Do your contact lenses feel uncomfortable? Many contact lens wearers experience discomfort from time to time, whether it is dryness, irritation, or even the feeling that their contacts don’t fit correctly. But don’t worry—figuring out the cause can help you get back to wearing your lenses comfortably.
At Giles Eye Care, we offer a range of contact lenses in Portland, including RGP (rigid gas permeable), toric, and hybrid lenses, and we’re here to help you find the perfect fit. Let’s explore some reasons why your contacts might be causing discomfort and what you can do about it.
Common causes of contact lens discomfort
Contact lenses should be comfortable enough that you forget you’re even wearing them! If they’re bothering you, there are a few common culprits to consider.
1. Dryness
- Why It Happens: When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears, your lenses can feel dry, gritty, or itchy. This can be especially noticeable in dry environments or after spending hours looking at a screen.
- What You Can Do: Moisturizing eye drops or rewetting drops can provide immediate relief, and staying hydrated throughout the day helps as well. At Giles Eye Care, we can help determine if your dry eye is due to contact lens wear or an underlying issue and suggest appropriate solutions.
2. Incorrect fit
- Why It Happens: Contact lenses come in various shapes and sizes, and finding the right fit is crucial for comfort. If a lens is too loose or too tight, it may move around too much or feel like it’s pressing on your eye.
- What You Can Do: During a fitting at Giles Eye Care, we’ll ensure that your lenses are the perfect match for your eye shape. If you’re experiencing discomfort, it may be worth trying a different lens type, such as RGP, toric, or hybrid lenses, which offer unique benefits for different eye shapes.
3. Lens type
- Why It Happens: Soft lenses, RGP lenses, toric lenses, and hybrid lenses all have distinct features that impact comfort. For instance, RGP lenses provide clearer vision for some but can take a little longer to get used to, while toric lenses are designed for astigmatism but need precise alignment.
- What You Can Do: If your current lenses aren’t working for you, exploring different options can make a significant difference. RGP lenses, for example, offer excellent durability and clarity, while hybrid lenses combine the best of soft and rigid lenses. Our experts will help you navigate these options and find the right match.
4. Lens hygiene
- Why It Happens: Dirty lenses are a fast track to irritation and discomfort! When lenses aren’t cleaned properly, debris, proteins, and bacteria can build up, causing eye irritation.
- What You Can Do: Following a daily cleaning routine is crucial. Clean your lenses according to the instructions from your eye doctor, and always wash your hands before handling your contacts. If you’re new to contact lenses, our team at Giles Eye Care can provide expert guidance on the best cleaning practices.
5. Allergies
- Why It Happens: Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can get trapped on your lenses, leading to red, itchy, and watery eyes. It can be uncomfortable to wear contacts during allergy season if you are particularly sensitive.
- What You Can Do: Switching to daily disposable lenses during high allergy seasons can be helpful since you’ll start with a fresh pair each day. Allergy eye drops can also help, and our team can discuss other solutions to keep you comfortable during allergy season.
6. Overwearing your lenses
- Why It Happens: It’s easy to forget to give your eyes a break, but wearing your lenses for too long can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to irritation and discomfort.
- What You Can Do: Give your eyes a chance to rest by following the recommended wearing schedule for your lens type. If you’re unsure of how long you should be wearing them each day, feel free to ask us at Giles Eye Care!
When to visit an eye doctor
If you’ve tried adjusting your lens care routine and are still experiencing discomfort, it may be time for a check-up. During a contact lens exam in Portland, our team at Giles Eye Care can assess your lenses and eye health to help pinpoint the issue and offer a solution. Whether it’s adjusting your fit, exploring a new lens type, or identifying an underlying eye condition, we’re dedicated to finding the best option for you.
In conclusion, comfortable contact lenses can make a substantial difference in your daily life, and we will ensure your lenses feel as good as they help you see. If you’re struggling with contact lens discomfort, give us a call at Giles Eye Care in Portland, Maine!