As a new wearer of contact lenses, it may be hard to distinguish what could be causing lens irritation. Below is a step-by-step guide to follow when this feeling occurs.
1. Trapped bubbles or debris
Sometimes a small object such as a bubble, lash, or foreign material may be lodged between the lens and the cornea. Blinking a few times can get rid of this sensation. If this doesn’t work, then with clean, dry hands, place your finger on the lens and slide it across to the white of your eye and back again a few times.
2. Removing the lens
The technique above may not always be sufficient to dislodge a trapped object. The next step would be to entirely remove the lens. When the lens is removed from the eye, have a couple of blinks to ensure there is no foreign body floating on the surface of the eye. If you feel a gritty sensation, it is best to rinse the eye and instill lubricating drops. Rinse the lens with your multi-purpose or saline solution and ensure to mechanically rub the lens to remove any debris. Assess the lens to check for any imperfections, such as a tear, and to make sure that the lens isn’t inside out by looking for a cupped bowl shape.
3. Using a fresh lens
When none of the prior steps have worked, start again with a fresh lens. This will take care of any lens issues. This, unfortunately, won’t solve the issue if you have received a bad batch of contact lenses.
4. Taking a break
If all else fails, cease contact lens wear for a short period of time, such as one week, before trying the lenses again. The eyes can sometimes build an intolerance to wearing contact lenses too frequently. It is best practice to seek an optometrist's assessment to confirm this and to ensure you haven’t developed something more serious, such as an infection.
