fbpx
Contact Lens Problems & Irritation2022-07-20T11:51:03+00:00

Contact lens problems and irritation could put your eyes at risk

Discover the common causes of problems and what to do about contact lens discomfort

Contact lens problems and irritation could put your eyes at risk

Discover the common causes of problems and what to do about contact lens discomfort

Side effects and dangers of contact lenses

Discover more about these risks and how to avoid them

Contact lens problems & irritation incidence / prevalence

Contact lens problems range from mild irritation and discomfort to serious and potentially sight-threatening infections.

Lots of people who wear lenses suffer from problems. Lens irritation and discomfort are relatively common but thankfully easily dealt with.

However, some more serious contact lens problems require expert medical attention.

Contact lens problems and irritation can be caused by:

  • Improper care or use of your lenses

Soft lenses are particularly delicate and should be cared for as recommended by the manufacturer. Failing to clean your lenses properly, letting them dry out, or not washing your hands before putting them in can result in lens discomfort and irritation.

If your contact lenses come into contact with make-up, perfume and hair products, this can also cause problems.

Your contact lenses should never be lent to anyone else, as they can carry bacteria.

  • Wearing contact lenses for too long

There are many different types of contact lens. Some can only be worn for a few hours, while others can be worn overnight. Wearing lenses for longer than recommended can cause irritation and discomfort. Wearing lenses that are worn out or past their use-by date can also cause problems, including infections from bacteria.

Always replace your lenses as soon as recommended by the manufacturer or your eye doctor.

  • Eye infections from contact lenses

Eye infections caused by the bacteria on contact lenses can potentially be quite serious. If left untreated, an eye infection could be sight-threatening. It’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have an eye infection.

If your eyes are frequently red, sore or swollen after wearing contact lenses, you probably suffer from contact lens irritation. Lens irritation can also cause dry eyes, blurred vision, and a constant feeling that there is something in your eye.

We can diagnose contact lens-related problems by looking at your eye on a slit lamp. It may require a special dye called fluorescein to be put into your tears to show more detail. This only lasts a few minutes in your eyes then is drained away naturally.

Preventing and treating contact lens problems

Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid contact lens irritation and discomfort. Caring for your lenses and using them properly will help to avoid many problems, including infection.

A change in the type of lenses you are using or getting your prescription updated may also help relieve lens irritation. You could also consider laser vision correction as a permanent solution to lens discomfort.

At Eye Institute, we are highly experienced and our laser vision correction treatments are advanced.

Is it bad to wear contact lenses every day?

Some people’s eyes can tolerate wearing contact lenses for longer periods than others. You may need to reduce the number of hours or days of the week you wear contact lenses.

Can contact lenses cause permanent damage to the eyes?

Possibly. A severe infection can cause permanent scarring to the cornea. If there is not enough oxygen supply to the cornea, abnormal blood vessels can grow.

Will eye drops help my irritation?

Possibly. If the irritation is due to the contact lenses drying out the eye, then lubricant eye drops can improve the comfort of the eyes.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Does poor vision or the limitations of glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

Do your glasses and contacts get in your way or make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you feel a bit meh when wearing glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? Perhaps poor vision and the inconvenience of glasses and contacts stops you from participating in certain activities you enjoy or even simply enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes around you. Laser eye surgery could be the answer.

LEARN MORE

Are you struggling with the hassle of reading glasses?

Whether you’re new to reading glasses or have worn them your whole life, it doesn’t take long to notice how annoying they can sometimes be. Before you know it, there’s a pair of readers everywhere you look; around your neck, in your pockets, and in every room of the house. But when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found. Restore your vision (and avoid future cataract surgery too).

LEARN MORE

Is your vision becoming cloudy, blurry and dull or have you been diagnosed with cataracts?

When your glasses are no longer effective, your quality of life is impacted. At first, you might be able to muddle by. But as your vision deteriorates, your ability to function as you normally would is needlessly compromised. With modern cataract surgery, you have the choice to quickly and easily improve your vision (and even reduce your dependence on glasses).

LEARN MORE

Take this quick quiz to discover if you can escape the hassle of reading glasses

After the age of 45, many people find reading glasses frustrating. Take this quick 2-min quiz to find out which type of eye surgery could help you to turn back the clock on your eyes.

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

1. Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

2. We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

3. Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on treating cosmetic eye conditions

Learn more about treating cosmetic eye conditions from authoritative sources.

Millions of people wear contact lenses safely every day. But there is a risk of getting an eye infection from them.

Keratitis is the most common eye infection from wearing contact lenses. It is when the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped window of the eye — becomes infected. In some cases, it can scar the cornea, affecting your vision. If the cornea is severely scarred, a corneal transplant may be needed to eliminate damage from the eye infection and have clear vision again.

Click here to read more.

Note: These links will take you off our website

OUR LOCATIONS
Our Locations 
OUR POPULAR PROCEDURES
TAKE A STEP TO FREEDOM

Discover if you could be free from the hassle of glasses and contacts.

Take the first step by getting your free laser suitability assessment to check if your eyes are suitable and which treatment option is right for your eyes.

© Eye Institute | Privacy and Cookie Policy | Website by LiveseySolar

Go to Top