Why Do Colored Contact Lenses Feel Uncomfortable? Common Issues and Fixes

Quick Answer

If your colored contact lenses feel uncomfortable, the most common culprits are dryness, improper fit, or hygiene issues. Start by using rewetting drops approved for contacts, ensure your lenses are clean, and check that you're not over-wearing them. If discomfort persists, remove the lenses and consult an eye care professional.

Colored contact lenses can transform your look, but when they start to feel dry, gritty, or just plain irritating, the excitement fades fast. You're not alone: many wearers experience occasional discomfort, and it's often fixable with a few simple adjustments. In this guide, we'll walk through the most common reasons colored lenses become uncomfortable and give you practical solutions to get back to comfortable, clear vision.

Remember, your eyes are delicate. While some discomfort is normal and easily resolved, persistent pain, redness, or vision changes are red flags. We'll also tell you exactly when to stop and seek professional help.

Common Causes of Discomfort

Dryness is the number one complaint among contact lens wearers, and colored lenses are no exception. Lenses can absorb moisture from your eyes, especially in air-conditioned rooms, during long screen time, or in windy conditions. If your eyes feel gritty or tired by the end of the day, dryness is likely the culprit.

Another frequent cause is improper lens care. If you don't clean and disinfect your lenses properly, protein deposits and debris can build up, causing irritation. Similarly, using old or expired solution, or not replacing your lenses as scheduled, can lead to discomfort. Always follow the replacement schedule your eye care professional recommends.

• Blink more often, especially when staring at screens.
• Use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses.
• Clean and store lenses in fresh solution every time you remove them.

Fixes for Dry and Irritated Eyes

If your colored lenses feel dry, start by using preservative-free rewetting drops. These add moisture back to the lens and eye surface. Avoid regular eye drops, as they can contain ingredients that damage lenses. Applying drops before you feel dryness can also prevent discomfort.

If dryness persists, consider switching to a lens material with higher water content or a different brand. Some colored lenses are designed with enhanced moisture retention. For example, Dezzy's colored lenses contain 40% water, which helps keep them hydrated. Always discuss options with your eye care provider to find the best fit for your eyes.

• Take breaks from screens and blink fully.
• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments.
• Carry rewetting drops with you for on-the-go relief.

Hygiene and Handling Mistakes

Touching your eyes with dirty hands, using tap water to rinse lenses, or sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear can all cause irritation. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, and never use water on your lenses. Use only fresh contact lens solution for cleaning and storage.

Another mistake is wearing lenses longer than recommended. Even if they still feel fine, over-wearing reduces oxygen flow to your eyes, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Follow the replacement schedule: daily, bi-weekly, or monthly, as prescribed.

• Replace your lens case every 3 months to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Never top off old solution; always use fresh solution.
• Remove lenses before swimming or showering.

When to Stop and Seek Professional Help

While some discomfort can be fixed at home, certain symptoms require immediate attention. If you experience severe pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or discharge, remove your lenses and contact an eye care professional right away. These could be signs of an infection or corneal ulcer, which need prompt treatment.

Also, if your lenses consistently feel uncomfortable despite following all the tips, you might have a poor fit or an underlying eye condition. An eye exam can determine if your prescription is correct or if you need a different lens type. Never ignore persistent discomfort—your eyes are too important.

• Remove lenses immediately if you feel sharp pain.
• Do not 'tough it out'—seek advice if symptoms persist.
• Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your lenses still fit well.

Diagnosis: What's Causing Your Discomfort?

• Symptom: Dryness or grittiness: You feel a sandy or dry sensation, especially later in the day. Try rewetting drops and blink more often. If it persists, consider a lens with higher water content.
• Symptom: Redness or itching: Your eyes look red or feel itchy, possibly due to allergies or poor lens hygiene. Clean your lenses thoroughly and replace your lens case. If it continues, stop wearing lenses and consult an eye doctor.
• Symptom: Pain or blurred vision: You experience sharp pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. Remove lenses immediately and seek professional help. Do not try to fix this yourself.

Products That Can Help

• Topaz blue: Dezzy’s kleurlenzen zijn gemaakt van het bestanddeel hydroxyethyl methacrylaat. Het zorgt voor een veilige en hydraterende pasvorm. Onze kleurlenzen bestaan uit 40% water, wat voor een hydraterende en frisse uitstraling zorgt. A higher water content can help reduce dryness for some wearers, making these lenses a potential option if you struggle with comfort.
• Oval lens case silver: WOW! Altijd al die saaie lenzen doosjes zat? Kijk dan niet verder! Wij bieden een ruim aanbod aan originele lenzen doosjes. We love the look! A clean, well-maintained lens case is crucial for preventing irritation. This stylish case makes it easy to keep your lenses hygienic.

Discomfort with colored contact lenses is often manageable with simple fixes like rewetting drops, proper hygiene, and following replacement schedules. However, your eyes are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your eyes, and when in doubt, always consult an eye care professional. With the right approach, you can enjoy the aesthetic benefits of colored lenses without sacrificing comfort.