Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient and comfortable way to correct vision. However, if your eyes are frequently red after wearing them, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Learn why your eyes might get red after wearing your contact lenses and how you can prevent this issue.
Common causes of red eyes from contact lenses
1. Dry eyes
Contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, leading to dryness and irritation. And if you already have dry eyes, wearing contacts can exacerbate your symptoms, causing redness and discomfort. To manage dry eye with contact lenses, try lubricating eye drops designed for contact lens wearers. Another option is to switch to daily disposables or special contact lenses for dry eyes to help keep your eyes more comfortable.
2. Improper lens care
Not cleaning and storing your lenses properly can result in a buildup of protein and bacteria, which can irritate your eyes and lead to redness. Always follow your optometrist’s instructions for lens care, use fresh contact lens solution every day, and never rinse your lenses with tap water.
3. Allergic reaction to lenses or solution
Some people are sensitive to the materials in their lenses or the preservatives in contact lens solutions. If you think this might be the case for you, talk to your eye doctor about switching to a preservative-free solution or trying a different lens material.
4. Overwearing your lenses
Wearing your lenses longer than recommended, even if they feel fine, can deprive your eyes of oxygen and cause redness and discomfort. Stick to the recommended wearing schedule and give your eyes a break by wearing glasses occasionally.
5. Poorly fitting lenses
If your contact lenses don’t fit properly, they can cause friction and irritation, leading to red, uncomfortable eyes. Our eye doctors can take precise measurements of your eyes and check your lenses to ensure they fit correctly.
6. Eye infections
Redness along with pain, discharge, or blurry vision could be a sign of an eye infection such as conjunctivitis or keratitis. Infections can be serious and require immediate medical attention. If you suspect an infection, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor.
How to prevent red eyes from contact lenses
Here are some tips to help you get rid of red eyes from wearing contact lenses:
- Follow proper lens care and hygiene practices.
- Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless prescribed.
- Stay hydrated and use lubricating drops if needed.
- Give your eyes a break from contact lenses when necessary.
- Replace your lenses as recommended by your optometrist.
- Schedule a contact lens exam with an optometrist who provides specialty contact lenses.
Customized contact lens fittings at Southern Eye Centers
At Southern Eye Centers, we provide a range of specialty contact lenses in Plaquemine, LA, and Baton Rouge, LA, even for people who have been told in the past that they can’t wear contacts due to keratoconus or other special eye health or visual needs. Specialty contact lenses are designed to fit the shape of your eye and address specific needs, such as astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, presbyopia, or irregular corneas. These lenses require a prescription and a personalized fitting to ensure they’re as comfortable and effective as possible.
If red eyes continue to be an issue while wearing contacts, don’t ignore the symptoms. Schedule an appointment at Southern Eye Centers to find out what’s causing the issue and work together with our eye doctor to find the right solution. With the right care, you can wear contact lenses comfortably and safely!