Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses; they don’t slide down your face, they don’t get in the way during sports, and you might prefer the look. Despite this, some people who enjoy the benefits of contact lenses will switch back to glasses because their contact lenses feel uncomfortable. A high-quality set of contact lenses that fit well typically won’t irritate the eyes without some external factors. If these factors are addressed, you may be able to remedy the issue and wear your contact lenses without irritation. Here are some of the common reasons contact lenses may irritate the eyes and what can be done about it.
Common Causes Of Contact Lens Irritation
Dry Eyes
Dry eye symptoms can be caused by a lack of oils in the tears that cause tears to evaporate quickly, leaving the eye without adequate lubrication. Dry eyes can also be caused by decreased tear production, when the eye cannot produce enough aqueous fluid to keep the eyes lubricated. If dry eye symptoms are persistent, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Due to our dry climate, many Albertans have dry eye symptoms even if they are not formally diagnosed with DES. If you have dry eye symptoms, contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate these symptoms due to the reduced amount of oxygen entering the eye. Contact lenses can also become uncomfortable if there is not enough moisture in the eye and the contact dries, leading to poor fit. This does not mean a person with dry eyes can’t wear contact lenses, but they may need contacts that are gas permeable and they may need eye drops or artificial tears to ensure the contact stays soft and maintains its shape and the eyes stay lubricated.
Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, this may cause eye irritation. Seasonal allergies often cause itching or inflammation of the eyes. Remember not to scratch at or rub your eyes even when your allergies hit, as it will only make irritation worse. Instead, use eye drops to help soothe your eyes, use a cool compress around the eyes to reduce any puffiness, and switch to daily contact lenses. It is also possible to be allergic to contact lenses, so if your allergies did not begin until you started wearing contact lenses or if you notice small bumps on your eyelids, visit your optometrist.
Improper Care
Contact lenses come with a variety of lifespans; some contact lenses are daily, some are weekly, and some are monthly. Whichever type you use, it’s important that you do not wear them for longer than the recommended time. This can lead to irritation of the eyes and increase your risk of eye infection. If you wear contact lenses that are not daily, clean your contact lenses with contact-specific wash and store them in fresh contact solution every time. This reduces your risk of infection and also clears away any fibres or small particles that have gotten on the contact lenses throughout the day. To ensure your contact lenses are clean, wash your contact case with fresh solution when you empty the case and then let the case dry upside down. Drying the case with a towel or paper product can deposit fibres into the case and they can transfer to your contact lenses.
Corneal Irregularities
If your cornea is irregularly shaped, regular contact lenses likely won’t fit properly and could cause irritation. For an issue such as this, some optometrist clinics offer toric lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs). These lenses are custom fitted to ensure proper shape and comfort. Discuss these options with your Calgary optometrist for further recommendations.
Contact Lens Care From Blink Eyewear
Contact lenses should not irritate the eyes, and if they do you should address this issue with your optometrist. At an eye exam, the optometrists at Blink Eyewear can help you determine the root cause of your discomfort and how to address it while ensuring your prescription is correct. The helpful staff at Blink Eyewear can give you a lesson on how to properly put in, take out, and wash your contact lenses. With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.
