What to Do When Contacts Sting When You Put Them In

If your contacts sting when you put them in, the immediate action is to gently remove the lens, rinse it thoroughly with fresh, sterile contact lens solution, and then carefully reinsert it. Often, a small piece of debris or a bubble can cause temporary discomfort. If the stinging persists after reinsertion, remove the lens again and consider using a fresh lens or consulting with your eye care professional. For more on this, see our guide to How to Put in Colored Contacts for the First Time.

Immediate Actions When Your Contacts Sting

Experiencing a sudden sting or discomfort when you put in your contact lenses can be alarming. It's important to react quickly and correctly to prevent potential irritation or damage to your eyes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Remove the Lens Immediately: As soon as you feel a sting or significant discomfort, gently remove the contact lens from your eye. Do not rub your eye, as this could worsen any irritation or embed foreign particles further.
2. Inspect and Rinse the Lens: Place the removed lens in the palm of your clean hand, add a few drops of fresh, sterile multipurpose or saline solution, and gently rub it with your index finger for about 10-20 seconds. This helps dislodge any debris, lint, or makeup residue that might be on the lens surface. Then, rinse the lens thoroughly with more fresh solution.
3. Check Your Eye: Before reinserting, gently blink a few times to see if the discomfort in your eye subsides. If you notice any redness, discharge, or continued pain, do not reinsert the lens.
4. Reinsert Carefully: If your eye feels fine and the lens appears clean and undamaged, you can try reinserting it. Ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling the lens.
5. Try a Fresh Lens or Your Glasses: If the stinging returns after reinsertion, or if you suspect the lens might be damaged, discard it and try a new, sterile lens from its packaging. If you don't have a spare, wear your glasses until you can consult with your eye care professional. Never force a lens that causes discomfort.

Common Reasons Your Contacts Sting When You Put Them In

Understanding why your contacts sting can help you prevent future discomfort. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

Debris or Foreign Object

Even a tiny speck of dust, an eyelash, a fiber from a towel, or makeup residue on the lens or in your eye can cause significant stinging and irritation. This is often the most common and easiest issue to resolve by simply cleaning the lens.

Expired or Contaminated Solution

Using expired contact lens solution, tap water, or even saliva to rinse or store your lenses introduces bacteria and contaminants that can cause immediate stinging and potentially lead to serious eye infections. Always use fresh, sterile solution and never reuse old solution. If you're weighing options, our roundup of How to Put in Contacts Without Touching Your Eye is a good next read.

Dry Eyes

If your eyes are naturally dry or become dry due to environmental factors (wind, air conditioning, screen time), putting in a contact lens can sometimes exacerbate this dryness, leading to a stinging sensation. The lens might not be adequately lubricated upon insertion.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies or reactions to specific ingredients in your contact lens solution can cause your eyes to become red, itchy, and sting when lenses are inserted. Protein buildup on lenses can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

Damaged Lens

A torn, chipped, or scratched contact lens can be incredibly irritating and cause stinging upon insertion. Always inspect your lenses for any damage before putting them in. If a lens is damaged, discard it immediately. You might also like our take on 5 Signs Your Colored Contacts Don't Fit Right.

Improper Fit or Base Curve

Contact lenses are medical devices and require a precise fit determined by an eye care professional. If your lens has an incorrect base curve or diameter for your eye, it can cause discomfort, stinging, and even damage. This is why a proper prescription and fitting are crucial, especially when trying new brands or types, including colored contacts from MyEyeColors. Always consult your eye care professional before trying new lenses.

Reaction to Cosmetics or Hand Products

Makeup, hand creams, lotions, or even strong soaps on your hands can transfer to your lenses and cause a stinging sensation. Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-perfumed soap and dry them completely with a lint-free towel before handling lenses.

Eye Infection or Underlying Condition

In rare but serious cases, persistent stinging could be a symptom of an underlying eye infection (like conjunctivitis or keratitis) or another medical condition. If stinging is accompanied by redness, discharge, extreme light sensitivity, or vision changes, seek immediate professional medical attention. We break this down further in Are Colored Contacts Safe to Wear.

