Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision, but sometimes they can cause discomfort, especially burning. If you've ever experienced that stinging sensation after inserting your contacts, you're not alone. Many contact lens wearers encounter this issue. This article will explore the most common culprits behind this burning sensation and offer solutions to help you regain comfort.
The Sensitive Cornea: A Key to Understanding Contact Lens Discomfort
Our eyes are incredibly sensitive, particularly the cornea, the clear outer layer responsible for focusing light. The cornea is densely packed with nerve endings, making it highly susceptible to irritation. This is why even a tiny speck of dust can feel like a major annoyance. When a contact lens is placed directly on the cornea, it can cause a mild sensation, but an intense burning sensation is a sign that something is amiss.
Understanding the cornea's sensitivity is crucial to addressing burning sensations. It highlights the importance of maintaining contact lens hygiene and choosing the right lenses to ensure a comfortable wearing experience.
Common Culprits Behind Burning Contact Lenses
Several factors can contribute to that burning feeling when you put in your contacts. Let's delve into the most frequent culprits and explore how to address them:
1. Dirty Contact Lenses: The Silent Danger
Contaminated contact lenses are a major culprit behind burning sensations. Dust, makeup particles, eyelash debris, and even tears in the lens itself can irritate the delicate cornea. This contamination can also lead to eye infections, so it's crucial to maintain meticulous hygiene.
Inspect your lenses carefully: Before inserting your lenses, inspect them for any visible debris or damage.
Discard contaminated lenses: If you find debris or damage, discard the lens immediately. Do not attempt to clean it.
Rinse lenses with saline solution: If no debris is present, rinse the lens with saline solution to remove any potential contaminants.
Replace lenses as recommended: Follow your optometrist's instructions for replacement schedules to ensure you're not wearing lenses past their recommended lifespan.
2. Residue on Your Hands: A Hidden Irritant
You might think that washing your hands before handling contacts is enough, but even soap residue, hand sanitizer, lotion, or even perfume can linger on your fingertips and transfer to your lenses. This can irritate your eyes, leading to burning.
Here's how to avoid this problem:
Wash hands thoroughly: Use mild soap and warm water to wash your hands thoroughly, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you get under your fingernails.
Dry hands completely: Use a lint-free towel to dry your hands completely. Any remaining moisture can transfer to the lens.
Avoid lotions and perfumes: Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, or hand sanitizers before handling your contacts.
3. Allergies: The Invisible Trigger
Seasonal allergies or sensitivities to contact lens materials or solutions can cause burning, itching, and redness in your eyes. If you suspect allergies, consult your optometrist to discuss potential solutions.
Here are some tips:
Identify your allergens: Keep a diary to track potential triggers, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or specific contact lens solutions.
Consider over-the-counter allergy medications: Antihistamines or nasal sprays can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Talk to your optometrist about alternative solutions: Your optometrist may recommend switching to hypoallergenic contact lens materials or solutions.
Less Common Causes of Contact Lens Burning
While the above are the most common reasons for burning sensations, other factors can contribute to discomfort. These include:
Dry eyes can worsen contact lens discomfort, leading to a burning sensation. This condition occurs when your eyes don't produce enough lubrication. Artificial tears can provide temporary relief, but consulting your optometrist is crucial.
2. Lens Type: A Matter of Compatibility
Some contact lens types, like rigid gas permeable lenses, can be more irritating than soft lenses. If you experience persistent burning, talk to your optometrist about switching to a different lens type that might be more comfortable for you.
3. Lens Fit: Ensuring a Comfortable Fit
Improperly fitted contact lenses can rub against your cornea, causing burning, irritation, and even blurry vision. Ensure you're getting regular eye exams and contact lens fittings to ensure the lenses fit correctly.
Important Takeaways
Burning sensations when inserting contacts are not normal. They're a sign that something is wrong and needs attention. Here are some key takeaways:
Seek professional advice: If you experience persistent burning, consult your optometrist to determine the underlying cause. They can provide personalized recommendations for alleviating discomfort and maintaining healthy eyes.
Consider alternatives: If contact lenses consistently cause discomfort, explore other vision correction options, such as laser vision correction, which might be a suitable alternative.
Remember, taking care of your eyes is essential. By addressing the root cause of contact lens burning, you can enjoy comfortable vision and protect your eye health in the long run.
Eyes Burning After Contact Lens Insertion: Common Causes and Solutions
Putting in contact lenses should be a comfortable experience, but sometimes a burning sensation can occur. This article explores the most common reasons for this discomfort and provides solutions to alleviate it.
The cornea, the eye's clear outer layer, is highly sensitive due to its many nerve endings. Minor discomfort upon contact lens insertion is normal, but intense burning is a sign of an issue. Here are some common culprits:
Dirty Contact Lens:
A speck of dust, eyelash, makeup, or even a tear in the lens can irritate the eye. If burning occurs, remove the lens immediately and inspect it. If debris is present or the lens is damaged, discard it. Otherwise, rinse it with saline solution and try again. If the burning persists, replace the lens.
Residue on Hands:
Soap, hand sanitizer, or even lotion left on your hands can cause stinging upon contact lens insertion. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling lenses to avoid this.
Allergies:
Ocular allergies can worsen contact lens discomfort, leading to burning, itching, and pain. Treating allergies can improve contact lens tolerance.
Other Possible Causes:
Dry Eyes: Dry eyes can make contacts feel uncomfortable and lead to burning. Using artificial tears or switching to a different contact lens type may help.
Lens Type: Certain contact lens types, like rigid gas permeable lenses, can be more irritating than others. Consult your optometrist to discuss the best lens type for you.
Lens Fit: If the lens doesn't fit properly, it can rub against the cornea and cause burning. Consult your optometrist for a lens fitting if you experience persistent discomfort.
Remember: If you experience persistent burning or discomfort, consult your optometrist. They can determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.
