Do Contacts Hurt? What’s Normal, What’s Not - CorneaCare (2024)

• Last updated November 18, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s normal for contact lenses to hurt, you’re not alone. We’re here to shed some light on what’s considered typical when it comes to wearing contact lenses and when you should be concerned.

Let’s talk about how contact lenses should feel, what could be causing discomfort, and how to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Key Points

• Discomfort with contact lenses can signal underlying issues like dry eyes¹, poor lens fit, or infections², and should not be ignored.
• Maintaining proper lens care and staying in tune with your eye health are key to enjoying comfortable, pain-free contact lens wear.²
• If your contact lenses consistently cause pain or irritation, consult an eye care professional to address potential problems and ensure your eyes remain healthy.²

When you first start wearing contact lenses, it’s natural to feel a new sensation in your eyes. After all, you’re placing a foreign object on your cornea, so your eyes might take a little time to adjust.

You might notice a slight awareness of the lenses when you’re new to them or change to a new type of contact lens. However, after a short period, wearing contact lenses should feel comfortable, and you might even forget they’re there.

Soft contact lenses, the most common type, are designed to be comfortable and flexible. They conform to the shape of your eyeball, providing clear vision without much fuss. Extended wear and disposable lenses have become popular options because of their convenience and comfort.¹

But here’s the thing: contact lenses shouldn’t hurt. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s time to dig a little deeper.

What’s Not Normal: Common Causes of Discomfort

If contact lenses hurt, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. Discomfort can range from mild irritation to significant pain, and it’s important to understand the potential causes so you can address them promptly.

Dry eyes

One of the most common causes of discomfort for contact lens wearers is dry eyes. Contact lenses can sometimes reduce the amount of lubrication on the surface of your eyes, leading to that gritty, dry feeling.¹

Lubricating eye drops, such as CorneaCare preservative-free artificial tears, can help, but if dryness persists, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) about other solutions, such as switching to lenses designed for dry eyes or adjusting your lens wear schedule.

Dry eye disease (DED) involves chronic inflammation that impacts the quantity and quality of your tears, leading to persistent discomfort. Effective treatment for DED may include routine eyelid hygiene, prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and specialized therapies beyond over-the-counter drops.¹

If you suspect you have DED, consult an eye care professional to develop a tailored treatment plan.

Lens discomfort

If your lenses don’t fit properly, you might experience discomfort. A proper contact lens fit is important for comfort and eye health. Ill-fitting lenses can cause blurry vision, irritation, and even lead to more serious issues like corneal abrasions or ulcers.⁴

If your lenses feel uncomfortable, schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor to reassess the fit.

Buildup on lenses

Over time, protein and debris can accumulate on your lenses, causing discomfort and blurry vision. Regular lens care, including proper cleaning with contact lens solution and replacing lenses as recommended, can prevent this buildup.^1,2

If you’re noticing discomfort despite good lens hygiene, it might be time to switch to disposable lenses or consider a different lens care routine.

Eye infections

Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of developing eye infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis. Symptoms include redness, pain, discharge, and blurred vision. If you suspect an infection, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. Eye infections can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.¹

Corneal abrasions

A corneal abrasion occurs when there’s a scratch or injury on the surface of your cornea. This can happen if you insert or remove your lenses too aggressively, or if a tiny foreign object like an eyelash gets trapped under your lens.⁵

Corneal abrasions can be painful and may cause your eyes to water excessively. If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, see an eye care professional as soon as possible.

Allergens and irritants

Allergens in the air, such as pollen or dust, can get trapped under your lenses, causing irritation. If you’re prone to allergy eyes, wearing contact lenses might exacerbate symptoms like watery eyes and itching. In such cases, daily disposable lenses or lubricating eye drops may help reduce irritation.⁴

Extended wear issues

Extended wear lenses are convenient, but they also come with risks. Sleeping in your lenses can reduce oxygen flow to your cornea, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort.³ If you experience pain after wearing your lenses overnight, it’s a good idea to switch to daily wear lenses and give your eyes a break.

When to See an Eye Doctor

It’s important to listen to your eyes. If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or pain, don’t ignore it. Here are some situations where you should remove your lenses and see an eye care professional:

• Persistent pain: If contact lenses hurt constantly, even after trying different solutions like eye drops or changing lenses, it’s time to consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Persistent pain can indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
• Blurry vision: If your vision is suddenly blurry or if you’re seeing halos around lights, it could be a sign of a problem with your lenses or your eyes. Blurry vision can be caused by lens buildup, corneal swelling, or more serious conditions like keratitis.
• Redness and discharge: Red eyes accompanied by discharge are often signs of an eye infection. This is not something to brush off; untreated infections can lead to complications and even vision loss. Remove your lenses and see an eye doctor immediately.
• Feeling of a foreign object: If it feels like something is stuck in your eye, it could be a sign of a corneal abrasion or an eyelash trapped under your lens. If left untreated, this could lead to further irritation or infection.
• Increased sensitivity to light: If you notice that your eyes have become more sensitive to light while wearing contact lenses, it might indicate a corneal issue or an early sign of infection.

Maintaining Healthy Eyes While Wearing Contacts

Keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable while wearing contact lenses comes down to a few key practices:²

• Proper lens care: Always clean your lenses with the appropriate contact lens solution, and avoid using water or saliva to clean them. Replace your lenses as recommended, whether you’re using daily disposables or lenses designed for longer wear.
• Regular eye exams: Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are crucial for monitoring your eye health and making sure your contact lenses are still a good fit. An eye exam can catch early signs of issues like dry eyes, keratitis, or changes in your vision correction needs.
• Listen to your eyes: If your eyes feel uncomfortable or you notice any changes in how your contact lenses feel, don’t hesitate to take action. Sometimes, all it takes is a minor adjustment to your lens care routine, but other times, it might require professional attention.
• Be aware of risk factors: Certain conditions, like dry eye disease or allergies, can make wearing contact lenses more challenging. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your eye care professional about the best strategies to manage them while still enjoying the benefits of clear vision through contacts.

Do Contacts Hurt FAQ

Putting It All Together

Wearing contact lenses should feel good, not painful. If your contact lenses hurt, it’s a signal that something might be wrong, and it’s worth investigating. From dry eyes to corneal abrasions, there are various reasons why contact lenses can cause discomfort, but the good news is that most issues can be addressed with the right eye care and professional guidance.

Remember, your eyes are precious, and maintaining their health is essential. Whether you’re new to contacts or a long-time wearer, being proactive about your eye care will help you enjoy the clear vision and comfort that contact lenses are designed to provide.

If in doubt, always reach out to your eye doctor—they’re there to help you keep your eyes happy and healthy.

What’s Next

Keep your eyes healthy as a contact lens wearer. These articles answer your biggest questions:

• Can I wear contacts with dry eyes?
• How do I know if a contact lens is still my my eye?
• Are colored contact lenses safe?
• Can you wear contacts with a stye?
• What happens if you sleep with contacts in?