While contacts are a great convenience for those who don’t want to wear glasses, they can sometimes cause issues such as dry eye or redness.
Redness of the eye while wearing contacts can indicate anything from simple irritation to more serious issues such as inflammation and eye discharge.
Since contacts are a foreign body in your eye, they can cause several problems under certain circumstances. If you have been experiencing redness while wearing contact, it is crucial to pay attention to your symptoms as they could be a warning sign of a more serious condition.
Common Causes for Redness While Wearing Contact Lenses
Redness while wearing contacts can occur for several reasons, including:
Dry Eye Syndrome
Contact lenses are great at soaking up liquid, which can lead to dry eyes if you don’t produce enough natural tears. As the day progresses, dry eyes will continue to worsen, causing symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and overall discomfort. If you end up with extremely dry eyes, you may only be able to wear your contact lenses for a few hours at a time.
Eye Allergies
In the spring and the fall, allergies can be a major issue for people who wear contacts. Allergies cause your eyes to become red and itchy. Additionally, contacts can also trap irritants like pollen which can make your eyes even more irritated.
Contact Solution Sensitivity/Allergy
Redness from your contacts may be caused by your contact lens solution. If you have switched your contact lens solution brand, or even if you’ve used the same brand for a year, you may have developed a sensitivity or allergy to the solution you are using. This can cause redness, itchiness, and general discomfort.
Improperly Fitted Lenses
If your contacts are not properly fitted, it can cause major eye irritation. If your lenses are too tight, they can cause your tear flow to become restricted, which can lead to dry corneas and restricted oxygen flow to the eye. If your lenses are too loose on your eye, it can cause them to move every time you blink, irritating your cornea.
C.L.A.R.E (Contact Lens Induced Red Eye)
“Contact Lens Induced Red Eye,” also known as C.L.A.R.E, is a condition caused by the toxins produced by the typical bacteria that exist on your eyes. Typically, these toxins are flushed out of your eyes when you blink, but contact lenses can block these lenses and cause them to build up, which can lead to red eyes, irritation, and overall discomfort.
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer can be a serious issue and often show red eyes as the first symptom. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea which can lead to severe complications such as reduced vision, scarring, and in some cases, blindness. At first, it will feel like something is in your eye. You may also experience tearing, irritation, and sensitivity to light. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
This is a common issue experienced by those who wear contacts. This is a type of inflammation that is caused by having a foreign body, such as a contact lens in your eye. Contacts can cause irritation to the conjunctiva, which can cause redness, itchiness, and irritation of the eye.
Having Issues with Your Contact Lenses? Contact Dittman Eyecare Today!
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to contact Dittman Eyecare for an appointment today!
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