Many people start their day with fresh contact lenses that feel comfortable and provide crystal-clear vision. By mid-afternoon, though, their eyes feel dry, itchy, or irritated.
If this sounds familiar, know that discomfort doesn’t have to be part of your daily routine. At our eye care centers in Mansfield, Fort Worth, DeSoto, and Cedar Hill, our optometrists have extensive experience in helping patients achieve all-day comfort with their contact lenses.
In this blog, we explore the root causes of contact lens irritation and provide actionable tips to keep your eyes feeling great from morning until night.
Why do my contact lenses irritate my eyes?
Before you can find relief from contact lens irritation, you need to understand the underlying causes. Several factors can cause discomfort, and they often work together to create irritation:
- Improper lens fit: Lenses that don’t match your eye shape or size can rub against delicate tissues and create persistent irritation.
- Lens material: Certain materials dry out faster than others or may not suit eyes with specific sensitivities.
- Dry eyes: Extended screen time, air-conditioned environments, or low humidity conditions contribute to dry eyes that worsen with lens wear.
- Hygiene habits: Skipping proper cleaning routines or failing to replace your lens case regularly can lead to irritation or infection.
- Overwear: Wearing lenses beyond recommended hours or sleeping in them when not designed for overnight use strains your eyes.
Tips for preventing and reducing contact lens irritation
These strategies help maintain eye comfort while wearing contacts:
Ensure your lenses fit correctly
Achieving the right fit is essential for contact lens comfort. When you visit Advanced Vision Care or Cedar Hill Eye Care for a contact lens exam, our skilled optometrists carefully assess your eyes’ distinct contours and visual needs to provide the perfect fit for your lenses.
For patients with dry eyes or irregular corneas, scleral lenses can be a great option. These specialized lenses rest on the sclera (the white of your eye) rather than the cornea and maintain a layer of moisture against the eye surface, providing extended comfort.
Choose the right lens type
The type of lens you choose plays a crucial role in how comfortable your eyes feel. For example, daily disposable lenses don’t require cleaning routines and minimize protein deposits that can cause discomfort. Specialized lenses for sensitive eyes use innovative materials that help retain moisture and minimize surface friction, making them ideal for those who experience irritation with standard contact lenses.
Your optometrist can recommend options based on your lifestyle, eye health, and specific comfort needs.
Practice good lens hygiene
Proper contact lens hygiene prevents many common sources of irritation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Clean your lens case regularly and replace it every three months
- Follow your optometrist’s recommendations for cleaning solutions
- Never rinse lenses with tap water
- Replace lenses according to the prescribed schedule
Give your eyes a break
Avoid wearing lenses longer than recommended by the manufacturer or your optometrist. Build in time each day or week to wear glasses instead, giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recover.
Keep your eyes hydrated
Hydration works from both inside and outside:
- Use lubricating eye drops specifically approved for contact lens wear
- Drink adequate water throughout the day to support tear production
- Consider a humidifier in dry environments
- Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain and dryness
When to schedule an eye exam
Even with excellent care habits, irritation sometimes persists. Schedule an eye exam if you experience:
- Redness that doesn’t clear after removing lenses
- Persistent soreness or discomfort
- Vision changes
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Sensitivity to light
Our optometrists at Advanced Vision Care and Cedar Hill Eye Care can check for underlying issues such as allergies, prescription changes, or lens fit problems. Sometimes a simple adjustment—like trying a different lens material or switching to scleral lenses—resolves discomfort completely.
See clearly and comfortably, all day long
Wearing contact lenses should simplify your life, not create ongoing discomfort. At our four eye care centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our team works with you to ensure your lenses fit perfectly and support healthy, hydrated eyes. From everyday contacts to specialized scleral lenses for enhanced moisture and comfort, we help you find the right solution for irritation-free vision all day long.
Book your contact lens exam at Advanced Vision Care or Cedar Hill Eye Care today and experience the comfort you deserve.
