3 ways to solve contact lens problems

Most people adapt quickly to contact lenses. But about one in 20 contact lens wearers will encounter problems. Here are a few tips to solve your contact lens problems and prevent infection.

Hypersensitivity to contact lens solutions is quite common. Most solutions today are multipurpose; one fluid can be used for cleaning, disinfection and storage. If your eyes become irritated, sore or red, and you have difficulty wearing contacts, you may be sensitive to the fluid. Change to a different solution or try one that is preservative-free.

Pain, watering, redness and a sensation that feels as if you have dust in your eye, which doesn't go away when you blink, could indicate that you have scratched your cornea. Take out the contact as soon as you notice the symptoms. Wash your eye with clean water or, ideally, a sterile saline solution (available from pharmacies). If you keep your eye closed as much as possible and don't rub it, the scratch should heal by itself within a couple of days. Do not wear your contact lenses until your scratch has healed.

Sometimes, protein deposits build up on the surface of contact lenses and cause irritation. Symptoms include reduced tolerance to the contacts, itching, blurred vision, and a mucous discharge. This affects between one and three per cent of all contact lens wearers at some point. The scientific name — giant papillary conjunctivitis — sounds alarming, but the condition is easily dealt with.

Your optometrist may advise more vigorous cleaning or replacement of the contacts; you may also be prescribed medication and advised to reduce the amount of wear time.

Be prepared: If you depend on your contacts every day, it is important to have a pair of glasses as backup in case of emergency.

Be alert: If you have any of the following symptoms, remove your contacts from your eyes and see your optometrist: eye redness, discomfort, itching or irritation, watering eyes, burning or pain in or around the eyes, discharge, blurred vision, or redness or swelling of the eyelids.