More than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, but their popularity doesn’t mean contact lenses are problem-free. Contact lens discomfort is a common issue that occurs for several reasons. Below are four easy ways you can handle contact lens discomfort. 1. Practice Proper Contact Lens Care
Long ago, your optometrist went over the proper steps for caring for and cleaning you contact lens. These include:
Washing and drying your hands completely before touching your contact lenses.
Removing your contact lenses when swimming, bathing, or showering.
Taking your contact lenses out before sleeping.
Following your brand’s replacement schedule, whether that be monthly or daily.
Using your optometrist’s recommended contact lens solution.
Maintaining regular eye checkups and exams.
Taking shortcuts on proper contact lens care can result in severe contact lens discomfort. Doing so could be the primary reason for your discomfort and can even lead to serious health consequences.
2. Use Artificial Tears
If you find yourself suffering from dry, irritated eyes, try artificial tear products. However, before doing so, make sure to get a recommendation from your optometrist. This is important due to the following:
Some artificial tears are incompatible with certain brands of contact lenses. Using these drops can ruin lenses or cause discoloration.
Not all artificial tears are designed for contact lens use.
Using the wrong kind of artificial tear for your specific issue could potential worsen your discomfort. For example, products that promise to “get the red out” will only eliminate the appearance of red eyes and not treat dryness.
Additionally, your dry eyes may be associated with a more serious medical condition or linked to risk factors such as smoking, computer use, or caffeine. Make sure you discuss artificial tears with your eye doctor before making your purchase. 3. Switch to a Different Type of Lens
The simplest solution for contact lens discomfort could be switching to a different type of lens.
There are two main categories of contact lenses: soft and hard, with soft contact lenses being the most commonly fit lens. Of these there are many different materials and replacement schedules available.
Daily Disposable Lenses: Dailies are a great option because the material is thinner and you are always putting a fresh new lense in your eyes.
Monthly Disposable Lenses: There are many different monthly lenses available with materials that can help improve the comfort of your lenses.
If you currently wear contact lenses and are having issues with discomfort, switching to a different wearing material could alleviate your issues. This is the same for those experiencing discomfort with extended wear contact lenses as your optometrist may recommend a daily disposable option.
4. Make Sure You Have Right Fit
The size and shape of each eye is unique to you, and your contact lenses should be too. There are several reasons why you might not have the right fit, so when was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? Your eye care professional performs a variety of tests to make sure your contact lens is fitted properly. Please note, online eye exams are not a substitute for an eye exam from a licensed professional. While they might serve as a cheap and easy way of getting a contact lens prescription, those programs offer more of a guess than an accurate measurement and do nothing to truly evaluate the health of your eyes and visual system. Contact Dr. Oker at Eden Prairie Eye Care Today! If your contact lenses are uncomfortable contact Dr. Oker at Eden Prairie Eye Care today! She’ll work with you to diagnose the source of your discomfort and recommend the solution that’s right for you. Your eyes should look good, feel good, and see well. Schedule your appointment today by calling Eden Prairie Eye Care directly at (952) 944-2792 or submit a request online.
