How To Stop Contacts From Burning Eyes

Do your eyes feel like they're on fire when you wear your contact lenses? You're not alone. Millions of contact lens wearers experience burning, stinging, and redness at some point. This discomfort can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating problem, making it difficult to wear your lenses for extended periods, concentrate on tasks, or even enjoy your day. Understanding the common causes and implementing effective solutions is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort while enjoying the benefits of vision correction.

Ignoring the burning sensation in your eyes while wearing contacts isn't just uncomfortable; it can also lead to more serious issues. Persistent dryness, irritation, and even infections can develop if the problem isn't addressed. Whether you're a new contact lens wearer or a seasoned pro, knowing how to alleviate and prevent this burning sensation is essential for preserving your eye health and ensuring comfortable, clear vision. Simple adjustments to your lens care routine and lifestyle can make a world of difference.

What are the common causes of burning eyes with contacts, and how can I prevent them?

What can I do to stop my contacts from burning my eyes immediately?

Immediately remove your contact lenses. Burning eyes usually indicate irritation, dryness, or an infection. Removing the lenses provides instant relief by eliminating the source of the discomfort. Once removed, rinse your eyes thoroughly with a sterile saline solution or artificial tears specifically designed for rinsing eyes to flush out any potential irritants.

Once the lenses are out and your eyes are rinsed, assess your symptoms. If the burning sensation subsides quickly and your eyes return to normal, it may have been a temporary issue like a stray eyelash or dry air. However, if the burning persists, or if you experience redness, excessive tearing, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or any discharge, it's important to consult an eye doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate a more serious problem like an infection, corneal abrasion, or allergic reaction. To prevent future instances of burning eyes with contact lenses, consider these preventative measures. Ensure your hands are thoroughly washed and dried before handling your lenses. Always use the correct contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor and follow the cleaning and disinfecting instructions meticulously. Replace your contact lenses as prescribed, whether they are daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses. Avoid overwearing your contacts, especially while sleeping. Also consider using lubricating eye drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers throughout the day to maintain moisture and reduce friction. Finally, schedule regular eye exams to ensure your contact lens prescription is up-to-date and that your eyes are healthy.

Could my contact lens solution be causing my burning eyes?

Yes, absolutely. Contact lens solution is a common culprit for burning eyes, especially if you're sensitive to certain preservatives, if the solution is old or contaminated, or if you're not using the correct type for your specific lenses.

Burning eyes from contact lens solution can stem from several factors. Many solutions contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK) or thimerosal, designed to keep them sterile. Some individuals are allergic or sensitive to these preservatives, leading to irritation, burning, and redness. Switching to a preservative-free solution might resolve the problem. Expired or contaminated solution is another potential cause. Always check the expiration date and ensure the bottle is properly sealed before use. Improper storage or handling can introduce bacteria or fungi, which can irritate your eyes. Furthermore, using the wrong type of solution for your lenses can also lead to discomfort. For example, some solutions are specifically designed for soft lenses, while others are better suited for rigid gas permeable lenses. To alleviate burning eyes related to contact lens solution, first, immediately remove your lenses and rinse your eyes with sterile saline solution. Next, try switching to a different brand or type of contact lens solution, ideally a preservative-free option recommended by your eye doctor. If the burning sensation persists even after changing solutions, or if you experience other symptoms like blurred vision, discharge, or severe pain, consult your eye care professional immediately. They can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment or alternative contact lens options. Maintaining proper lens hygiene, including thorough cleaning and storage, is crucial for preventing further irritation.

How often should I replace my contacts to prevent burning?

Replacing your contacts according to the prescribed schedule – whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly – is crucial to prevent eye burning sensations. Overwearing contacts significantly increases the risk of protein and debris buildup, dryness, and potential infections, all of which can cause discomfort and burning.

Beyond the recommended replacement schedule, the specific type of contact lens plays a significant role in how frequently you need to change them. Daily disposable lenses are designed for single use and offer the highest level of hygiene and comfort because they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage. Bi-weekly and monthly lenses require meticulous cleaning and disinfection routines to remove accumulated deposits. Even with diligent care, these lenses can still harbor bacteria and allergens over time, leading to irritation and burning. Regardless of the replacement schedule, always pay attention to how your eyes feel. If you experience any discomfort, redness, excessive dryness, or a burning sensation *before* the scheduled replacement date, remove your lenses immediately and consult with your eye care professional. These symptoms may indicate a developing problem that needs prompt attention. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more serious complications that can affect your long-term eye health.

Are there specific eye drops that help with contact lens-related burning?

Yes, specific eye drops are designed to alleviate burning sensations caused by contact lens wear. These are typically lubricating eye drops, often referred to as rewetting drops, formulated to be compatible with contact lenses. They work by replenishing moisture, reducing friction between the lens and the eye, and flushing away debris that may be causing irritation.

