Why might you have eye pain when wearing contact lenses?

Contact lenses are designed to feel comfortable on your eyes, so if you feel pain when you wear them, you need to talk to your eye doctor. Find out common causes of discomfort or pain they may identify and possible solutions they may recommend.

6 common causes of eye pain when wearing contacts

It’s understandably frustrating and concerning when your contact lenses start to cause discomfort or pain. Knowing what might cause pain when wearing contact lenses can be an important step towards prevention. Remember, if you’re experiencing concerning, persistent, or severe pain while wearing contact lenses, take them off and contact your eye doctor immediately.

1. Dryness

What is it?

The feeling of dryness happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This lack of moisture can lead to a gritty feeling, general discomfort, or pain. The feeling of dry eyes can be common for contact lens wearers, since contact lenses can disrupt your eye’s natural tear film.

Why it might hurt

Your eyes are meant to be lubricated, not just for comfort but also to help provide clear vision. When your eyes are dry, your body lets you know through the feeling of irritation, grittiness, burning, and/or pain.

Possible solutions

If you experience symptoms of eye dryness while wearing contact lenses, your eye care professional may recommend contact lens rewetting drops. If you're working at a computer during the day, be sure to take breaks. When you stare at screens, you blink less, which can also contribute to eye dryness.  

2. Allergies

What is it?

Allergies can cause your eyes to feel itchy, watery, or irritated, making contact lens wear uncomfortable. The symptoms of allergies are caused by your body’s immune response to allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Why it might hurt

When you wear contacts, allergens can cling to the lenses, causing a prolonged allergic reaction. This irritation may heighten the sensitivity of your eyes, making contact lenses feel even more uncomfortable.

Possible solutions

If you suffer from allergies and wear contact lenses, ask your eye doctor about daily disposable contact lenses, if you aren’t already wearing them. They can ensure that you start each day with a fresh, clean pair of lenses. For seasonal allergies, your eye care professional may recommend antihistamines and/or switching to glasses on days when allergy symptoms are particularly bothersome.

3. Poorly fitting lenses

What is it?

Every person's eyes are different, which means not all contact lenses will fit everyone perfectly. Your eyes may be bigger or smaller than your lens was made for, or have a different curvature.

Why it might hurt

If your lens doesn’t sit well on your cornea, it might move around and rub against other parts of your eye. The friction can cause tearing, blurry vision, sore spots and even scratches on the eye's surface. Over time, wearing ill-fitting lenses can cause chronic irritation or sensitivity of the eyes.

Possible solutions

Visit your eye doctor to get check your prescription and contact lens fit. They will help you find the right type and size that suits your eyes better. Keep in mind, regular check-ups can help make sure that your lenses continue to fit well, adapting to any changes in your vision or eye shape.

4. Eye infection

What is it?

Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that grow on your eye or on your contact lenses, particularly when lenses aren't cleaned properly.

Why it might hurt

Infections of your eye can lead to redness, swelling, sensitivity to light, tearing, and a burning sensation in the eyes. In some cases, these infections can threaten vision if not treated properly. The pain can intensify depending on the severity of the infection, making everyday activities like reading or focusing on screens quite challenging. Immediate medical care is essential, as untreated infections can lead to long-term eye damage or vision loss.

Possible solutions

If you suspect an eye infection, take out your contact lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. Avoid wearing contacts until the infection has been treated. Strictly following the contact lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor can help prevent infections from occurring.

5. Environmental factors

What is it?

Things like smoke, pollen, dust, humidity levels and pollution can lead to discomfort or irritation while wearing contact lenses.

Why it might hurt

When exposed to these elements, your lenses may trap irritants against your eye, leading to inflammation.

Possible solutions

Do what you can to limit your exposure to things that trigger irritation and pain in your eyes. This may include staying inside during times of high smoke, pollution, or pollen. Your eye care professional may recommend lubricating eye drops approved for use with contact lenses.

6. Improper lens care

What is it?

Not following the contact lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor can lead to discomfort or pain due to protein, environmental irritant, and/or bacteria buildup.

Why it might hurt

Lenses that haven’t been properly cleaned can irritate sensitive tissues in your eye, making wearing them much less comfortable and potentially leading to infection. Things like makeup or other irritants can get trapped under the lens, causing anything from discomfort to severe pain. Regularly neglecting lens hygiene can increase the risk of serious eye issues over time.

Possible solutions

Always follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for cleaning and replacing your lenses, wash your hands before touching your contacts, and make sure tochange your lens case regularly to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

See your eye doctor with any questions or concerns

An eye doctor speaks to her patient, showing a notebook.

If your eye hurts when wearing contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor. Persistent discomfort, redness, or changes in vision are signs that something serious may be happening. Yearly eye exams can help you make sure your lenses continue to fit correctly.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can contact lenses hurt my eyes even if they’re the right prescription?

Yes, even with the correct prescription, contact lenses may occasionally cause discomfort due to factors like dryness, allergies, or improper lens care. If you’re experiencing contact lens discomfort, reach out to your eye doctor for guidance.  

What should I do if my eyes hurt after putting in my contacts?

If your eyes hurt after inserting your contacts, take them out immediately. Give your eyes a break and reach out to your eye doctor for guidance.

How can I tell if I have an eye infection from wearing contacts?

Signs of an eye infection include redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and an unusual discharge. If you experience these or any other concerning symptoms, contact your eye doctor right away.

Why do my contact lenses feel uncomfortable even after I clean them?

Contact lenses might feel uncomfortable for a lot of reasons, for example, if they have become damaged, aren’t the right fit, or if you aren’t cleaning them well enough. Reach out to your eye doctor, as they can help determine the cause.

How often should I see an eye doctor if I wear contact lenses?

It’s recommended to see your eye doctor at least once a year to check your eye health and ensure your contact lenses fit properly.

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Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

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