Itchy and burning eyes are a common occurrence when you wear contact lenses? You may experience this type of discomfort for any number of reasons. The good news is that many contact lens issues are easily resolved.
Dr. Kornmehl is a renowned ophthalmologist and laser eye surgeon that is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal eye health. Here he provides information on the causes of contact lens discomfort and possible treatment options.
Contact Lens Discomfort Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms while wearing contact lenses, it’s time to speak with Dr. Kornmehl:
- Eyes that sting or burn
- Extremely itchy eyes
- Watery and teary eyes
- Eye redness
- Decrease in the sharpness of your vision
- Blurry vision
- Halos
- Light sensitivity
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when your natural tears are not able to nourish your eyes. This can result in eyes that feel gritty, dried out, and irritated. Certain medical and environmental conditions can yield an imbalanced tear film and exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
Receiving dry eye treatment before beginning or resuming contact lens wear can make your experience more enjoyable.
Allergies
Eye allergies can make your eyes itchy and watery, which makes wearing contact lenses very difficult. Pollen, mold, and dust from your surroundings can contribute to eye allergies. You should also be mindful of the cosmetics you use around your eyes, which can make allergies worse.
Symptoms of eye allergies can be treated with medicated drops.
Corneal Issues
Contact lenses are designed to sit atop the cornea, which is the transparent, outer layer of the eye. A cornea that is irregularly shaped can prevent your contact lenses from remaining in place, leading to eye discomfort while wearing them. Causes of corneal irregularities include:
- Astigmatism
- Keratoconus
- Eye injuries
- Eye burns
- Scarring of the cornea following an infection
- Corneal ulcer
Treatment for corneal issues depends on the exact circumstances surrounding the irregularity. An eye exam will need to be conducted before the appropriate treatment is administered.
Improper Lens Care
Many contact lens wearers can admit to sleeping in their lenses at some point or not storing them properly. While lax contact lens care can seem innocuous, inadequate care can lead to eye infections which jeopardize the health of your eyes. Dr. Kornmehl can provide guidance for optimal contact lens care, which may include the following suggestions:
- Wash hands thoroughly and dry them completely before handling your contacts
- Keep water away from your contact lenses
- Only use recommended contact lens eye drops
- Unless otherwise indicated, avoid sleeping in your lenses
- Follow the replacement guidelines for your lenses
Contact Lenses at Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates
If you are ready to experience comfortable contact lens solutions and optimal eye health, schedule an appointment at Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates today by calling (877) 870-2010.