It takes some time to get used to new contact lenses, but once you adjust, they should be comfortable to wear. If you experience discomfort, remove the contact lenses immediately and visit your local cataract doctor as soon as possible.

Several factors could be responsible for your discomfort. The usual culprits are:

Dry Eyes 

Dry eyes is a condition that occurs when your tear glands aren’t producing sufficient lubrication for the eyes. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, red, watery eyes, and a stinging or scratchy sensation, which can be exacerbated by wearing contact lenses.

Solution: Patients with chronic dry eyes can administer artificial tears to treat the condition. If that doesn’t work, switching to a different type of contact lens that allows more oxygen to reach the eyes may be recommended. The FDA has approved certain contact lenses specifically made to combat dry eyes. If you want to learn more about these special types of contact lenses, consult your local glaucoma doctor.

Allergens 

Allergens could be another factor behind lens discomfort. Environmental allergens such as dust and dander can stick to your contact lenses and irritate your eyes.

Solution: In addition to avoiding dusty areas, make sure to follow your doctor’s lens-cleaning instructions. For example, only use the brands specified by your eye doctor—certain solutions are not compatible with specific types of lenses and may cause damage.

It’s not unusual for people to become sensitive to cleaning solutions over time. If you feel anything unusual with your eyes or vision, don’t hesitate to consult an optometrist. Sometimes, a relatively minor issue, like lens irritation, can develop into a more serious problem if it isn’t treated promptly.

Underlying Conditions 

It is possible that a more serious underlying condition is the cause of your contact lens discomfort. That’s why it’s important to undergo a routine eye exam at least twice a year.

Eyesite of the Villages offers a wide range of professional eye care services. To schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists, call us at (352) 674-3937 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in The Villages, FL, and the surrounding communities.