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Experiencing discomfort while wearing contact lenses is a common concern among users. Whether it’s a subtle irritation or a more noticeable discomfort, understanding the underlying cause is essential for finding a lasting solution. Several factors can contribute to lens discomfort, such as dry eyes, improper lens fit, or even buildup on the lenses themselves. Identifying these causes can help you take the necessary steps to alleviate discomfort and restore comfort during wear. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common reasons for why your contact lenses feel uncomfortable and provide practical solutions to help you address these issues effectively.

Common Causes of Contact Lens Discomfort

Discomfort while wearing contact lenses can stem from various underlying issues. While some causes may be temporary or environmental, others may require adjustments to your lens care routine or a consultation with your eye care provider. Below are some of the most common reasons contact lenses may feel uncomfortable:

  • Dry Eyes: One of the most frequent causes of lens discomfort; dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tear film lacks the right balance of oils and moisture. Contact lenses can exacerbate dryness by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the eye’s surface, by absorbing moisture from the tear film, or by destabilizing the tear film.
  • Improper Lens Fit: Contact lenses come in different sizes and curvatures to match the shape of the eye. If a lens is too loose or too tight, it can move excessively or fail to move at all, leading to irritation, blurred vision, or a sensation of something being in the eye. Proper fitting by an eye care professional is essential to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
  • Protein and Lipid Deposits: Over time, natural substances found in your tears, such as proteins, lipids, and calcium, can build up on the surface of your lenses. These deposits can create a cloudy film, reduce visual clarity, and cause physical irritation. Inadequate cleaning or not replacing the lenses frequently enough increases the risk of this issue.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop sensitivity to the materials used in contact lenses or the preservatives in certain cleaning solutions. Symptoms can include redness, itching, burning, or excessive tearing. These reactions can develop suddenly, even after years of successful lens use.
  • Environmental Factors: External conditions such as air conditioning, heating systems, windy environments, or prolonged screen time can also dry out the eyes and contribute to contact lens discomfort.

Recognizing these common causes is the first step toward resolving discomfort and ensuring your lenses remain a comfortable and effective vision solution.

Solutions to Contact Lens Discomfort

Alleviating contact lens discomfort often involves a combination of proper hygiene, supportive lifestyle habits, and personalized guidance from an eye care professional. The following solutions can help address the most common causes of discomfort and support comfortable, long-term lens wear:

  • Use Rewetting Drops Specifically Formulated for Contact Lenses: Rewetting or lubricating eye drops can offer immediate relief from dryness and irritation. These drops are safe for use with contact lenses and help replenish moisture on the lens surface. They can be used throughout the day as needed, especially in environments with dry air, air conditioning, or screen-heavy tasks that reduce blinking frequency.
  • Maintain a Consistent and Proper Lens Care Routine: Proper hygiene is critical to keeping your lenses clean and your eyes healthy. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. Clean and disinfect your lenses using the recommended solution, and avoid shortcuts such as rinsing with tap water or “topping off” old solution, as these can cause serious infections. Follow the replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional—whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly—and never extend the life of your lenses beyond what’s advised, as this increases the risk of deposits and infection.
  • Stay Hydrated and Support Tear Film Health with Nutrition: Adequate hydration plays a vital role in maintaining healthy tear production. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot or dry climates. In addition, dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids—commonly found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, fish oil, and walnuts—can help enhance the quality and stability of your tear film. These nutrients may help reduce inflammation and improve comfort during lens wear.
  • Create a Lens-Friendly Environment: Environmental factors can exacerbate dryness and lens discomfort. Try to avoid direct exposure to fans, air vents, or wind. Use a humidifier in your home or office to maintain optimal humidity levels, particularly during colder months, when indoor heating can dry out the air. If you spend extended hours on digital devices, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet (ca. 6 m) away. This encourages blinking and reduces eye strain.

