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Signs You Might Need to Switch Your Contact Lens Brand
Have your contact lenses become a layer of sandpaper on your eyes by noon? Or have you noticed that your vision isn’t as clear as it used to be. And let’s face it: contact lenses are the real deal, but they’re not one size fits all. If you’ve been wearing contacts for some time, you’ve probably experienced some surprises.
Let us tell you about the less-than-subtle cues that signal you should switch. Because comfort, clarity, and eye health are all things you can never sacrifice with contact lenses.
1. Blurry Vision: You’re Constantly Squinting and Rubbing Your Eyes
You put in your contacts, but things remain a bit fuzzy at the edges. You begin to wonder if you’ve misplaced your prescription, or if your eyesight is simply deteriorating. Blurriness creeps up on you for any number of reasons, but here’s the deal: it usually happens because your contact lenses are no longer right. Your glasses prescription may have changed, or your lenses just aren’t up to the task for your eyes.
Why This Happens
Other lens materials may become distorted over time or lose their ability to keep water in the lens which can blur vision. For example, high water-content lenses can be wonderful for some individuals but lose moisture much quicker on others, making vision a fuzzy and foggy view of the world.
What To Do
It makes a world of difference if you change to a brand that is designed for dryness or clarity. Seek out lenses with advanced hydration technology or ask your optometrist for a brand that’s designed to keep it perfectly clear throughout the day.
2. Irritation and Redness: Are You Constantly Feeling Like There’s Something in Your Eye?
Obviously, no one wants those bright, itchy, red eyes. Sure, you may occasionally feel a bit of irritation, but if your eyes are going to war with your lenses, something is up. You might experience chronic irritation or redness – possibly because your lenses aren’t breathable, or even because you have an allergic reaction to the lens material. Yes, contact lens allergies are possible.
Why This Happens
Contact lenses don’t always let the same amount of oxygen reach your eyes. And if your existing lenses are restricting airflow, it’s possible that they’re choking your corneas, causing swelling, irritation and the perpetual red-eye.
What To Do
Think of lenses that focus on high oxygen permeability. Silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, provide much more oxygen to the eye than hydrogels, so you might consider those if you’re suffering from constant irritation.
3. Dry Eyes That Just Won’t Quit
Contact lens wear is a hassle all day due to dry eyes concerns. If you are finding yourself grabbing for eye drops more times than you can count, reconsider your lens brand. Not only does dryness make you uncomfortable, but it also affects your eyes in the long run.
Why This Happens
Some lenses are notorious for shriveling, particularly if they don’t keep moisture well. Also, if you’re working in a dry or air-conditioned setting, some contact lens materials make it even more dry.
What To Do
Be sure to buy lenses with moisture-locking technology or materials intentionally meant for dry eyes. Brands with "natural wettability" or "moisture-retaining" attributes can keep your eyes soothed, moist and well hydrated, even during extended working hours.
4. Headaches or Eye Strain After Short Periods of Wear
A Lesser known clue that your lenses don’t suit you? Constant headaches or a feeling of eye strain. We can dismiss this as screen fatigue but if your headaches are related to your contact lenses you need to take another look at the brand you're accustomed to.
Why This Happens
The fit or prescription might not be quite right, so your eyes have to strain to focus. All this extra stress results in headaches and eye discomfort that, while not immediately apparent, becomes persistent.
What To Do
You may want to ask your eye doctor for a new fitting. Maybe a new lens material or style will be more comfortable and take care of those pesky headaches.
5. Your Lifestyle Has Changed, But Your Lenses Haven’t
Whether you’ve recently picked up a new activity, such as running, swimming, or sitting at a computer for long hours, it’s time to reconsider your contact lens prescription. Any lifestyle change will have a significant impact on how your lenses function throughout the day.
Why This Matters
Certain lifestyle requires specific lens qualities. Athletes gain an advantage from lenses with greater stability and office workers want a solution that will withstand long hours on the screen without drying out.
What To Do
Consider brands or lenses tailored to your job and activities. Some brands, for example, provide UV protection that’s good for use outdoors and others filter blue light, which is suitable for digital devices.
6. Recurring Infections or Sensitivity
If your eyes tend to become infected, or you’ve noticed increased sensitivity, perhaps your lenses are not providing the hygiene standards you require. For people with sensitive eyes or compromised immune systems, purchasing the wrong lens brand can add to the possibility of complications.
Why This Happens
Some contact lenses store up more protein deposits than others, especially if they’re worn for longer than suggested use. These deposits can be a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in a greater likelihood of infection.
What To Do
Make the move to daily disposables that are new every day and don’t need overnight storage. This fresh-start routine can greatly lower the likelihood of infection and irritation for sensitive eyes.
7. Poor Fit: Your Lenses Move Around or Don’t Stay Put
Contact lenses should look and feel just like an extension of your eyes. They are likely not a good fit if they’re moving all the time, popping out of place, or getting uncomfortable. The movement in your lenses might indicate that they are loose or inappropriate for your eyes' shape.
Why This Happens
Our eyes are different shapes and sizes and not all lenses will adjust to such distinct qualities. Some brands come with larger base curves and others may be smaller or larger than your requirement.
What To Do
Ask your eye doctor about brands with a wide range of base curves and diameters. Get the right fit that will prevent slippage and make you much more comfortable in general.
8. Cloudy Vision, Even Right After Cleaning
If your lenses look like they have a film left on them after a deep clean, that might be because of a compatibility issue with your cleaning agent or lens solution. It might also be a sign that protein deposits are building up too fast.
Why This Happens
There are certain lens materials that are more susceptible to deposits and if your cleaning isn’t effectively combating the accumulation, it’s time to switch.
What To Do
Switch to a brand that claims to be highly deposit resistant, or try a new cleaning product. Daily disposables also work as a good option because you don’t have to worry about accumulation day to day.
9. Your Contacts Don’t Have the Features You Need
The contact lens industry has made remarkable progress, with options such as toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocals for presbyopia, and lenses that are more UV-protective. If your brand doesn’t support these features, and you don’t feel like you’re getting the most out of it, then maybe it’s time to take a look.
Why This Matters
And if your current lenses are not the right fit for your vision and lifestyle, you’re missing out of the quality and comfort you surely need.
What To Do
Read up on the latest lenses on the market and talk to your optometrist. A brand switch might introduce you to things that are a huge improvement on how you feel and see everyday.
10. Persistent Discomfort Despite Your Best Efforts
If you’ve tried eye drops, solutions change, and changing your cleaning habits, and still nothing works, pay attention to what your eyes are telling you. Constant discomfort is among the biggest clues your contacts aren’t working for you.
Why This Happens
A number of materials or brands won’t even get along with your eyes, no matter how hard you might try.
What To Do
Go with your gut and don’t be satisfied with a lousy lens experience. There are many, many choices out there, and the right one could be as simple as a little bit of digging. A brand change could mean the difference between acceptable and truly comfortable.
Trust Your Eyes, Not the Brand
The contact lens market is booming and, although the variety of choices can be overwhelming, that doesn’t mean there’s no great fit for you. Not all brands will be right for you — just like shoes or makeup, not everyone will be perfect for you. If you listen to what your eyes are telling you, you can make a more informed decision to help you see better, stay comfortable and have healthier eyes. So, go ahead and do your homework. It’s your eyes after all rightfully deserving the best.
Ready to switch? If any of these signs speak to you and reverberate with you,it may be a high time to visit your eye doctor. They can help you sort through the choices and select a brand that fits your eyes, lifestyle and vision needs.
