What should I do if I'm having trouble using contact lenses?

From the Guidelines

If you're having trouble using contact lenses, first consult your eye care professional for personalized advice. Common solutions include using lubricating eye drops specifically formulated for contact lens wearers to relieve dryness and discomfort. Make sure you're following proper hygiene practices: wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses, clean lenses daily with appropriate solution (such as multipurpose solutions like Opti-Free PureMoist or hydrogen peroxide systems like Clear Care), and replace your lens case every three months 1. Consider your wearing schedule—you might need to reduce daily wear time or switch to daily disposable lenses if you experience consistent discomfort. Different lens materials may work better for you; silicone hydrogel lenses typically allow more oxygen to reach your eyes 1. If you experience redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive tearing, remove your lenses immediately and seek medical attention as these could indicate an infection or corneal abrasion. Underlying dry eye syndrome or allergies might be contributing to your difficulties and may require specific treatments like prescription eye drops or antihistamines.

Some key points to consider when having trouble with contact lenses include:

• Proper hygiene practices to prevent infection and complications
• Regular follow-up examinations with your eye care professional to monitor the health of your eyes and adjust your contact lens prescription as needed 1
• Considering alternative lens materials or wearing schedules to improve comfort and reduce discomfort
• Being aware of the risks associated with overnight wear of contact lenses and taking steps to minimize these risks 1

It's also important to note that daily disposable lenses are considered the safest regimen for contact lens wear, and hydrogen peroxide disinfection has the lowest rate of adverse events compared to other disinfection systems 1. By following these guidelines and consulting with your eye care professional, you can help to minimize the risks associated with contact lens wear and improve your overall eye health.

From the FDA Drug Label

When using this product remove contact lenses before using Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel eye pain changes in vision occur redness or irritation of the eye lasts condition worsens or lasts more than 72 hours The answer is to stop using contact lenses and consult a doctor if you're having trouble, such as eye pain, changes in vision, or redness and irritation that lasts. Key points to consider:

• Remove contact lenses before using certain eye products
• Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen 2

From the Research

Contact Lens Discomfort and Continued Use

• Many people continue to use contact lenses despite experiencing discomfort, with studies suggesting that 13% to 75% of contact lens wearers experience some level of discomfort 3.
• The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society defines contact lens discomfort as "a condition characterized by episodic or persistent adverse ocular sensations related to lens wear either with or without visual disturbance" 3.
• Signs of contact lens discomfort include conjunctival hyperemia, corneal and conjunctival staining, altered blinking patterns, lid wiper epitheliopathy, and meibomian gland dysfunction 3.

Managing Contact Lens Discomfort

• Lubricating drops, including saline, are often used to treat contact lens discomfort, although the evidence for their effectiveness is limited 3.
• A study found that lubricating drops may reduce contact lens discomfort, but the evidence is very uncertain 3.
• Another study suggested that lubricating drops may have little to no effect on contact lens discomfort compared to saline 3.
• It is recommended that eye care providers communicate effectively with their patients about healthy wear and care habits to reduce the risk of complications 4.

Complications of Contact Lens Use

• Microbial keratitis is a potentially sight-threatening complication of contact lens use, with estimates suggesting that 2 to 5 cases occur per 10,000 contact lens wearers per year 5.
• Other complications of contact lens use include corneal infection, inflammatory corneal infiltrates, and vision-threatening adverse events 3, 5.
• Proper care and handling of contact lenses, including regular cleaning and disinfection, can help reduce the risk of complications 4.

Medical Use of Contact Lenses

• Contact lenses can be used for medical purposes, such as treating high refractive error, irregular astigmatism, and ocular surface disease 6.
• Bandage soft contact lenses, particularly silicone hydrogel lenses, can improve epithelial healing and reduce pain in persistent epithelial defects 6.
• Scleral lenses can be used for both visual rehabilitation and therapeutic applications, including retention of a tear reservoir or protection from an adverse environment 6.