Is It Normal for Contact Lenses to Feel Uncomfortable at First?

Contact lenses have become a popular alternative to glasses, offering convenience and clear vision without frames. If you’re new to wearing contacts, you might be wondering if it’s normal for them to feel a bit uncomfortable at first. Let’s break down what to expect as a first-time wearer and when you should be concerned about discomfort.

What to Expect as a New Contact Lens Wearer

It’s common for new contact lens users to notice some mild discomfort during the initial days of wear. Your eyes are adjusting to having something new on the surface, and your brain is getting used to the sensation. This feeling often includes:

• Mild irritation or awareness of the lens: Your eyes may feel like there’s a foreign object present.

• Slight dryness: Especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

• Increased blinking: Your eyes may blink more often as they adjust.

For most people, these sensations fade quickly - sometimes after just a few hours or days of consistent wear.

Why Does This Happen?

Contacts are made from advanced, breathable materials designed to work with your eyes’ natural moisture. However, even the best materials require an adjustment period. This is especially true if you’ve never worn anything on your eyes before. Additionally, factors such as the type of lens (daily, bi-weekly, monthly), the fit, and how well the lens matches your eye shape can all impact your comfort.

Tips to Ease the Adjustment Period

Follow your optometrist’s instructions and only wear your contact lenses for the recommended amount of time each day. Overwearing your lenses can increase your risk of irritation, dryness, or even eye infections. Sticking to the suggested schedule helps your eyes adjust more comfortably and reduces the chances of complications.

Keeping your lenses clean is crucial for preventing irritation and infection. Always wash your hands before handling your contacts, and clean and store them using the proper techniques. Make it a habit to follow the cleaning routine recommended by your eye care provider to maintain lens hygiene and protect your eyes.

Use only the prescribed solutions for cleaning and storing your contact lenses. Avoid substituting with water, saliva, or any non-recommended products, as these can introduce harmful bacteria and compromise the integrity of your lenses. Sticking with the correct solutions helps ensure your contacts remain safe and comfortable to wear.

Avoid rubbing your eyes while wearing contact lenses. Rubbing can dislodge the lens, cause discomfort, or introduce bacteria to your eyes, increasing the risk of irritation or infection. If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, try blinking or using lubricating drops instead.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While mild discomfort is normal, certain symptoms are not and may indicate a problem. Remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider right away if you experience:

• Sharp or severe pain

• Redness that persists

• Blurred vision that doesn’t clear up

• Excessive tearing

• Discharge or swelling

These symptoms could signal an allergic reaction, poor fit, or even an infection that needs immediate attention.

Ready for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear?

It’s completely normal to feel a bit of discomfort when you first start wearing contact lenses. Most new wearers adjust quickly, and the sensation of having something in your eye usually disappears with time and practice. However, you should never ignore ongoing or severe discomfort.

If you have questions about contact lens comfort or want to ensure you’re getting the best fit, contact Blue Hills Eye Associates to schedule a contact lens exam and fitting today. Visit our office in Braintree, Massachusetts, or call (781) 794-2200 to book an appointment.