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How To Handle
Contact Lens Discomfort

By Liz Segre; reviewed by Joseph T. Barr, OD

Ever feel like something's not quite right with your contact lenses? If so, you're not alone.

But there's no reason to stop wearing contacts, or to suffer in silence. It's likely that a simple change to your lenses, care products or daily habits will make you much more comfortable.

To accurately determine the specific causes of your contact lens discomfort and appropriate remedies, you need to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist. A visit to your eye doctor also will rule out the possibility that your discomfort indicates a more serious underlying problem.

Remember: If your eyes don't feel good, look good, or see well, you need a checkup by an eye care professional. Sometimes a minor contact lens irritation, if left untreated, can develop into a more serious problem — occasionally one that can be sight-threatening.

For helpful tips on how to handle uncomfortable contact lenses, choose a statement below or go directly to Remedies for Contact Lens Discomfort.

You don't have to live with uncomfortable contact lenses! Your eye doctor can help.

Situation:

• My eyes are red, painful, swollen and/or produce discharge.
• My eyes burn when I put in my lenses.
• When wearing contacts, I always feel like something is in my eye.
• I drink a lot of coffee and/or alcohol, and/or I smoke.
• I'm taking over-the-counter or prescription medications.
• When wearing contacts, my eyes occasionally feel dry.
• I can't wear my contacts as long each day as I'd like.
• I have allergies.
• I have other medical problems.
• I don't follow my doctor's contact lens care instructions.
• I spend time in dry or dusty environments.
• I use my computer a lot.

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[Page updated October 2010]