For many people, the main goal of wearing contact lenses is to see clearly without the hassle of glasses. But what should they actually feel like once they’re in?
When you start using contact lenses, you’ll likely be aware of them, but this sensation fades over a short adjustment period. After your eyes adapt, a well-fitted pair of contact lenses should be so comfortable that you hardly notice they’re there.
What to Expect When You First Wear Contacts
When you start with contact lenses, your eyes go through a short adjustment phase. It’s common to be more aware of them initially, as your eyelids get used to the sensation. This is a normal part of the process for new wearers and a sign that your body is adapting.
A Normal Adjustment Period
For most people, it can take anywhere from a few days to a full week to get completely comfortable with new contacts. The initial feeling of awareness should fade as your eyes adapt to the new sensation. Your brain and eyelids are simply learning to work with this new addition.
Is Vision a Little Blurry at First?
You might notice slight blurriness or fluctuating vision when you begin wearing contacts for the first time. This often resolves as your eyes adjust to your lenses and your brain learns to focus through them.
How Contacts Should Feel With a Proper Fit
A professional contact lens fitting helps ensure that your contacts are comfortable enough for all-day wear. Proper contact lens care helps maintain the clarity of your vision and the comfort of your eyes.
Signs Your Contacts Fit Correctly
- They stay in place when you blink or move your eyes.
- Your vision is consistently clear.
- You feel little to no lens awareness.
- Your eyes are not red or irritated.
Common Reasons You May Feel Your Contacts
A few common culprits can cause the sensation that something is stuck in your eye. Most of these problems are easy to identify and fix with a little care.
Debris Trapped Under the Lens
A tiny piece of dust, an eyelash, or a flake of makeup can get caught under your contact lens. This can cause significant irritation or a sharp, scratchy feeling that’s impossible to ignore. Rinsing the lens and maintaining good hygiene can prevent potential eye infections and solve the problem immediately.
Dry Eyes & Discomfort
When your eyes lack sufficient moisture, your lens can cause friction with every blink. This can contribute to symptoms of dry eye. Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or a dry office with air conditioning can contribute to this discomfort.
An Inside-Out Lens
Putting a contact lens in inside-out is a frequent mistake, especially for new wearers. An inverted lens won’t sit correctly on your eye, which can cause discomfort and blurry vision. You can usually check the lens shape on your fingertip before insertion—if it’s oriented correctly, it should look like a perfectly round bowl, not a saucer with a rim.
What If a Piece of Your Contact Is in Your Eye?
A torn contact can be quite uncomfortable, especially if a piece of it remains in your eye. Though this situation may seem concerning, your eye’s anatomy has a natural barrier that prevents anything from going back there.
Nonetheless, having something stuck in your eye counts as an emergency.
Steps for Safe Removal
First, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly to avoid introducing any germs. Look into a well-lit mirror and try to gently move your eyelid to locate the fragment. You can often flush it out by applying sterile saline solution or approved contact lens rewet drops, but if you cannot remove it easily, the situation requires professional help.
Tips for Comfort & When to See Your Eye Doctor
Good habits are key to a positive and comfortable contact lens experience. For example, good eyelid hygiene and a few simple practices can help you avoid discomfort and keep your eyes healthy for years to come. Knowing when to handle things yourself and when to seek professional advice is also important for your peace of mind.
Follow Proper Hygiene Habits
- Always wash & dry your hands before you handle your lenses.
- Use fresh solution every time you store your contacts.
- Clean your contact lens case regularly & replace it as directed.
Use Rewet Drops When Needed
Specially formulated drops can help rehydrate your lenses and relieve dryness throughout the day. This can make wear more comfortable, especially in dry environments like an office or on an airplane. It is a good practice to ask your eye doctor which drops are compatible with your lenses.
Schedule Your Annual Exam
If you experience ongoing pain, redness, or blurry vision, remove your contacts and let your eyes rest. Persistent discomfort is a sign that you should connect with your eye care professional. Your annual comprehensive eye exams are the perfect time to address any issues and have the fit of your lenses checked.
Keep Your Vision Comfortable
A proper fit and good care routines are the foundation of comfortable contact lens wear. Your vision and eye health are connected, and paying attention to how your contacts feel is an important part of the process. If you have questions about your contacts or feel persistent discomfort, we’re here to help you find a solution.
Our team at Total Vision Rancho Santa Margarita is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve clear and comfortable vision. Schedule a visit with us today to discuss your contact lens needs and get a personalized fitting.
