Wearing contact lenses for vision correction can offer some amazing benefits—like clear vision, flexibility with sports and improved self-image—but sometimes, your eyes might tell you that something is wrong. Find out some common problems to keep an eye out for (pun intended) and things your eye doctor might recommend.
First and foremost, if you’re experiencing anything unusual or concerning with your contact lenses, get in touch with your eye doctor. Depending on the issue, time can be of the essence, and your eye doctor is the only one who can diagnose and treat your contact lens problems.
Sometimes the problem isn’t your eye—it's the lens itself. Damage or defects in your contact lenses can cause discomfort, irritation, vision problems, or even eye injuries. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly and then inspect your lenses carefully before putting them on. If a lens looks damaged, don't use it.
One of the most common complaints among contact lens wearers is the feeling of eye dryness. There are several reasons you could be experiencing dryness, and one or all could apply to you. Note: If your symptoms are persistent, you may want to be screened for dry eye disease.
• Disruption of your natural tear film
Contact lenses may disrupt your natural tear film, which can lead to symptoms of dryness, grittiness, burning and/or redness. Certain contacts can also absorb moisture from your eyes, especially when worn for long periods.
• Environmental factors
Living in a dry climate or having air blowing in your eyes from wind or air conditioning can make your eyes feel dry whether or not you have contact lenses.
• Excessive screen time
Staring at screens for long periods of time is becoming more and more common, and doing so can reduce the amount of times you blink. Blinking is the way your body naturally spreads and replenishes tears, so less blinking can mean more eye dryness.
Your eye doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops compatible with contact lenses, and/or potentially a different kind of lens better suited to for your specific needs.
Blurred vision is another problem that can crop up unexpectedly during contact lens wear. Often, it’s caused by your lens drying out or your tears not forming a smooth surface over the lens. Other times, it may be caused by buildup on the surface of your lenses, misfitting lenses, or an outdated prescription. Since the causes vary, contact your eye doctor if you experience persistent blurry vision.
Regular eye exams help ensure your vision correction stays clear and that your lenses are performing as they’re supposed to. If you’re experiencing blurry vision regularly with contact lenses, contact your eye doctor.
Eye irritation while wearing contact lenses can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, exposure to pollutants like dust or smoke, or over-wearing your lenses. Remember, persistent irritation should always prompt you to reach out to your eye doctor.
Redness and irritation can be a sign of keratitis (an inflammation of the cornea). If you’re experiencing concerning or ongoing symptoms, reach out to your eye doctor.
Infections are among the most serious contact lens problems. They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa, often entering the eye through poor hygiene, water exposure, or wearing lenses longer than recommended.
If you experience any symptoms of infection, it’s critical to stop wearing your contacts and see your eye care professional without delay. If left untreated, infections can cause severe damage to your eyes, even leading to vision loss.
This may be a small abrasion or scrape on the surface of the eye (the cornea), which can happen if your lens isn’t fitted properly, if you handle it carelessly, or if debris gets trapped under the lens. Corneal scratches often cause discomfort, a gritty feeling, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. If not treated as soon as possible, these tiny scratches can become infected or develop into more serious corneal ulcers.
Always handle your lenses carefully, make sure they fit well, and never wear damaged or scratched lenses. If you feel persistent discomfort or notice a scratch, visit your eye doctor immediately to prevent complications.
The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.
