ADDED TO CARTWhy Do My Contacts Get Blurry?
Guides & How To
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Over 40 million Americans wear contact lenses, and while most people don’t have any trouble, sometimes problems happen. One recurring issue that many contact wearers experience is blurry contact lenses. While this can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks, the blurriness is usually temporary and easily fixed.
Below, we explore what can cause blurry contacts, ways to address it, and when it’s best to see an eye doctor.
What Can Cause Blurry Contacts?
There are several possible causes and solutions to blurry vision while wearing contacts:
Dirty Lenses
One of the leading causes of blurry contacts is dirty lenses from protein buildup. Wearing contacts for longer than recommended can lead to protein deposits on the lenses. These deposits can cause the appearance of cloudy contact lenses and possibly lead to further eye health problems.
Blurry vision in one or both contact lenses can also happen if you’ve handled your contacts with dirty fingers and transferred oils or other substances to their surface.
What to do:
If your lenses are dirty, you should clean your
contacts:
- After washing your hands, take your lenses out one at a time.
- Gently roll each lens in the palm of your hand using plenty of contact cleaning solution.
- Rinse your lenses and remove any tough deposits.
- Put your freshly cleaned lenses back in your eyes.
Even with careful cleaning, you should replace your contact lenses regularly. Your eye doctor will recommend a replacement schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly). This will minimize buildup and reduce the chance of damage to your eyes.
Dry Contact Lenses
Dry contact lenses can contribute to blurry vision due to inadequate hydration on their surface. Contact lenses rely on your eyes’ natural tear film to maintain their position and optical clarity. But if your eyes become dry from environmental factors, extended wear, or insufficient tear production, your lenses may lose their moisture balance.
Dryness can cause the lenses to warp slightly or develop deposits, both of which can result in blurriness with contacts. Additionally, the lack of proper lubrication can lead to discomfort, further amplifying the problem.
What to do:
Rehydrate the lenses using contact-safe eye drops.
This temporarily restores clarity by replenishing moisture.
If the dryness persists, it could indicate a more chronic condition, such as dry eye syndrome, which
might require an eye doctor’s assessment.
In some cases, the contact lens fit or material may not be suitable. Your doctor may suggest that you switch to daily disposables or lenses designed for dry eyes. Wherever you end up, it’s essential to maintain proper lens care and follow the recommended wear and replacement schedules.
A Change in Prescription
As people age, their eyesight often declines. One day you may notice that your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be. While this is a completely natural and gradual process, it can cause your prescription to change more frequently than it did in the past.
What to do:
The best way to deal with this is to simply see your doctor.
They can give you a new eye exam and determine if an outdated prescription is making your contacts
blurry.
Eye Health Issues
Sometimes, the causes of blurry contacts are not the contacts themselves. Eye health issues can significantly impact a person’s ability to wear contact lenses comfortably and safely.
Eye health issues can significantly impact the comfort and safety of contact lens wear. For instance, dry eye syndrome often makes wearing lenses uncomfortable. The reduced tear production prevents proper lubrication, which can lead to irritation, blurred vision, and even corneal damage over time.
Similarly, allergies can worsen discomfort for contact lens users, as allergens can accumulate on the lenses and irritate the eyes. Symptoms like redness, itching, and tearing may worsen, making lenses harder to tolerate.
Improper lens hygiene or use can also increase the risk of infections like keratitis, which involves inflammation of the cornea. This condition can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. It can lead to severe complications, including vision loss, if not addressed promptly.
What to do:
- For dry eye syndrome, use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Ask your eye doctor if appropriate contact lens types for dry eyes, such as those with higher moisture content, can help mitigate these effects.
- For allergies, switch to daily disposable lenses or use a stronger cleaning regimen, such as peroxide-based solution, to help alleviate these issues.
- To minimize the risk of eye infection, follow strict hygiene practices, avoid water exposure to your contacts, and refrain from sleeping in your lenses.
If you're experiencing discomfort or complications with your lenses, it's essential to consult an eye care professional to ensure proper management and maintain your eye health.
What If My Contact Lens Is Blurry in One Eye?
If you have a contact lens blurry in one eye, this could be due to a few things:
- The contact lens is not sitting in the correct position on your eye to refract light properly.
- If you have astigmatism and use toric lenses, check that your lens is aligned correctly on your eye.
- Your prescription may be incorrect.
- The contact lens has debris or contaminants on its surface.
- That eye may be affected by dryness, infection, or damage to the cornea.
If you still have a cloudy contact lens after cleaning it and making sure it’s positioned correctly in your eye, consult with your eye doctor.
Is It Normal for Brand-New Contacts to Look Blurry?
It’s not uncommon for new contact lenses to appear blurry at first, especially if your eyes are adjusting to a new prescription or a different lens fit.
The adjustment period can make your new contacts blurry during the first few days as your eyes adapt to wearing the lenses. This is true whether it’s your first time wearing contacts or if you switched to a different lens brand or material.
The need to adjust is normal and may last for a week or so. However, if the blurriness persists beyond this time, it could indicate an issue with the prescription, the lens fit, or even a problem with how the lenses were inserted.
With these common reasons for contact blurriness and typical fixes, you can feel more confident in figuring out why your vision is cloudy or foggy. But if you try the recommendations above and your problem persists, contact your eye doctor. They’ll check for other causes so you can get back on your way to healthy eyes and clear vision.
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