Fixing Blurry Vision With Colored Contacts

If you're experiencing blurry vision with colored contacts, it's a common issue that often has a straightforward solution. While colored contact lenses are designed to enhance your eye color and, if prescribed, correct your vision, persistent blurriness indicates a problem that needs troubleshooting. This guide will help you identify the potential causes and steps you can take to regain clear vision with your lenses. For more on this, see our guide to Do Colored Contacts Change Your Vision.

Understanding Blurry Vision with Colored Contacts

Colored contact lenses, like all contact lenses, are medical devices that sit directly on your eye. When they function correctly and are properly fitted, they should provide crisp, clear vision (assuming they are prescription lenses). However, several factors can lead to blurry vision, ranging from simple fixes to more serious concerns that require professional attention.

It's important to differentiate between a temporary blur, perhaps right after insertion, and persistent blurriness that impacts your daily activities. For those seeking both vision correction and a new eye color, MyEyeColors offers a wide range of prescription colored contacts designed for comfort and clarity, ensuring you don't have to compromise on either.

Can Colored Contacts Correct Vision?

Yes, absolutely. Many colored contact lenses are available with prescription powers to correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). If you have a prescription for vision correction, it's essential to ensure your colored contacts match that prescription precisely. Using plano (non-prescription) colored contacts when you need vision correction will, of course, result in blurry vision. Always consult with your eye care professional to get an accurate, up-to-date prescription before purchasing any contact lenses, colored or otherwise.

Is Your Prescription Correct and Up-to-Date?

The most frequent culprit behind blurry vision with contacts is an incorrect or outdated prescription. Your eyes can change over time, and a prescription that was perfect a year ago might no longer be suitable. It’s critical to get regular eye exams, typically annually, to ensure your prescription remains accurate. Even a slight change in your vision can lead to noticeable blurriness, discomfort, or eye strain when wearing lenses that don't match your current needs.

When you order colored contacts from MyEyeColors, you'll need to provide your exact prescription details. If you've been experiencing blurry vision contacts, double-check that the prescription on your lens packaging precisely matches the one provided by your eye care professional. Pay close attention to the power (sphere), base curve (BC), and diameter (DIA), as these measurements are crucial for both vision clarity and lens fit.

Troubleshooting Common Causes of Blurry Vision

If you've confirmed your prescription is correct, it's time to investigate other common reasons for blurry vision while wearing contacts. Many of these issues can be resolved with simple adjustments to your lens care routine or habits. If you're weighing options, our roundup of Is It Safe to Wear Colored Contacts Without Vision Problems is a good next read.

Dirty or Damaged Lenses

Even the cleanest hands can transfer oils, debris, or makeup residue to your lenses. A dirty lens can accumulate protein deposits, lipids, or environmental particles that obscure your vision, making everything appear hazy. Similarly, a torn or scratched lens can distort light, leading to significant blurriness and discomfort.

• Inspect the Lens: Carefully remove the lens and hold it up to a light. Look for any visible debris, tears, or nicks. If damaged, discard it immediately and replace it with a fresh, sterile lens.
• Clean Thoroughly: Always follow your eye care professional's recommended cleaning regimen using fresh, sterile contact lens solution. Rubbing the lens gently in your palm with solution helps remove deposits more effectively than simply rinsing.
• Replace on Schedule: Lenses have a limited lifespan. Daily disposables should be discarded after one use, and monthly or bi-weekly lenses must be replaced on their designated schedule, even if they feel fine. Overdue lenses accumulate deposits and can become uncomfortable and blurry.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a very common complaint among contact lens wearers and can significantly contribute to blurry vision. Contacts need a layer of tears to float comfortably on the eye and maintain clear vision. When your eyes are dry, the lens can stick, causing friction and making your vision fluctuate or become consistently blurry.

• Use Rewetting Drops: Specially formulated rewetting drops for contact lens wearers can provide instant relief and rehydrate your lenses. Avoid using general eye drops, as they may not be compatible with contacts.
• Blink More Often: Consciously blinking helps spread your natural tears across the lens surface.
• Consider Lens Material: Some lens materials are designed to retain moisture better than others. Talk to your eye care professional about high-water content or silicone hydrogel lenses, which may be more suitable for dry eyes. MyEyeColors offers lenses made from advanced materials designed for comfort and hydration.
• Hydrate Internally: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help with overall eye hydration.

Improper Lens Insertion or Fit

Sometimes, the issue isn't with the lens itself but how it's placed on your eye or if it fits correctly.

• Inverted Lens: A contact lens that's inside out will feel uncomfortable and can cause blurry vision. To check, place the lens on your fingertip and look at its shape. If it forms a perfect bowl with edges pointing straight up, it's correct. If the edges flare out slightly, it's inverted.
• Wrong Base Curve or Diameter: The base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA) of your lenses are crucial for a proper fit. A lens that's too flat or too steep, or too large or too small, won't sit correctly on your cornea. This can lead to movement, discomfort, and blurry vision as the lens shifts. Only an eye care professional can determine your ideal BC and DIA.
• Air Bubbles: Occasionally, an air bubble can get trapped under the lens during insertion, causing a temporary blurry spot. Gently blink a few times or lightly massage your eyelid to dislodge it. If it persists, remove, rinse, and reinsert the lens.