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  • Wear and Handle Lenses as Directed: Always insert and remove your lenses as directed by your optometrist. Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight wear. Avoid wearing lenses for longer than the recommended duration each day, and give your eyes a break if they begin to feel strained or irritated.
  • Consult Your Eye Care Professional for Persistent Issues: If discomfort continues despite your best efforts, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye care provider can evaluate the fit and material of your lenses, check for underlying eye conditions, and recommend alternatives such as switching to a different lens type or changing your cleaning solution. They may also explore whether other conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, or meibomian gland dysfunction, are contributing to your discomfort.

By following these solutions consistently and working closely with your eye care provider, you can minimize discomfort, maintain healthy eyes, and enjoy the full benefits of contact lens wear.

Explore more wellness tips for your vision: Navigating Common Eye Diseases in Older Adults

Alternatives to Improve Comfort with Contact Lenses

If discomfort persists despite following recommended care routines and using appropriate products, you may consider alternative options. Every individual’s eyes are different, and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. Below are several alternatives that may help improve comfort and eye health:

  • Switch to Daily Disposable Lenses (Under Professional Guidance): One of the most effective ways to reduce discomfort is by transitioning to daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses are designed for single-use wear, meaning you insert a fresh, sterile pair each day and discard them at night. This eliminates the risk of deposit build-up and significantly reduces the chance of irritation or infection caused by protein or lipid accumulation. Daily disposables simplify your lens care routine, as no cleaning or storage is required. However, this switch should only be made under the supervision of an eye care professional through a proper contact lens fitting. They will assess the health of your eyes, the curvature and size of your cornea, and recommend the most suitable lens material for your needs.
  • Give Your Eyes a Break with Glasses: Regular breaks from contact lenses can help restore eye moisture and prevent overuse-related irritation. Wearing glasses—even for just part of the day—gives your eyes time to breathe and recover from lens wear. This is especially important if you’re experiencing dryness, redness, or fatigue by the end of the day. Additionally, glasses can be a more comfortable option during allergy season, when pollen or irritants can become trapped between your lenses and eyes.
  • Explore Specialty or Custom Lenses for Unique Needs: Standard soft lenses may not provide the ideal fit or comfort. Your eye care provider may recommend alternative lens types, such as rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses—especially if you have irregular corneas, high astigmatism, or dry eye syndrome. These specialty lenses offer customized fits and can often provide improved comfort and visual clarity for individuals with unique eye shapes or conditions.
  • Consider Lens Material Changes: Advances in contact lens materials have led to more breathable, moisture-retaining options. If you’re currently using hydrogel lenses and experiencing discomfort, switching to silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the eye, may help alleviate dryness and irritation. Your optometrist can recommend materials based on your tear chemistry, lifestyle, and any sensitivities you may have.
  • Review Your Lifestyle and Eye Health: Sometimes, discomfort may signal an underlying issue such as meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, or seasonal allergies. A thorough examination by your eye care professional can help uncover contributing factors that may require targeted treatment beyond simply adjusting your lenses. In such cases, addressing the root cause—through medications, lid hygiene routines, or allergy management—can improve lens comfort.

It’s essential to remember that persistent discomfort is not something you should ignore or try to manage on your own, long-term. A consultation with an eye care professional is the most reliable way to identify appropriate alternatives tailored to your specific needs and ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable with or without lenses.

Need help choosing the right contact lens for your eyes? Visit our Contact Lenses Ottawa page to explore our options.

Contact lens discomfort is a common issue, but it should never be considered normal or something you must live with. Whether it’s due to dryness, lens deposits, an improper fit, or sensitivity to cleaning solutions, there are effective steps you can take to restore comfort and protect your eye health. From using rewetting drops and improving lens care routines to exploring daily disposables or specialized lenses, a tailored solution is always within reach.

If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or are curious about better alternatives for your eyes, we’re here to help.

Book an appointment with Rideau Optometric today and let our experienced team find the right solution for your vision and comfort. Your eyes deserve expert care—and you deserve to wear your lenses with confidence and ease.