Preventative Measures for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear

Prevention is key to avoiding that unpleasant stinging sensation. Adopting good habits can significantly improve your contact lens experience:

• Strict Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses or eyes.
• Use Fresh Solution Daily: Never "top off" old solution in your lens case. Always discard old solution and fill the case with fresh, sterile solution every time you store your lenses.
• Replace Lenses as Directed: Adhere to the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional (daily, bi-weekly, monthly). Overwearing lenses increases the risk of protein buildup, dryness, and infection.
• Replace Your Lens Case Regularly: Your lens case should be replaced every 1-3 months to prevent bacterial buildup, which can lead to contamination and stinging.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall eye moisture, reducing the likelihood of dry eyes that can cause stinging.
• Avoid Water Contact: Do not expose your contact lenses to tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, or showers, as water can harbor harmful microorganisms.
• Apply Makeup After Lenses: Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before removing makeup. Avoid oil-based products near your eyes.
• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye care professional. They can monitor your eye health, update your prescription, and ensure your lenses fit correctly.

When to See an Eye Care Professional

While occasional stinging might be resolved with simple steps, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Your eye health is paramount, and contacts are medical devices that require proper care and supervision.

You should contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms along with stinging:

• Persistent or worsening pain.
• Significant or increasing redness of the eye.
• Unusual discharge from the eye.
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision.
• Extreme sensitivity to light.
• A feeling that something is constantly in your eye.
• Swelling of the eyelid.
• Stinging that doesn't resolve after removing and thoroughly cleaning the lens, or trying a fresh lens.

These symptoms could indicate a serious eye infection or other condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage.

Choosing the Right Lenses for Optimal Comfort

The type of contact lens you wear can significantly impact your comfort. Factors like material, water content, and fit all play a role in how your eyes feel throughout the day. At MyEyeColors, we understand that comfort is just as important as aesthetics when it comes to colored contact lenses. It pairs well with what we cover in Are Halloween Contacts Safe to Wear.

When browsing colored contact options from MyEyeColors, remember that all contact lenses, including colored ones, are medical devices and require a valid prescription from an eye care professional. They can help you select lenses that not only provide your desired aesthetic but also ensure optimal comfort and eye health. Explore our range of colored contacts designed for comfort and style at browse our colored contacts.

Key Takeaways

• If your contacts sting, immediately remove, rinse with fresh solution, and reinsert.
• Common causes include debris, contaminated solution, dry eyes, or a damaged lens.
• Strict hygiene, proper solution use, and regular lens/case replacement are crucial for prevention.
• Always get a professional fitting and prescription for contact lenses, including colored ones.
• Seek immediate professional help if stinging is accompanied by pain, redness, discharge, or vision changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my contacts sting only in one eye?

If only one contact lens stings, it often points to an issue specific to that eye or lens. This could be due to a piece of debris under that particular lens, a damaged lens, or a localized irritation in that eye. Follow the immediate removal and cleaning steps, and if discomfort persists, try a fresh lens for that eye.

Can my contact lens solution cause stinging?

Yes, absolutely. Expired solution, solution that has been contaminated, or even a sensitivity to certain ingredients in a particular brand of solution can cause a stinging sensation. Ensure your solution is fresh, sterile, and compatible with your lenses. If you suspect your solution, try a different brand recommended by your eye care professional.

Is it normal for new contacts to sting a little?

A slight initial awareness or mild sensation with new contacts can be normal as your eyes adjust, but significant stinging is not. If new contacts sting, it could be a sign of improper fit, a reaction to the lens material, or a manufacturing defect. Always consult your eye care professional if new lenses cause discomfort.

What if my contacts sting even after I clean them?

If your contacts sting even after thorough cleaning, it's best to discard that lens and try a fresh, sterile one. The original lens might be damaged, have microscopic debris embedded, or be past its recommended wear time. If a fresh lens also stings, discontinue use and consult your eye care professional.

Can makeup cause my contacts to sting?

Yes, makeup is a common culprit. Eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow particles can easily transfer to your contact lenses, causing irritation, stinging, and even infection. Always insert your lenses before applying makeup and remove them before makeup removal. Use oil-free, hypoallergenic makeup designed for sensitive eyes if possible.