6 Things That Can Make Contact Lenses Hard to Fit

Contact lenses are a convenient and effective alternative to eyeglasses. They rest directly on the eyes, correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Unfortunately, not everyone has an easy journey with fitting this eyewear.

Certain conditions can make contact lens wear a challenge. A local eye specialist shares six of them.

1. Dry Eyes

A common hurdle for comfortable contact lens wear is dry eye syndrome. It’s a condition where the eyes don’t produce enough or quality tears. Wearing soft contact lenses could be unbearable if your eyes are irritated due to dry eye.

Scleral lenses are an innovative solution for those with severe dry eyes. They are bigger than conventional contacts and provide more expansive coverage. These rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses retain their shape without restricting oxygen. Scleral lenses create a tear-filled reservoir to keep the eyes moist.

2. Astigmatism

Irregularities in the shape of the cornea or lens can result in astigmatism. Blurred vision, frequent squinting and eyestrain are among its usual symptoms. You can inherit this common eye condition from your parents. It isn’t true that you can get it from reading in dim light or being too close to digital screens. However, you can also develop astigmatism due to eye injury or disease.

After a contact eye exam, your specialist might recommend toric lenses if you have astigmatism. Toric lenses for astigmatism are thicker and larger than standard contacts. They also have two powers to correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness. These lenses are custom-made for the unique curvature of each eye, providing sharper vision and a more comfortable fit.

3. Allergies

Your eyes could become red, itchy and watery due to allergies. During allergy season, some people are more prone to swollen eyelids or experience burning in their eyes. If you have severe allergies, switching to glasses can alleviate your symptoms. Daily disposables are another alternative you should consider. You replace them regularly, reducing the risk of allergen buildup that can trigger symptoms.

4. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

GPC causes the inner eyelid surface to get red, bumpy and swollen. It can happen due to a contact lens-related injury, sutures from surgery or an artificial eye. Those with allergies are at higher risk for developing GPC.

GPC requires immediate attention because it can severely harm the lids and cornea. Your doctor might recommend discontinuing contact lens wear while your eyes are healing. They might also prescribe eye drops or ointment to alleviate swelling and itching. Moreover, daily disposables are less prone to protein buildup, which can contribute to GPC development.

5. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges forward. It can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity. Those with keratoconus may also need to visit their local eye clinic more frequently for prescription updates.

Glasses or soft contact lenses can correct keratoconus in its initial stages. You may need to switch RGP or scleral lenses as the condition progresses. If you have advanced keratoconus, you may need a corneal transplant.

6. Presbyopia

Presbyopia typically occurs in people over 40. As you age, the lenses inside your eyes could lose their flexibility, affecting your ability to perform close-up tasks. If you have presbyopia, you might need to hold reading materials at a distance to see the text. You might also find yourself increasing the font size on your digital devices or needing brighter reading lights.

Multifocal and bifocal lenses might be ideal for presbyopia patients who want to continue wearing contacts. These lenses correct both distance and near vision. They are known for their convenience since they allow you to see clearly at all distances.