How To Treat Eye Irritation From Contact Lenses?

Tired of constantly rubbing your eyes or feeling that annoying itch when wearing contact lenses? While it’s common, but the question is, “what’s causing it?” Is it the lenses themselves, your eyes, or something else entirely? Whether it’s dryness, poor lens hygiene, or even allergies, itchy eyes can seriously affect your comfort and daily routine.

But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll dive into the real reasons behind why your eyes get itchy with contact lenses, and more importantly, how to treat and prevent the irritation. We’ll explore:

• Common causes of itchy eyes after wearing contact lenses,
• Sign of something more serious, like an infection,
• Some quick ways to get relief, and
• How can laser eye treatment offer a permanent solution to avoid contact lens discomfort?

Let’s get to the bottom of that itch and find a solution that works for you!

Common Causes of Eye Irritation with Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to irritation, discomfort, and redness in your eyes. Here are some of the most common reasons why contact lenses might be causing your eyes to feel irritated:

• Dry Eyes
  One of the biggest culprits of eye irritation is dryness. Contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, which can lead to dryness, especially if you wear them for long periods. Dry eyes can cause your lenses to feel uncomfortable and make your eyes feel scratchy or gritty.

• Improper Cleaning and Maintenance
  Not cleaning your lenses properly or failing to disinfect them regularly can lead to a build-up of dirt, bacteria, or protein deposits on the surface of the lenses. This can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infections like keratitis.

• Allergies
  Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or even the materials in your contact lenses or cleaning solution can cause irritation. If you have allergies, your eyes may become red, itchy, or watery when you wear lenses, making it difficult to wear them comfortably.

• Wearing Lenses for Too Long
  Wearing your lenses for longer than recommended can cause irritation. Extended wear can deprive your eyes of the oxygen they need and lead to discomfort. It’s important to stick to the recommended wear time, typically 8–12 hours per day, and give your eyes a break when necessary.

• Lens Fit and Type
  If your contact lenses don’t fit properly or if they’re not the right type for your eyes, they can cause irritation. Ill-fitting lenses may move around on the surface of your eye, causing friction and discomfort. Additionally, some types of lenses, like hard lenses, can feel more irritating than soft lenses.

• Environmental Factors
  Exposure to dry or dusty environments, or even spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces, can lead to irritation when wearing contact lenses. These conditions can further dry out your eyes, making it harder to wear lenses comfortably.

How Improper  Contact Lens Care Can Lead to Itchy Eyes

If you’re not following the right care routine for your contact lenses, it can lead to serious irritation, including itchy eyes. Poor hygiene and improper maintenance can increase the risk of discomfort, infections, and even long-term eye damage. Here are some ways improper care can affect your eyes:

• When your lenses are not clean. Over time, protein buildup, dirt, and bacteria can accumulate on the surface of the lenses, which can irritate your eyes and lead to infections.

• Wearing contact lenses for longer than the recommended duration can deprive your eyes of the oxygen they need.  Additionally, wearing lenses too long can lead to increased protein buildup and bacterial growth, making your eyes more vulnerable to infection and irritation.

• You store the lenses in dirty or old storage. Such cases can introduce bacteria into the lenses, which then gets transferred to your eyes when you put them in. It’s crucial to replace your lens case every three months and keep it clean at all times to avoid unnecessary irritation or infections.

• Using expired contact lens solutions or the wrong type of solution can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of developing infections. Saline solution isn’t enough to clean or disinfect lenses, so it’s important to use the right disinfecting solution designed for your type of lenses.

• Whether you wear daily, monthly, or annual lenses, it’s important to stick to the replacement schedule. Never extend the use of your lenses beyond the specified duration.

• And lastly, it is sleeping in contact lenses. Lack of oxygen while you sleep causes dryness and discomfort, and can increase your risk of infection. Always remove your lenses before going to bed to allow your eyes to rest.

How Do You Know if Your Eyes Are Allergic to Contacts?

If you suspect that your eyes may be allergic to your contact lenses, there are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for. Here’s a list of the most common allergy symptoms associated with contact lens wear:

• Redness in the Eyes
• Itching or Burning Sensation
• Increased Sensitivity to Light
• Excessive Tear Production (Watery Eyes)
• Dryness or Discomfort
• Gritty or Foreign Body Sensation
• Swollen Lids or Puffy Eyes
• Blurry Vision
• Discharge from the Eyes

What to Do If Your Eyes Itch While Wearing Contact Lenses

Here are some practical steps to follow for immediate relief if your eyes start to itch while wearing contact lenses.

• The first thing you should do is remove your contact lenses. This will prevent further irritation and give your eyes a chance to breathe and recover.
• Rinse your eyes with artificial tears. This can help flush out allergens or debris that may have gotten trapped under the lenses. It also helps to relieve dryness and discomfort.
• If your eyes are still itchy, avoid wearing your contact lenses for the rest of the day.
• If the irritation persists, check your lenses for any damage or dirt. Make sure you are cleaning and disinfecting your lenses properly. A dirty lens or one that doesn’t fit properly can lead to irritation.
• Try switching to a different lens material or brand. Consult with your optometrist for recommendations.
• Apply a cold compress to your closed eyelids to soothe itchy, irritated eyes. This can reduce inflammation and provide relief.
• Consult an Eye Care Professional
  If the itching continues or if your eyes become red, swollen, or painful, it’s important to consult your eye care professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of the irritation, such as an infection or allergy, and suggest the appropriate treatment.

Opt LASIK for Permanent Relief from Contact Lenses

Tired of the constant dryness, irritation, and hassle that comes with wearing contact lenses every day? LASIK surgery offers a permanent solution to eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses, giving you clear vision without the discomfort.

Now,

• No More Dry Eyes
• No more itching, redness, or irritation from lenses that don’t fit right or get dirty.
• Forget spending on contact lenses, solution bottles, and replacement costs. LASIK is a one-time investment for lifelong clear vision.
• and get an improved vision the very next day, so you can get back to your routine without any hassle.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to the discomfort of contact lenses and enjoy clear, hassle-free vision, LASIK is the solution you need!

Conclusion

If you’re tired of the discomfort and inconvenience caused by contact lenses, LASIK surgery is the perfect solution for you. With no more dryness, irritation, or constant spending on contact lenses and solutions, LASIK offers a permanent, hassle-free solution for clear vision.

Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK Surgery at EyeMantra, starting at just ₹12,000 per eye. Book your free appointment now at +91 9711116605 and say goodbye to contacts forever!