{"id":17740,"date":"2021-10-01T05:23:48","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T05:23:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=17740"},"modified":"2021-10-01T05:23:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T05:23:48","slug":"why-are-my-contact-lenses-uncomfortable","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-contact-lenses\/common-contact-lens-problems\/why-are-my-contact-lenses-uncomfortable\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are My Contact Lenses Uncomfortable?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 15% of the population wears contact lenses, but many experience discomfort and give up too soon.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Do your eyes itch, burn or tear when you wear contact lenses?<\/em><\/p>\n

There are several reasons why you may be experiencing contact lens discomfort.<\/a> Fortunately, most contact lens problems can be easily resolved\u2014 so don\u2019t give up just yet!<\/p>\n

Always, seek the advice of your eye doctor for the most effective treatment for your symptoms.<\/i><\/p>\n

What causes contact lens discomfort?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some of the most common reasons for contact lens problems and discomfort<\/a> include:<\/p>\n

1. Dry eyes<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dry eye syndrome can make your eyes feel dry, sore, irritated and gritty.<\/p>\n

This common condition occurs when your tears are unable to efficiently lubricate your eyes.<\/p>\n

Dry eyes occur when the tear film is imbalanced\u2014 usually from insufficient amounts of oil\u2014 or when there are not enough tears.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Certain medical conditions, medications and environmental factors can put you at risk for dry eyes.<\/p>\n

Dry eye is typically treated with eye drops or in-office treatment procedures to restore hydration to the eyes.<\/p>\n

2. Allergies<\/b><\/h2>\n

Eye allergies can make your eyes feel itchy, dry, watery and sore, and make contact lens wear uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander are some of the most common causes of eye allergies.<\/b><\/p>\n

Cosmetics and eye drops, such as artificial tears with preservatives, can also induce eye allergies. Eye allergies are typically treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications.<\/p>\n

3. Corneal irregularities<\/b><\/h2>\n

A regular contact lens is designed to sit on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped outer covering of the eye.<\/p>\n

An irregular shaped cornea can prevent a contact lens from fitting correctly on the eye and cause ocular discomfort.<\/b><\/p>\n

Corneal irregularities can be caused by:<\/p>\n