Contact lenses are a convenient option to correct vision. However, because of how contact lenses rest directly on your eye, they can sometimes cause a burning sensation.
If your contact lenses burn, it could be due to poor eye hygiene, allergies, dryness, or even just a damaged lens. Remove the lenses immediately and rinse your eyes with eye wash or sterile saline. If you notice constant discomfort and stinging sensations, visit your optometrist to discuss solutions.
What Makes Contact Lenses Burn
Contact lenses are designed to be comfortable to wear. They shouldn’t cause significant discomfort or pain. After your eyes get used to wearing contact lenses, they should feel almost unnoticeable.
However, a burning sensation when wearing contacts isn’t uncommon. The eye can react to the contact lens—a foreign object—and lead to a burning or stinging sensation. After an initial adjustment period, this sensation usually goes away, but the symptoms can worsen due to other factors.
Poor Hygiene Practices
Your hands are a huge factor in your eye health. When you touch your lenses or eyes with unwashed hands, you risk transferring bacteria or irritants. This is a common cause of burning sensations when wearing contact lenses.
Another common hygiene issue is not cleaning your lens case regularly. The case needs to be sterile to prevent harmful germs and bacteria from growing. When the case is not clean, it can contaminate your contact lenses and introduce bacteria to your eye once the lens is inserted.
Improper Contact Lens Maintenance
In addition to caring for your contact lens case, you should also take proper care of your lenses.
You should never use tap water, as this introduces microorganisms that irritate or infect the eyes. Use fresh, recommended contact lens solution and always check the expiration date. Past expiry, cleaning solutions and cases can develop harmful bacteria, spores, and other harmful substances that cause burning.
Expired Contact Lenses
Like solutions, contact lenses expire. Using expired lenses puts you at a higher risk of developing:
- Irritation due to protein and debris buildup
- Eye infections and serious bacterial exposure
- Reduced or abnormal vision
- Corneal abrasions and scratches from rough lens surfaces
Over time, these can cause burning sensations or even damage your eyes if you aren’t careful.
Every contact lens also has a recommended replacement schedule. Always check the expiration dates on your lenses, case, and cleaning solutions. Don’t put your eyes at risk!
Allergies
Allergic reactions are the body’s way of responding to an allergen as it tries to push it out. When it comes to contact lenses, this means that eyes may water, itch and burn.
You could be reacting to any part of your contact lens or materials. It could be the lenses, the cleaning solution, or even pollen, dust, or debris that’s stuck on the lens.
If the burning sensation comes with itchiness or systemic reactions, like sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose, you might be having an allergic reaction.
Dry Eyes
Dryness makes eye irritation far more likely. When your eyes dry out due to a lack of tears, they become vulnerable to symptoms like:
- Grittiness
- Burning
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
This typically leads to wateriness and stinging sensations. When contact lenses touch an already-irritated eye, they tend to make dry eye symptoms worse.
If you notice dry, burning sensations—even once the lens is removed—contact your optometrist to discuss treatment options. They can help you find contact lenses suitable for dry eye.
How To Take Care Of Contact Lenses
With contact lenses, good habits are key to preventing discomfort. These help keep the lenses safe and significantly lower the risk of irritation and burning sensations.
Make sure to:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts.
- Only use the cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor.
- Replace lenses as directed—whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Clean your lens case regularly and replace it every 3 months.
- Never sleep in lenses unless they’re specifically designed for this.
Proper care makes lenses safer and more comfortable for daily use. If you continue to notice burning sensations, talk to your optometrist. This could be a sign of an underlying condition.
What To Do If Your Contact Lenses Burn
If you notice a burning feeling when you put in a contact lens, try to:
- Remove the lenses immediately to prevent further irritation.
- Rinse your eyes with sterile saline or artificial tear drops.
- Rest your eyes and avoid wearing the lenses until the irritation subsides.
- Contact your eye care professional for guidance if the discomfort persists.
- Explore options like specialty contacts or other alternatives designed for sensitive eyes.
Being proactive is key. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable while wearing contacts. Your optometrist can help find solutions to bring you relief.
Book Your Contact Lens Fitting Today
Burning contact lenses are often a sign that something is wrong. Your eyes shouldn’t feel like they’re burning—this is not a normal symptom. Dr. Jennifer L. Shane & Associates can help you find quick, lasting relief.
Contact our team today to find lenses that meet your eye care needs and goals. Comfortable vision awaits!
