Why do my contacts hurt?

A woman putting her contact lenses in, in the mirror.

If you wear contact lenses, it can be quite common to experience discomfort or pain in your eyes from time to time. There are many reasons why your contacts may be causing you discomfort, including issues related to dry eyes, eye infections, and even the fit of your lenses.

Dry eyes can also play a role in contact lens discomfort. If your eyes are not producing enough tears or if the tears are of poor quality, your lenses may feel dry and uncomfortable. In some cases, you may even experience blurred vision or light sensitivity. To combat dry eyes, you can use lubricating eye drops, take breaks from your lenses, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Aosept Plus Hydraglyde is perfect for contact lens users as it works as a deep cleanse and extends the comfort period of your lenses. Click here for more dry eye products.

Another cause of contact lens discomfort is eye infections. If bacteria or other harmful substances get trapped under your lenses, they can cause infections such as conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, or keratitis, which is the inflammation of the cornea. These infections can cause redness, pain, and even vision loss in severe cases. To prevent infections, it's important to properly clean and store your lenses and to avoid wearing them for too long. If you want to know more about eye infections and how to prevent them, click here for more information.

A common reason for contact lens discomfort can be poor lens fit. If your lenses are too tight or too loose, they can cause irritation and in some cases, pain in your eyes. It's important to have your lenses fitted by an eye care professional to ensure that they are the perfect fit for your eyes, like everything else, your eye shape and size are different from other people’s. In some cases, you may need to try different types of lenses or even switch to glasses if your eyes are particularly sensitive.

Allergies can also be a factor in contact lens discomfort. If you have seasonal allergies or are allergic to certain substances such as pollen or dust, your eyes may become red, itchy, and swollen when you wear your lenses. To combat allergies, you can use antihistamines, avoid rubbing your eyes and try switching to daily disposable lenses to limit the amount of exposure to allergens.

In some cases, contact lens discomfort may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your eyes, you should see an optometrist or your GP who can give you advice and look into the problem further, as soon as possible. The optometrist performs a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.

There are several reasons why your contact lenses may be causing you discomfort, including poor fit, dry eyes, eye infections, allergies, and underlying health conditions. If you experience discomfort or pain in your eyes while wearing your lenses, it's important to take steps to address the issue to prevent more serious complications. Make sure to have your lenses fitted by an eye care professional, use lubricating eye drops to combat dry eyes, clean, and store your lenses properly to prevent infections, and see an eye care professional if you experience persistent symptoms. By taking these steps, you can continue to enjoy clear vision without sacrificing your eye health and comfort.

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