Some mornings, you put in your contact lenses, and everything feels perfect—your vision is clear, and your eyes feel fine. But by the afternoon, that comfort can fade. Your eyes may feel dry, itchy, or irritated, leaving you rubbing them or blinking constantly.
At Ideal EyeCare in Omaha and Council Bluffs, we help patients wear contact lenses comfortably all day. That way, you can focus on your work, hobbies, and life instead of your eyes.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why your contacts might be irritating your eyes and share tips to keep them feeling healthy and comfortable.
Why your contact lenses may be irritating your eyes
Eye irritation from contacts can come from several sources—and often more than one at a time. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Improper lens fit: Lenses that aren’t the right shape or size for your eyes can rub and irritate your eyes.
- Lens material: Some types of lenses dry out faster or aren’t ideal for sensitive eyes.
- Dry eyes: Dry eye can develop when you spend long hours on screens, in air-conditioned spaces, or in environments with low humidity.
- Hygiene habits: Not cleaning your lenses or replacing your case regularly can lead to discomfort—or even infection.
- Overwear: Wearing lenses longer than recommended, or sleeping in them, can strain your eyes and make them red or tired.
How to treat eye irritation from contact lenses
Here’s how to prevent dryness, redness, and irritation while wearing your contacts:
Make sure your lenses fit properly
A proper fit makes a huge difference. During a contact lens exam, our optometrists ensure your lenses match your eyes’ shape and prescription. This can help reduce rubbing and discomfort throughout the day.
Pick the right type of contact lens
Daily disposable lenses or lenses designed for sensitive eyes can help your eyes stay hydrated and comfortable.
Practice good lens hygiene
Make sure you wash your hands before touching your lenses, clean your case regularly, and follow your optometrist’s instructions for contact lens care.
Give your eyes a break
Try not to wear your lenses longer than recommended. Swap them for glasses for a few hours to give your eyes a rest.
Keep your eyes hydrated
Keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day by using lubricating eye drops that are safe for contact lenses and drinking plenty of water.
When to call your eye doctor
Even if you follow all the recommended care tips, your eyes can still become irritated. Persistent redness, itching, or soreness is a signal to schedule an eye exam.
Our optometrists can identify issues like allergies, changes in your prescription, or lens fit problems and recommend the right solution. It can sometimes be as simple as changing the lens type or updating your prescription to improve comfort.
Enjoy comfortable vision every day
Contact lenses are meant to make your life simpler, not leave your eyes feeling tired or irritated. At Ideal EyeCare, we work with you to find the perfect fit, care routine, and solutions so your eyes stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for anything all day long.
Book your contact lens exam today and enjoy clear, irritation-free vision from the moment you wake up until the end of your day.
