Even with the perfect prescription and proper care, you may occasionally experience minor discomfort while wearing colored contact lenses. Knowing how to handle these common issues quickly can save your eyes from irritation and prevent bigger problems.
Here’s a practical guide to the most frequent problems and their solutions.
Issue #1: Dry Eyes
What it feels like: Gritty, sandy sensation; lenses feel like they’re sticking to your eye.
Why it happens: Air conditioning, heating, screen time, or simply wearing lenses longer than your eyes are used to.
What to do:
- Use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses (never regular eye drops).
- Blink frequently and deliberately to spread tears.
- Take a break – remove lenses for 15–20 minutes and reapply fresh solution.
- If dryness is chronic, switch to silicone hydrogel lenses, which retain moisture better.
Prevention: Choose daily disposables or lenses with higher water content (over 50%) if you work in dry environments.
Issue #2: Lens Shifting or Moving Too Much
What it feels like: The lens slides off center when you blink or look sideways; vision blurs momentarily.
Why it happens: The base curve (BC) is too flat for your cornea, or the diameter is too small.
What to do:
- Gently close your eye and roll your eye in a circle to help the lens reseat.
- Blink firmly a few times.
- If it happens repeatedly, the lens doesn’t fit you. See your eye doctor – you may need a different BC.
Prevention: Always order lenses that match your prescribed BC and DIA. Never guess or swap with a friend.
Issue #3: Feeling Like Something Is Stuck in Your Eye
What it feels like: Sharp or scratchy sensation, even when the lens seems centered.
Why it happens: A tiny dust particle, eyelash, or debris trapped under the lens. Or a torn edge on the lens itself.
What to do:
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the lens carefully.
- Rinse it thoroughly with fresh solution (rub gently if it’s a monthly lens).
- Inspect the lens for tears or curled edges. If damaged, discard it.
- If you can’t find debris, check your upper eyelid – sometimes a foreign object is stuck there. Rinse with saline.
- If discomfort continues after reinserting, switch to a fresh lens (or a new pair if daily).
Prevention: Always rinse lenses with solution before insertion, even if they come from a sealed blister.
Issue #4: Redness or Bloodshot Eyes
What it looks like: Visible red veins in the white of your eye, possibly accompanied by mild burning.
Why it happens: Oxygen deprivation (wearing lenses too long), allergic reaction to solution, or early sign of infection.
What to do:
- Remove the lenses immediately.
- Wait at least 30 minutes – if redness subsides, you likely just wore them too long. Cut back wear time.
- If redness persists, or worsens, see an eye doctor – don’t wait.
- Never use “redness relief” drops while wearing lenses; they mask symptoms and can make infections worse.
Prevention: Follow maximum wear hours (usually 8–10 hours). Never sleep in colored lenses. Replace monthly lenses on schedule.
Issue #5: Blurry or Foggy Vision
What it feels like: Everything looks hazy, even after blinking.
Why it happens: Protein buildup (monthly lenses), dry spots, or the lens is inside out.
What to do:
- Remove the lens and check if it’s inside out – if the edges flare out, flip it.
- If it’s correct, clean it thoroughly (for monthly lenses) or replace it with a fresh one.
- For daily disposables, if a single lens is blurry, it might be defective – throw it away and open a new one.
Prevention: Clean monthly lenses daily and replace your storage case regularly. For daily wearers, simply use a fresh pair every day.
Issue #6: Eyes Watering Excessively
What it feels like: Tears streaming down your cheeks, as if you’re crying.
Why it happens: The lens is irritating your eye – often due to a poor fit, solution allergy, or a tiny tear on the lens edge.
What to do:
- Remove the lens and inspect for damage.
- Rinse it well and try reinserting.
- If watering continues, switch to a new lens. If the new lens also causes watering, you may be sensitive to the solution – try a preservative‑free brand.
Prevention: Always handle lenses with clean, dry hands; avoid scented or lotion‑based soaps before handling.
When to See an Eye Doctor Immediately
Do not try to “tough out” these symptoms:
- Pain – sharp or persistent
- Redness that doesn’t improve after removal
- Light sensitivity or sudden flashes
- Discharge (yellow or green)
- Vision loss or dark shadows
These can be signs of corneal ulcer, infection, or other serious conditions. Contact your eye care professional right away.
Quick First‑Aid Checklist
| Symptom | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| Dryness | Rewetting drops, blink more |
| Shifting | Roll eye, blink; if recurrent → check BC |
| Foreign body sensation | Remove, rinse, inspect |
| Redness | Remove lenses; rest eyes |
| Blurry vision | Check inside‑out; clean/replace |
| Watering | Remove, check damage, try new lens |
The Bottom Line
Minor issues happen to almost every lens wearer – but they’re usually easy to fix. The key is to remove the lens at the first sign of real discomfort and never ignore persistent symptoms. Keep a small lens care kit with rewetting drops, solution, and a backup pair wherever you go. A few extra seconds of attention can save you hours of irritation – and protect your eye health for the long run.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always follow your eye care professional’s advice and seek medical help for persistent or severe symptoms.