Burning eyes while wearing contact lenses are frequently a sign of dryness. Contacts can absorb moisture from the tear film, leading to discomfort. Rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers are formulated with ingredients that won't damage the lens material or cloud your vision. Preservative-free options are often recommended, especially for those with sensitive eyes or who use drops frequently, as preservatives can sometimes cause further irritation with prolonged use. It's crucial to choose eye drops specifically labeled for use with contact lenses. Regular eye drops, especially those designed for red eye relief, may contain ingredients that can damage contact lenses or cause them to discolor. If burning persists despite using rewetting drops, or if you experience other symptoms like severe pain, blurred vision, or discharge, consult with an eye care professional. They can assess the underlying cause of the burning and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may involve a different type of eye drop, a change in contact lens type, or other interventions.

Is it possible I'm allergic to my contacts, causing burning eyes?

Yes, it's possible you're experiencing an allergic reaction to your contact lenses or the solutions you use to clean and store them. This allergy, often termed contact lens-induced allergy or giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), can manifest as burning, itching, redness, excessive tearing, and the sensation of something being in your eye.

Allergies to contact lenses are typically not allergies to the lens material itself (although that is possible), but rather to the deposits that accumulate on the lens surface over time. These deposits are primarily proteins, lipids, and debris from your tears. Your immune system may recognize these deposits as foreign and trigger an allergic response. The preservatives in some contact lens solutions, particularly thimerosal and benzalkonium chloride (BAK), are also common culprits in allergic reactions. To determine if your contacts are the cause, and how to manage the burning, consult with your eye doctor. They can perform an examination to identify signs of allergy, such as inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye) and the presence of papillae (small bumps) on the inside of your eyelids. Your doctor may recommend switching to daily disposable lenses to minimize deposit build-up, changing to a preservative-free contact lens solution, or prescribing eye drops to alleviate the allergic symptoms. They may also recommend a temporary break from wearing contacts altogether to allow your eyes to heal. Here are some things your eye doctor may suggest:

What's the best way to clean my contacts to avoid irritation and burning?

The best way to clean your contacts to avoid irritation and burning is to meticulously follow your eye doctor's instructions using the recommended cleaning solution. This includes thoroughly rubbing and rinsing your lenses with fresh solution after each use to remove protein, lipid, and debris buildup. Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms that can cause serious infections and intense burning sensations.

Proper contact lens hygiene is paramount for comfortable and healthy wear. Burning and irritation are often signs of inadequate cleaning, allowing deposits to accumulate on the lens surface. These deposits can scratch the cornea, harbor bacteria, and trigger allergic reactions, all leading to discomfort and potential infection. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses, and replace your lens case regularly (at least every three months) to prevent bacterial contamination. Make sure to fill the case with fresh solution each time you store your lenses; never "top off" old solution. Furthermore, different types of lenses require specific cleaning solutions. Using the wrong solution can damage the lenses or fail to remove deposits effectively. For example, hydrogen peroxide-based solutions require a neutralization step to avoid severe burning. It's crucial to discuss your lens type and cleaning routine with your eye care professional to ensure you're using the appropriate products and techniques. Don't hesitate to ask for a demonstration of the correct cleaning method during your eye exam. Consistent and proper cleaning will significantly reduce the risk of irritation and burning, promoting comfortable and safe contact lens wear.

How does dry eye contribute to burning eyes while wearing contacts?

Dry eye significantly contributes to burning eyes while wearing contacts because the contact lens acts as a sponge, absorbing what little moisture exists on the eye's surface. This exacerbates the underlying dryness, leading to friction between the lens and the cornea, causing irritation, burning, stinging, and a gritty sensation.

When you wear contact lenses, they essentially float on a thin layer of tear film. This tear film provides lubrication, oxygen, and nutrients to the cornea. If you already have dry eyes, your tear film production is insufficient or of poor quality. The contact lens further disrupts this delicate balance by drawing even more moisture away, making the front surface of the eye even drier. This heightened dryness results in increased friction as you blink, as the eyelid rubs against the lens and the already-dry corneal surface. The nerves in the cornea become hyper-sensitive, leading to that characteristic burning sensation. Furthermore, dry eye can also lead to an increase in debris and inflammatory markers on the eye's surface. These irritants, along with the friction caused by the lens, can trigger an inflammatory response that worsens the burning sensation. Sometimes, this inflammatory response can also affect the meibomian glands along the eyelid margin, causing further destabilization of the tear film and exacerbating the dry eye cycle. To break this cycle, managing the underlying dry eye is crucial for comfortable contact lens wear.

And that's it! Hopefully, these tips will help you say goodbye to burning, irritated eyes and hello to comfortable contact lens wear. Remember, a little TLC goes a long way. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll visit us again soon for more helpful advice!