Understanding What Can Cause Eye Irritation From Contacts

Almost everyone gets red eyes every now and then, but it’s usually temporary, and nothing to worry about. Here are some common causes of eye irritation:

  • Being tired
  • Allergies
  • Wearing lenses longer than recommended
  • Sensitivity to materials/solutions

IMPORTANT: If your eyes are red and you’re experiencing pain or impaired vision, you should contact your Eye Care Professional immediately

How To Avoid Eye Irritation And Maintain Comfort

Your eyes naturally have a layer of moisture, but sometimes your lifestyle can throw this balance off. Here are a few situations where you can stay on top of things:

Beauty

TIPS

1. Wash your hands and put on your contact lenses before applying makeup.

2. You may want to try water-resistant mascara and eyeliner to prevent flaking or smudging.

3. Hypoallergenic, oil-free makeup removers are the best choice when wearing contact lenses.

4. When you go to the salon, leave your lenses at home. Hairspray, getting your hair colored or perms can damage your contact lenses.

5. Don't wear makeup (or put on your lenses) if your eyes are swollen, red or infected.

Computers

TIPS

1. Take a break! Staring at your screen for too long can affect your eyes’ balance. Try readjusting about every 20 minutes.

2. Adjust your seat. Hovering over your screen or sitting too close can strain your eyes.

3. Don’t work in the dark. The difference in brightness between your screen and the area behind it can cause eye stress and discomfort.

4. Remember to blink. It sounds obvious, but when you’re on a computer, you blink five times less.

5. Germs can live on your laptop, so don’t handle your contact lenses before washing your hands.

Travel

TIPS

1. Pack light. Carry travel size contact lens solution and rewetting drops just in case. Airlines usually allow up to 100 ml.

2. When traveling by air, try to keep your contact lenses, case, and solution in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is lost, you don’t want to be left without your lenses or without a way to remove them at the end of the day.

3. Stick to your schedule. It’s important to stay on track with replacing your lenses, even if you’re in a new time zone.

4. Don’t ditch your case. Those cups in hotel rooms aren’t a good choice for storing your lenses. Stick to a clean contact lens case.

5. Be prepared. Bring along two extra pairs of contact lenses in case you lose or damage your current pair.

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