Your eyes could be hurting from your contact lenses for a couple of reasons, however is most likely down to them not being the right fit for your eyes. It’s advisable to have a copy of your prescription with you when you order your lenses, just so you know you’re ordering exactly what you need.
Lenses are made from lots of different materials and some are designed for different wearing schedules than others. If you’ve been wearing your contacts overnight without having been prescribed extended wear lenses by your optician, this could be the reason your eyes are in pain.
What should I do if my contact lenses are hurting my eyes?
First thing’s first, you should wash and dry your hands thoroughly before carefully removing your contact lens.
Then, you’ll need to use some fresh contact lens solution and gently rub your contact lens clean. This should remove any potential irritants from the lens surface. Doing this as soon as you feel some pain from the lens is important to avoid irritating or aggravating your eye.
After cleaning and reapplying the lens, if your eye is still hurting, you should take it out again for a closer inspection. Sometimes contacts can split, causing irritation to the eye. If this is the case, you should immediately throw away the lens and apply a new one. That’s why you should always carry a spare set, especially if you’re a daily disposable contact lens wearer.
Having thrown away the damaged lenses, and with a fresh pair in your eyes, the pain should go away very quickly. However, if your eyes are still hurting, it’s advisable to pay a visit to your optician or GP to see if the lenses are suitable for your eyes or if there are any more serious factors at play. And, in instances like these, you should refrain from wearing contact lenses to avoid worsening your eyes’ condition.
Why do my contact lenses hurt?
A number of external factors can affect your lenses and cause them to dry out. Influences such as air conditioning, heating, excessive digital screen use and adverse weather conditions can lead your lenses to lose their moisture, and as a result begin to dry out. This can eventually lead to dry eye, which can be painful and uncomfortable on your eyes.
There’s also the possibility that your lens has picked up some dirt, protein build-up or an allergen and needs to be cleaned.
Quick links:
Do I need an eye test?
A guide to eye infections