The Reasons Behind Contact Lens Discomfort - Causes And SolutionsFor some contact wearers, contact lens discomfort means tossing the contacts out and returning to eyeglasses. For many it just takes time and experience. The main contact lens discomfort causes are: 1. Contact lens inside out First on the list is to know how to tell if a contact lens is inside out. Believe it or not, this is a common problem among new contact wearers and can cause discomfort. To tell the difference, look at the lens from the side and take note of the shape. It should look like a "U". If the edges flare out and resemble a soup bowl, your contact lens is inside out. You could also look for engravings on the lens. Some contact lens makers will print a 1-2-3 on the lens. This is the side that should be away from the eye during insertion. If you can read the 1-2-3, it is inside out. Any further questions about determining the correct orientation of your contact lenses should be asked of your doctor. After all, he/she is the expert. 2. Improper insertion or removal Over time, practicing inserting and removing your contacts will overcome the problem and it will dissipate naturally. Just remember to keep the hands clean and free of lotions or perfumes. For more information about contact lens removal click here. One problem that might contribute to contact lens discomfort is dry eyes. By nature, contact lenses restrict oxygen getting to the eye. This causes a reduction in tear production resulting in a mild dry eye situation. Using artificial tears is a simple solution here. For more information about contact lens and dry eyes click here. 4. Over-wearing contact lenses is another common situation. Not all contacts are meant for extended or 24 hour wear. Only special designed extended wear contact lenses can be worn overnight, but if you experience some discomfort you should be careful with this practice. Give your eyes a rest from the wearing of the contacts. 5. Contact lens solutions allergies Now we come to an area that is critical and totally under the control of the wearer. It is absolutely vital to keep your contacts clean and free of dirt or dust particles. These can become lodged between the contact lens and the cornea, causing problems. The contacts need to be properly cleaned regularly and kept in their holder. 
Preservative solutions are required to store the contacts. These solutions keep soft contacts soft and pliable and hard contacts clean and sterile. What these solutions are made of is very important.Many in the past were made with high mercury content, an antiseptic called chlorhexidine and benzalkonium chloride. All of these have been phased out due to the fact that they all caused eye irritation and discomfort. A lot of generic solutions are now packaged to resemble major contact solution. These generic MAY contain materials that were phased out long ago. As an alternative, it is suggested that a hydrogen peroxide based solution be used. In the past, hydrogen peroxide has been given a bad reputation. True, it is uncomfortable IF placed in contact with the eye without being neutralized first, but the sterilization and cleaning qualities cannot be ignored. I have tried myself many different kinds of contact lens solutions but because of my extremely sensitve eyes I have never been satisfied with any of them. To eliminate contact lens discomfort my doctor advised me to try a hydrogen peroxide based solution. It would kill all bacteria while not containing any preservatives. Since then I never use anything different to keep my contacts clean. If you have a solution that works for you, do not switch based on cost or sale prices. Keep using what works because all contact solutions are not created equal. Ask your eye doctor for more information and discuss safety and cost concerns. For more information about contact lens solutions click here.
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