lens fit can all play a role. An evaluation can help identify the cause.
Dryness Can Affect Lens Comfort
Your tears help keep the eye’s surface smooth and contact lenses comfortable. When the tear film is unstable or inadequate, lenses may feel dry, gritty, or irritating.
Long periods at a computer can contribute because people tend to blink less while concentrating on screens. Air conditioning and direct airflow may also make dryness more noticeable.
If symptoms regularly appear toward the end of the day, tell your optometrist when they start and what you are doing at the time. These details help guide the evaluation.
The Fit May Need Another Look
Contact lenses are medical devices that need to fit your eyes properly. Comfort depends on more than having the correct prescription.
During a contact lens exam, we assess your eye health, tear film, and how the lenses sit and move on your eyes. A lens that fits poorly can cause irritation or inconsistent vision.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend a different material, design, or replacement schedule. Trial lenses and follow up visits can help determine whether a change improves comfort.
Review Your Wearing and Care Routine
Wearing lenses longer than prescribed or stretching their replacement schedule can create problems. Reusable lenses also need proper cleaning and disinfection.
Wash and dry your hands before handling contacts. Use the recommended disinfecting solution, and never rinse or store lenses in tap water. Remove them before swimming or showering.
Avoid sleeping in contacts unless specifically prescribed by your eye doctor. Even lenses approved for overnight wear carry an increased infection risk when worn during sleep.
If you use eye drops, ask which products are compatible with your lenses. Not every drop is intended for use while contacts are in place.
Know When to Take Your Lenses Out
Do not push through discomfort. Remove your lenses, switch to glasses, and contact your eye doctor for guidance before wearing them again.
Pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision require immediate attention. These symptoms can signal an infection or another problem that needs prompt treatment.
Find a Plan That Fits Your Eyes
Uncomfortable contacts do not automatically mean you must give them up permanently. The right next step depends on the cause.
We can review your current lenses, daily routine, and eye health to recommend an appropriate plan. Bring the names of your lenses and cleaning products, along with notes about when symptoms occur.
Call us today to book your exam.