Allergies or Irritants

Seasonal allergies, pet dander, dust, or even certain makeup products can irritate your eyes and cause them to water excessively, become red, or produce mucus. This can lead to blurry vision as the irritants interfere with the lens or your tear film.

• Clean Environment: Try to keep your hands and lens environment clean and free of allergens.
• Hypoallergenic Products: Consider using hypoallergenic makeup and skincare products, especially around your eyes.
• Daily Disposables: If allergies are a frequent problem, daily disposable lenses can be a great option as they eliminate the buildup of allergens and deposits over time.

The Importance of Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Maintaining impeccable hygiene is paramount for both clear vision and eye health. Poor hygiene is a leading cause of eye infections, which can severely impact vision and cause persistent blurriness, pain, and redness.

1. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses.
2. Use Fresh Solution: Never "top off" old solution in your lens case. Always discard old solution and use fresh, sterile solution every time you clean and store your lenses.
3. Clean Your Case: Rinse your contact lens case with fresh solution and allow it to air dry upside down with the caps off after each use. Replace your lens case every 1-3 months.
4. Never Use Water: Tap water, distilled water, or saliva should never come into contact with your lenses. They contain microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
5. Stick to the Schedule: Adhere strictly to the replacement schedule for your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, monthly). Over-wearing lenses is a major risk factor for complications.

When to Consult an Eye Care Professional

While many causes of blurry vision contacts can be self-corrected, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. Your eyes are delicate, and any persistent or severe symptoms warrant immediate attention from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Consult your eye care professional immediately if you experience:

• Sudden, severe, or persistent blurry vision that doesn't improve after troubleshooting.
• Eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, or discharge.
• Increased light sensitivity.
• A feeling that something is constantly in your eye.
• Any changes in your vision, even if subtle.

Remember, colored contacts are medical devices and require a valid prescription and professional fitting, even if you don't need vision correction. An eye care professional can diagnose underlying eye conditions, adjust your prescription, or recommend different lens types or care routines better suited to your needs. They can also ensure that the specific colored contacts you choose, such as those from MyEyeColors, are appropriate and safe for your eyes. You might also like our take on 10 Colored Contact Looks for Every Personality.

Choosing the Right Colored Contacts for Clear Vision

When selecting colored contacts, especially if you also need vision correction, it's not just about the color. It's about finding a lens that offers excellent visual acuity, comfort, and breathability. MyEyeColors understands this balance, offering a diverse range of high-quality colored contact lenses with various prescription options. browse our colored contacts

Consider the following when choosing your lenses:

• Prescription Accuracy: Always provide your most current and accurate prescription.
• Material and Water Content: Different materials offer varying levels of oxygen permeability and moisture retention, which can impact comfort and clarity, especially for those with dry eyes.
• Replacement Schedule: Daily disposables offer maximum hygiene and convenience, while bi-weekly or monthly lenses require a consistent cleaning routine.
• Professional Guidance: Your eye care professional is your best resource for recommending the right type and brand of colored contacts for your specific eye health and vision needs. They will ensure the lens fits properly, which is crucial for preventing blurry vision and discomfort.

Key Takeaways

• Persistent blurry vision with contacts often indicates an issue that needs troubleshooting.

• An up-to-date and accurate prescription is the most critical factor for clear vision with colored contacts.

• Maintain strict contact lens hygiene: wash hands, use fresh solution, and replace lenses on schedule.

• Common causes include dirty lenses, dry eyes, improper fit, or inverted lenses – many of which are easily fixed.

• Always consult an eye care professional for persistent blurriness, discomfort, or any signs of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can colored contacts correct astigmatism?

Yes, many brands, including some available at MyEyeColors, offer toric colored contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism. These lenses have specific parameters (cylinder and axis) to compensate for the irregular curvature of an astigmatic eye, providing clear vision while changing your eye color. You will need a specific prescription from your eye care professional for toric lenses.

Why do my new colored contacts feel blurry?

If your new contacts are blurry, first check if they are inside out. Also, ensure you have inserted the correct lens for each eye, as prescriptions can differ. New lenses might also feel slightly different as your eyes adjust. However, if the blurriness persists, it could indicate an incorrect prescription, a manufacturing defect in the lens, or an improper fit. Consult your eye care professional.

Can wearing colored contacts without a prescription cause blurry vision?

Wearing colored contacts without a prescription is generally not recommended, even if you don't need vision correction (i.e., you use plano lenses). While plano lenses won't actively correct or distort your vision in terms of power, an improper fit (wrong base curve or diameter) can cause discomfort, movement, and potentially temporary blurriness. All contact lenses, including plano colored ones, are medical devices and require a professional fitting to ensure safety and comfort.

How often should I get my eyes checked if I wear colored contacts?

It is recommended to have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year, or more frequently if advised by your eye care professional. This ensures your prescription is current, your eyes are healthy, and your contact lenses (including colored ones from MyEyeColors) continue to fit properly and safely.