Contact lens discomfort: when to stop wearing

Take symptoms seriously

A lens can cause discomfort for more than one reason: a damaged edge, an unsuitable fit, a dry surface or an infection can produce overlapping complaints. Pain, redness, light sensitivity or reduced vision need attention because a lens wearer cannot reliably distinguish these causes by looking in a mirror. A clearer moment after blinking or a brief reduction in pain does not establish that the cornea is healthy.

Contact lens wear is associated with a risk of corneal infection. If you develop pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity or blurred vision, remove the lenses and contact an eye-care professional promptly.

Prepare useful information

Note when symptoms started, your lens type, replacement schedule and care products. Keep your glasses available. Do not use this guide to diagnose an infection or decide which medicine to use.

A worked example

If one eye becomes painful and light-sensitive after lens wear, stop wearing lenses and seek prompt eye-care advice rather than trying another brand that evening. Note when symptoms started, the lens type, whether you slept or showered in them, and what solution was used. These details help the clinician investigate. Use glasses while waiting; do not restart lens wear simply because a different lens feels softer, and do not use someone else’s medicated drops.