If you wear contact lenses but deal with irritation, dryness, or burning halfway through the day, small changes can make your lenses feel completely different. Many people assume discomfort is normal, yet healthy eyes shouldn’t feel tired or irritated.
At Walter Eye Clinic, our optometrists in Tinley Park work with patients every day who want their contact lenses to feel comfortable for longer. In this blog, you’ll learn why irritation happens and how to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable all day.
Why do my contact lenses irritate my eyes?
Several factors can lead to irritation, and often more than one issue contributes to the problem. Understanding the root cause helps you correct it quickly.
- Improper lens fit: A lens that sits too tight or too loose on the eye rubs delicate tissue and causes consistent discomfort.
- Lens material: Some materials dry out faster or don’t match your eye’s sensitivity level or tear chemistry.
- Dry eyes: Screen-heavy days, indoor airflow, heaters, or everyday climate shifts reduce moisture and lead to irritation once lenses sit on an already dry surface.
- Hygiene habits: Skipping proper cleaning steps or using an old lens case allows bacteria and deposits to accumulate.
- Overwear: Wearing lenses beyond the approved schedule or falling asleep in lenses not designed for overnight use irritates your cornea.
How to prevent or manage contact lens irritation
These strategies help maintain eye comfort while wearing contacts:
Get a precise fit with a contact lens exam
A precise fit changes everything. During a contact lens exam, our eye doctors measure your corneal shape, evaluate tear film quality, and check for signs of corneal conditions that require specialty lenses. We adjust base curve, diameter, and lens design so your lenses center well, move correctly with each blink, and feel comfortable all day.
Choose the right lens type
Daily disposable lenses work well for people with sensitivity because they start clean every day and don’t collect deposits. Other materials focus on moisture retention, oxygen flow, or reduced friction. If you’ve struggled with comfort in the past, switching types often resolves irritation.
Consider specialty contact lenses for enhanced comfort
Some eyes need more than standard soft contact lenses. Specialty contact lenses can solve stubborn discomfort.
- Scleral lenses: These lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye. They hold a reservoir of hydrating saline that cushions sensitive or irregular corneas and soothes dry eyes.
- Ortho-k: With ortho-k, you wear custom lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. You can then enjoy clear daytime vision without lenses in your eyes. Many patients with dry eyes prefer ortho-k because daytime comfort improves without a lens on the eye.
- Rigid gas permeable lenses: Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses give you crisp vision, great oxygen flow, and steady clarity if you have astigmatism, higher prescriptions, or sensitive eyes. Custom designs add comfort and better lubrication, so your lenses feel good and perform well all day.
Practice consistent lens hygiene
Healthy habits support irritation-free wear.
- Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
- Clean and store lenses in fresh solution.
- Use only your recommended multipurpose or peroxide-based solution.
- Rub and rinse lenses if your solution requires it.
- Replace your case every three months and let it air-dry daily.
- Never rinse lenses with tap water or expose them to water in the shower or while swimming.
Give your eyes planned breaks
Switch to glasses for part of the day or on heavy screen days. Stick to your approved wear time and avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless your prescription specifically allows it.
Keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day
Hydration supports a stable tear film:
- Use lubricating drops that are approved for contact lens wear.
- Sip water regularly to support your tear film.
- Add a humidifier at home or in the office during dry months.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screens to reduce strain and dryness. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
When you should schedule an eye exam
If discomfort stays consistent even with great habits, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Persistent redness, soreness, blurred vision, discharge, or sensitivity to light may indicate an underlying issue such as allergies, a prescription change, or a lens material mismatch.
An updated evaluation helps your doctor adjust the lens design, introduce specialty contact lenses, or recommend solutions that keep your eyes hydrated and healthy.
Enjoy clear, comfortable vision again
Comfortable lens wear should feel natural and effortless. With the right fit, the right material, and guidance from experienced eye doctors, your contact lenses can support clear, hydrated vision all day.
If irritation gets in the way of your routine, schedule a visit at Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park and rediscover how comfortable lens wear can feel.
