Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Umer Malik
Wearing contact lenses is of great benefit to many people.
However, as with all products, there can still be problems or difficulties that may occur.
Many of these problems are due to lens care or usage issues.
Below are the top 10 most common problems and their solutions. Read below for more information, or you can check out https://www.contactlenses.co.uk/ for more details.
Table of Contents
Blurry vision
Blurry vision is one of the most common problems when wearing them.
It can happen because of dirt or bacteria on your lenses or eyes, dryness, and even blinking problems.
To solve this problem, clean them thoroughly with a solution, use a lubricating eye drop and often blink to prevent dryness.
Red, itchy eyes
Red eye is another common problem most users experience.
Light-reflecting off the backside of your contact lens causes this as it touches your eye’s surface, which makes your eyes appear red in photos.
To avoid this, always ensure you’re putting on the right size for your eyes, and try using coloured options instead of clear ones if possible.
Burning sensations after lens insertion
Your lenses may be causing a burning sensation when you wear them. There are a few reasons why this might happen.
The first reason is that the lens is not disinfected correctly before insertion. This can lead to an infection, which could be causing the burning sensation that you’re feeling.
The second reason for this problem is incorrect cleaning and disinfection of the lens case. For example, if you have been cleaning your case with tap water instead of sterile saline solution, this could also cause a burning sensation when you wear your lenses.
This is because tap water contains minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium chloride, which will cause deposits on them and make them uncomfortable to wear.
Finally, if your eyes are sensitive to specific proteins in the solution used for disinfecting the case, this could also cause a burning sensation after wearing them.
Contact lens discomfort
Contact lens discomfort is one of the most common problems, and the irritation caused can be mild, moderate, or severe.
It’s important to know what the symptoms are so that you can avoid them in the future.
The discomfort occurs when your eyes get dry, irritated, and red.
It can also occur when you’re wearing a new pair of lenses for the first time, but it’s usually due to poor hygiene habits or improper lens care.
The good news is that there are ways to avoid discomfort and make them more comfortable.
Lens tear or rip
Lens tears or rips occur when the surface of your contact lens is damaged by another object or rubbing against your eye.
A lens tear can happen when you blink or rub your eyes too hard while wearing them. It is also possible for your eyes to produce excessive tears due to allergies, which can also cause the problem.
The best way to avoid this problem is to clean them and use plenty of eye drops per the doctor’s instructions.
If you suffer from frequent lens tears or rips, consider switching to daily disposable lenses, which are more durable than regular ones.
Discomfort when wearing your lenses for a more extended period
If you feel discomfort when wearing your lenses for an ample time, it’s because they’re not fitted properly on your eyes.
The most common cause of this issue is that the lens has not been placed correctly on your eye. You can quickly solve this problem by returning to your optometrist and getting them replaced as soon as possible.
Lens stickiness
The build-up of bacteria and other germs on your lens causes this, which can lead to serious eye infections.
The best way to prevent this problem is by regularly cleaning and disinfecting them with a particular solution provided by your optometrist or optician.
You should also avoid touching or putting anything near your eyes while wearing contacts.
If you notice any crusty bits on your lenses or they feel sticky after cleaning them, see an optician as soon as possible.
Contact lens dryness or dehydration
If you wear contacts, you know how annoying it is when your eyes feel dry and irritated. This is especially true if you’re wearing them for the first time.
Lack of oxygen reaching the cornea (the clear surface at the front of your eye) causes this.
This can make your eyes water excessively, causing redness and discomfort in your vision.
The leading cause of dry eye syndrome is simply not wearing your contacts long enough daily.
You can fix this by increasing the time you wear them daily until you find a comfortable balance between comfort and convenience.
You may also want to consider using a different type of solution that dries out less quickly than others (such as multi-purpose solutions).
Finally, try using artificial tears before putting in or taking out your lenses daily to lubricate them before putting them on or off.
Lens discolouration
It usually occurs when you leave them too long or wear them overnight.
The natural oils in your eyes break down the lens material, causing it to turn yellow or brown.
To avoid this, rinse them with fresh water at least once daily, and don’t wear them longer than your eye care provider recommended.
But please replace them as soon as possible if they start to turn colour.
You see halos around things, especially bright lights.
This is called halos, and it happens when your lens moves or slips out of place. The slipping is usually temporary and caused by environmental factors such as wind, rain, or sweat.
To fix this problem, ensure you apply eye drops before putting on your contacts, and keep an eye on your eyes while wearing them.
Final Thoughts
Contact lenses are the most popular choice for vision correction, and they’re convenient, safe, and easy to use.
However, they can cause problems for some people. For example, they can dry out your eyes, cause irritation and, in extreme cases, even lead to infections.
So if you’ve never worn them before, it’s essential to understand the most common problems people encounter and how to deal with them.
