Symptoms of Poor Fitting Contacts

What does it feel like if your contacts don’t fit well?

Ready to trade your eyeglasses for contact lenses? Many people eagerly schedule an appointment to get fitted, only to learn that contact lenses might not be the best option for them. Certain factors  — such as the shape of your eyes, dry eye disease, allergies, or past eye infections — can make wearing contacts uncomfortable or even unsafe.¹

Wearing contact lenses should feel natural, and provide clear vision throughout the day. But if your lenses don’t fit properly, they can cause a range of irritating symptoms.

Let’s talk about what poor-fitting contact lenses feel like, why proper fit matters, and what you can do if your contacts aren’t working for you.

Key Points

• Contact lenses shouldn’t cause pain or blurry vision. If they do, they might not fit properly and could be harming your eyes.
• It’s not always just dry eyes or allergies. Poor fit is a common issue, and only an eye exam can tell you what’s really going on.
• If your lenses feel off, take them out and see your eye doctor. A quick check can prevent bigger problems down the line.

Common Symptoms of Poor Fitting Contacts

Ill-fitting contact lenses can cause a variety of uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms. Some of the symptoms you might notice include:²

• Blurry vision or fluctuating clarity: If your vision with contact lenses isn’t consistently sharp, your lenses may not be sitting correctly on your eye or might not match your prescription.
• Eye discomfort or irritation: A foreign body sensation, as if something is stuck in your eye, can be a sign of improper lens fit or movement.
• Excessive tearing: Your eyes may produce extra tears in response to irritation caused by an ill-fitting contact lens.
• Sensitivity to light: Poorly fitting contacts can make your eyes more sensitive to bright lights.
• Redness and eye pain: If your eyes look irritated or feel sore, your lenses may be too tight. Tight lenses reduce oxygen flow to the eye and cause inflammation.
• Frequent lens displacement: If your lenses move too much or pop out easily, it’s likely you have a bad fit.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Wearing poorly fitting contact lenses for a prolonged period of time can lead to serious complications.

Why Proper Contact Lens Fit Matters

A well-fitting contact lens should feel comfortable. The right lens fit depends on factors like the shape of your cornea, the material of the lens, and your specific refractive error.

Risks of Poor-Fitting Contact Lenses

Wearing ill-fitting contact lenses can cause complications such as:³

• Eye infections: Lenses that don’t fit correctly can trap bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
• Corneal abrasions: Tight lenses can scratch the cornea, leading to pain and light sensitivity.
• Contact lens intolerance: Chronic irritation can make it impossible to ever wear contact lenses comfortably.
• Reduced oxygen permeability: Tight lenses restrict oxygen flow to the cornea, increasing the risk of complications like corneal swelling.

What You Can Do

If your contacts don’t feel right, schedule a contact lens exam with an eye care provider. You’ll need a proper contact lens fitting to be sure you get the correct prescription, lens material, and fit for your eye shape.³

Your eye doctor may recommend trying different lens types, adjusting your wear schedule, or switching to a more breathable lens material.³

Other Possible Causes of Contact Lens Discomfort

Sometimes, discomfort while wearing your contact lenses isn’t due to an ill-fitting contact lens. It could be related to an underlying eye condition. Below are some of the other common causes of contact lens discomfort.

Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, can make contact lens wear uncomfortable, leading to blurry vision, irritation, and excessive tearing. Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or the tears are evaporating too quickly.¹

Wearing contact lenses is a risk factor for dry eye disease as they can sometimes worsen dryness by absorbing moisture from the eyes. Long hours of screen time, exposure to dry environments, and certain medications can also contribute to dry eyes.⁴

Start with a visit to your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance. You can begin a daily eyelid hygiene routine with CorneaCare eyelid wipes and artificial tears to reduce symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes, such as the addition of CorneaCare Omega-3 Supplements to your diet can also help improve dry eye disease.⁴

Allergies and Eye Irritation

Seasonal allergies or sensitivity to contact lens solutions can cause redness, itching, and irritation. Switching to preservative-free contact lens solutions or using daily disposable contact lenses can reduce irritation.¹

If you suffer from seasonal allergies that cause eye irritation, talk to your doctor about treatment.

Improper Cleaning or Lens Care

Using old lenses, wearing them longer than recommended, or improper cleaning can lead to contact lens discomfort. Always follow the proper care guidelines provided by your doctor and product labels, and replace your lenses as directed.¹

Foreign Object Sensation from Protein Buildup

Over time, proteins and debris can accumulate on your lenses. This buildup can cause a feeling of a foreign body in the eye.³ Regular cleaning or switching to daily disposable lenses can help.

Contact Lens Proper Care

Using the right contact lens solutions is important for maintaining lens hygiene. Improper cleaning can lead to eye infections and irritation.²

Use fresh solution to store your lenses every time. Avoid water or saliva to clean lenses. Be sure to replace your lens case regularly.²

Regular Eye Exams and Contact Lens Prescription Updates

Regular eye exams are necessary to keep your contact lens prescription accurate. Changes in your eye shape or vision can affect how your lenses fit over time.

How to Soothe Mild Irritation from Contacts

The following tips can help when you have occasional mild irritation from your contacts. If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor fitting contacts as described above, remove your contact lenses and contact your eye care provider.

• Remove your contacts: If your eyes feel uncomfortable, take your lenses out and switch to glasses to give your eyes a break.
• Use artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation.¹ Choose preservative-free drops, such as CorneaCare Artificial Tears.
• Check your contact lens solution: Some solutions can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Follow your wear schedule: Overwearing contact lenses can lead to dryness and discomfort.
• Use a warm compress: After removing your contact lenses, use a warm compress to enhance your tear film and increase lubrication.⁵ Try CorneaCare Self Heating Eye Compress for soothing relief.

If symptoms persist, make an appointment with your eye doctor to rule out an underlying issue.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to recognize when eye discomfort requires professional care. You should see an eye care provider if you experience:²

• Severe or persistent eye pain that doesn’t improve after removing your contacts
• Sudden vision loss or significant changes in vision with contact lens wear
• Redness and swelling that worsen over time
• Sensitivity to light that becomes extreme
• A thick or unusual discharge from your eyes

Having a prompt evaluation from your doctor can help prevent complications and protect your eye health. Your eye care professional can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.

Symptoms of Poor Fitting Contacts FAQ

Putting It All Together

When you choose to wear contact lenses, you should have clear vision, not discomfort and irritation. If you think you may be wearing poor-fitting contact lenses, don’t wait — schedule a contact lens exam with your eye doctor.

Whether the issue is related to your lens fit, dry eye disease, allergies, or improper cleaning, there are solutions to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy. With the right contact lens fitting and proper care, you can enjoy the convenience of contacts without the frustration of discomfort.

What’s Next

Have a look at these articles next to learn more about wearing contact lenses:

• How to Tell if a Contact Lens is Still in Your Eye
• Do Contacts Hurt? What’s Normal, What’s Not
• Can You Wear Contacts with a Stye?