Do your contact lenses leave your vision looking cloudy or unclear? It might not be your prescription. Blurry vision with contacts can be caused by a number of issues, from improper lens fit to dry eyes or underlying corneal conditions. At Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park, we can determine the underlying cause and recommend solutions for clearer, more comfortable vision with contact lenses.
In this blog, we share some common causes and tips for preventing blurry vision when wearing contact lenses.
What causes contacts to be blurry?
An outdated prescription
One of the main reasons for blurry vision is that your contact lens prescription is no longer up to date. Our eyes naturally change over time, and even small prescription shifts can cause noticeable blur, especially when reading, driving, or working on a computer. If it’s been a while since your last contact lens exam, it might be time to schedule one.
Poor lens fit
Your lenses need to match the shape and size of your eyes for optimal performance. If your contacts don’t fit right, they may shift, move, or sit incorrectly on your eye, leading to blurred or fluctuating vision. An improper fit can also cause discomfort or long-term eye issues. At Walter Eye Clinic, we perform detailed measurements to ensure your contacts fit your eyes precisely.
Dry eyes
Dry eye is another frequent cause of blurry contact lens vision. If your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, your contacts may feel sticky or cause your vision to fluctuate throughout the day. Does your vision clear up when you blink or use artificial tears? That’s a strong indicator that dry eye might be the issue.
At Walter Eye Clinic, we offer dry eye evaluations and dry eye treatment in Tinley Park, Illinois, to help improve tear quality and quantity, which can significantly boost your comfort and vision while wearing contact lenses.
Buildup on your lenses
Over time, contact lenses can accumulate debris from your tears, such as protein, oils, and environmental particles. This buildup can create a cloudy film, particularly if you wear lenses for multiple days or don’t clean them thoroughly. If your contacts feel filmy or less comfortable toward the end of the day, you might benefit from updating your cleaning routine or switching to daily disposable lenses.
Astigmatism or irregular corneas
Soft contact lenses are a great option for many people, but they may not work well for those with high astigmatism or an irregular corneal shape. These conditions can prevent soft lenses from providing the crisp, stable vision you need.
Specialty lenses for clearer, more comfortable vision
If traditional contact lenses irritate your eyes or fail to correct your vision, don’t give up hope just yet. At Walter Eye Clinic, we offer specialty contact lenses in Tinley Park, Illinois, for individuals with complex vision needs. Our options include:
Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are larger lenses that rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) rather than the cornea. They create a smooth surface over the eye and hold a reservoir of fluid between the lens and your eye, keeping your eyes continuously hydrated throughout the day. Our eye doctor may recommend them for patients with dry eye, keratoconus, or corneal scarring. Many people find that scleral lenses dramatically improve both comfort and visual clarity.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
RGP lenses are smaller, firmer lenses that hold their shape on the eye, offering sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for patients with high astigmatism or irregular corneas. They also allow oxygen to reach your eye, which is essential for long-term eye health.
Clear vision starts with the right fit
If your contact lenses feel uncomfortable or your vision isn’t as clear as it used to be, we can help. At Walter Eye Clinic, we specialize in finding the right lens for each patient, whether that’s a small adjustment to your current prescription or a switch to a custom specialty lens.
Book an appointment with us today in Tinley Park, Illinois, and let’s find the right solution for your eyes and your lifestyle.
