The Most Common Contact Lens Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Daily Contact lenses wear presents many positives and advantages for those who use and wear them regularly. The correction of vision is generally a more advantageous reason for wearing contacts. The thin material of the lens can feel more natural than the bulk of eyeglasses. Plus, you don’t have to worry about misplacing your contact lens supply as easily as you do with a pair of glasses. 

However, there are times when you might experience contact lenses problems or contact lens discomfort due to loss of comfort or lenses that can become blurry or scratched. You may even accidentally damage them from long term wear or inappropriate wear (for example, wearing contact lenses while in the shower or bath, or wearing in the swimming pool or at the beach). Also chronic dry eyes and infections are possible problems that can affect even the most careful contact lens user. The good news is that you can prepare yourself to simply fix any contact problems with some common preventative practices.

 

Common Contact Lens Issues

Common daily contact lenses issues can include dry eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, and lens discomfort. These contact lenses problems problems can be caused by wearing lenses for too long, incorrect lens care, and not changing lenses often enough. If you experience any of these contact lens problems, it is important to speak to an optometrist for advice and to ensure your eyes stay healthy.

Itchiness or Burning

If you experience contact lens discomfort, itching or burning in your eyes, it is possible that an irritant has gotten into your eye and onto your contact lens. Also, allergies can be a culprit for itchy eyes or even burning. To counteract this, be prepared during allergy season and seek an allergist for the best preventative care in alleviating the itchy eye issue. If you feel that some sediment, sand, or grit is in your eye, remove your contact lens and cleanse the contacts with the contact lens solution in order to remove the item.

Dry Eyes

If your eyes feel tired, dry, and lacking moisture, sometimes the culprit is wearing your contacts for too long causing a lack of oxygen being able to pass through the eye. Dry eyes can also be caused by exposure to your cell phone, computer, tablet, or laptop screens for extended periods without a break.

Adjust your computer monitor to sit at a distance of 20 to 40 inches away to maintain eye moisture and prevent eye strain and ensure the monitor is at or below eye level. 

Another possible solution to alleviate dry eyes is by using natural tear eye drops to comfort and soothe the eye. As a preventative measure, you should always use contact lens solution that is made for contacts and do not improvise using water or other saline drops. Keep your contact lens case free of expired solutions and rinse your contacts each time that you use them. If the dryness persists, it is time to visit your eye care medical professional who is qualified to officially diagnose dry eye syndrome.

Contact Lens Stuck in Eye

It is possible your contact lens can get stuck if you are not immediately able to retrieve it. If you're wondering how to tell if contact lens is still in your eye, you can tell that a contact lens is stuck if the lens will feel out of place or uncomfortable. Your eyes may be too dry in order to remove the lens, or it is possible your contact lens was inserted inside out. Try blinking the eye purposefully to get the contact to slide out. If you reach into your eye to slide the lens out along your fingertip, be sure your hands are completely clean and dry before attempting removal. 

Blurred Vision

Contacts can be smudged, and if they are not properly maintained, your eyes will respond with cloudiness or blurry or impaired vision. Over wear or extended wear (for example wearing dailies beyond their recommended use) can cause blurry vision. To address this keep your lenses cleaned and then see your doctor if the blurry vision continues as it may be an infection that only a qualified medical professional can address. 

Difficulty Inserting or Removing Lenses

Sometimes even the most confident contact lens user may experience a lens that won’t go into the eye or is presenting issues when trying to remove it. The best practice is to remain calm, wash and dry your hands and attempt to insert the contacts according to the directions demonstrated by an eye care professional. Also if contact lens removal is an issue, use artificial tears to help encourage the lens to slide out. Use the removal instructions as demonstrated by your eye care professional. If you continue to experience constant difficulty inserting your lenses, it may be time for them to be refitted. 

Grittiness

There may be times it feels like there is grit or something grainy stuck to the lens. Remove your contacts and thoroughly clear them with contact lens solution on both sides. Insert the contacts and if the grittiness feels persistent it may be time to consult with an eye doctor to rule out any conditions affecting the eye. 

Sensitivity to Light

If you have light sensitivity, it is important to be mindful of the type of prescription contact lenses you are using. Some contacts are specifically designed to reduce light sensitivity, while others may not offer the same protection. It is important to consult with an eye doctor to determine which type of contact lenses are best for your individual needs. Additionally, you may want to consider the use of sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays.

When to Seek Assistance for Prescription Contact Lens Problems

If you're having trouble with contact lenses, you're not alone. Many people struggle with contact lenses, especially when they first start wearing them. The most common challenges include discomfort, blurry vision, dry eyes, and difficulty putting them in or taking them out. To help with these challenges, make sure you're using the right lenses for your eyes and that you're cleaning them correctly. 

Consider using a lubricating eye drop to help reduce dryness and discomfort. Additionally, a contact lens solution specifically designed for comfort and ease of use could help. When you are having persistent or chronic eye dryness, or the feeling that there is grittiness on your eyes, it is time to seek a medical eye professional to help with the contact lens problems. Progressive eye pain, redness, runny eye, and discomfort can be indicative of a serious eye condition like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or another eye infection. Discontinue contact lens use and then seek help from your eye doctor or other medical professional. 

Preventative Contact Lens Care

There are several simple practices you can do to prevent problems with your contact lenses, starting with cleaning your contact lens. Regular cleaning of the contacts with contact lens solution is an important part of maintaining your contacts and protecting your eyes health. 

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lens.
• Remove your contacts before swimming or getting into a pool.
• Never shower with your contacts in.
• Do not sleep with your contacts in, unless they are explicitly intended for overnight use. 

• Keep your contacts in the contact case when not in use. Be sure to periodically clean your contact lens case as well to remove any protein deposits or potential bacteria. 

• Change your contact lens case occasionally; every 3 months is recommended. 

• Always ensure that the nozzle of the contact lens solution does not get any debris or anything on it.  

• Use fresh contact lens solution each time and store your contacts in your case. Dispose of old solution before storing your contact lenses. Note that contact lenses should never be rinsed or stored in water.

• If you feel any eye irritation while wearing your contacts, remove them and rinse them with the eye solution. Do not rub your eyes as that might cause infection if there happens to be any debris on the lens.

Shop Contact Lenses Online with Hubble

With routine practice that includes consistent care of your contacts and being aware of how to use your contacts, you will be on your way to good vision with Hubble. Learn more about our contacts and our convenient monthly contact lenses online subscription services. Hubble lenses are made from methafilcon A, a hydrogel material with 55% water content, UV protection, and a thin edge—designed for easy insertion, all-day comfort, and crystal clear vision.