Lens Comfort Problems
 

There are many reasons why a contact lens may be uncomfortable to wear, including underlying eye disease and other contact lens complications discussed on this page. In cases where the eyes are healthy and the contact lenses are new, there is always the possibility that a lens is defective. Generally, if a lens of a given brand and curvature has been worn successfully in the past without problem, a new and uncomfortable lens makes one strongly suspicious of an abnormally curved lens, or a lens with a scratch or other defect. Since most manufacturers (and online contact lens providers) offer a warrantee for defective lenses, it may be reasonable to return the lens for replacement or refund. Usually the lens must be returned in the bottle in which it was sent in order to get credit. In cases of new gas permeable or hard lenses, sometimes the lens can be smoothed or polished to improve the comfort.

If a new lens of a different brand than has been worn before is uncomfortable, the problem may be with the fit (tightness) of the lens, the thickness of the lens, and the edge design of the lens. Some soft contact lenses have a very high oxygen permeability (extended wear type lenses), and these may be more comfortable for some people. However, these lenses also demand more ocular lubrication to keep them hydrated and moist, so eyes which are somewhat dry may not be comfortable with this type of lens. If a lens is too tight, the cornea may become starved for oxygen, leading to discomfort. On the other hand, a lens that is too loose may irritate the eye due to excessive movement with blinking. Finally, certain characteristics of lenses (thickness and edge design) may be simply uncomfortable for some people. It may take a follow-up examination by your doctor to distinguish between these problems.

An old lens that becomes uncomfortable may be developing deposits on the lens, scratches or nicks in the lens, or problems with the tears lubricating the surface of the lens. People are different with how long a given lens will remain comfortable, and good care of lenses will usually extend the life of a lens. Having to replace lenses frequently due to rapid protein deposit formation or other problems is a good reason to consider disposable lenses.

As mentioned above, the development of an underlying eye disorder not related to the contact lenses can make their use uncomfortable. Some conditions include eye allergy, dry eye, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, eyelid problems, iritis, phlyctenulosis, and pterygium. Pregnancy or hormonal changes are known to cause difficulty in contact lens use in women. Finally, other contact lens complications discussed below can cause discomfort with lens use.