You've worn contact lenses for years without a problem. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, your eyes feel dry, irritated, or like something's constantly scratching against them. It's frustrating: and maybe a little alarming. Does this mean your contact lens days are over?

Here's the good news: sudden contact lens discomfort doesn't mean you have to give up on contacts. In most cases, the problem is completely fixable. Whether it's dryness, a fit issue, or a change in your prescription, there's usually a clear cause: and a solution. Let's walk through what might be happening and what you can do about it.

The Most Common Reasons Your Contacts Suddenly Feel Uncomfortable

When your lenses go from perfectly comfortable to persistently irritating, your eyes are trying to tell you something. Here are the most likely culprits behind that sudden discomfort.

1. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is the number one cause of contact lens discomfort; and it can develop suddenly, even if you've never had issues before.

Modern life makes dry eye more common than ever. Hours of screen time, air-conditioned offices, heated cars, and seasonal weather changes all reduce how often you blink and how well your tears protect your eyes. Contact lenses sit directly on your tear film, so when that film is compromised, you feel it immediately.

What makes this tricky is that contact lens wear itself can contribute to dry eye. Lenses can reduce corneal sensitivity over time and disrupt your natural tear production, creating a frustrating cycle of discomfort.

Signs it might be dry eye:

• Gritty, sandy sensation

• Burning or stinging

• Eyes that feel tired by midday

• Discomfort that worsens in dry or windy environments

2. Environmental Factors and Allergies

Sometimes your eyes are fine: it's your environment that's the problem.

Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and smoke can become trapped between your contact lens and your eye, causing persistent irritation. Seasonal allergies are especially common triggers, making your eyes watery, itchy, red, and inflamed. Even if you've never had "bad allergies," sensitivities can develop or worsen over time.

Environmental irritants you might not think about include:

• Smoke or vaping residue in the air

• Strong fragrances or cleaning products

• Chlorine from swimming pools

• Dusty or poorly ventilated space

If your discomfort seems to spike during certain seasons or in specific locations, environment is likely playing a role.
 

3. Your Prescription Has Changed

Your eyes don't stay the same forever. Subtle changes in your prescription: even ones you don't consciously notice: can make your current lenses feel "off."

When your prescription no longer matches your lenses, your eyes have to work harder to focus. This strain can cause:

• Headaches

• Eye fatigue

• A vague sense that something isn't quite right

• Blurry vision that comes and goes

This is one reason why annual comprehensive eye exams are so important. At Michigan Eye Consultants, we recommend everyone age 5 and up have their eyes examined every year: even if you think your vision is fine. Catching small prescription changes early keeps your contacts comfortable and your vision sharp. 

4. Poor Lens Fit

Even if you've worn the same brand for years, your lens fit can become problematic over time. Your cornea's shape can change subtly due to age, hormonal shifts, or other factors. A lens that once fit perfectly may now move too much, sit too tightly, or create pressure points.

Signs of a fit issue:

• Constant awareness of the lens on your eye

• Lenses that shift or rotate when you blink

• A feeling of pressure or tightness

• Redness in a ring pattern around your iris

A proper contact lens fitting isn't just about your prescription: it's about measuring your cornea's curvature and finding a lens that matches your unique eye shape. If your fit has changed, we can identify a better option.

5. Overwearing or Care Problems

Let's be honest: it's easy to get a little too casual with contact lens care. But habits that seem harmless can lead to sudden discomfort.

Common care mistakes include:

• Wearing daily lenses for multiple days

• Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear

• Using expired or contaminated lens solution

• Topping off old solution instead of using fresh solution each timeNot replacing your lens case regularly

When lenses are worn too long or not cleaned properly, protein and lipid deposits build up on the surface. This creates a rough, uncomfortable film that irritates your eyes. Overwearing also deprives your cornea of oxygen, which can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

If you've gotten a little lax with your lens care routine, getting back to basics might be all it takes to restore comfort.

6. Contact Lens Intolerance

Sometimes, after years of comfortable wear, your eyes simply become less tolerant of contact lenses. This is called contact lens intolerance (CLI), and it's more common than you might think.

CLI often develops gradually. You might notice:

• Your comfortable wearing time gets shorter and shorter

• Redness that worsens throughout the day

• A persistent gritty sensation

• Excessive tearing as your eyes try to "flush out" the lens

If you're experiencing these symptoms, don't panic. CLI doesn't necessarily mean contacts are off the table forever. Switching to a different lens material, wearing schedule, or addressing underlying dry eye can often restore comfort. Daily disposable lenses, for example, are often better tolerated because you start fresh every day with no deposit buildup.

When to See an Optometric Physician

While most contact lens discomfort has a straightforward fix, some symptoms require prompt attention.

Contact us right away if you experience:

• Sharp or severe eye pain

• Redness that doesn't improve after removing your lenses

• Sensitivity to light

• Unusual discharge or excessive tearing

• Blurry vision that persists after lens removal

• A visible white spot on your cornea

These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion, infection, or ulcer: conditions that need immediate evaluation to prevent complications.

You Don't Have to Give Up on Contacts

Here's what we want you to take away from this: contact lens discomfort is almost always solvable. Whether it's treating underlying dry eye, updating your prescription, finding a better-fitting lens, or switching to a more breathable material, there are options.

At Michigan Eye Consultants, we take the time to figure out why your contacts aren't working: not just hand you the same prescription and send you on your way. Our comprehensive eye exams evaluate your tear film, corneal health, and overall eye condition to find the root cause of your discomfort.

We also offer specialty contact lens options for patients who haven't found success with standard lenses, including:

• Daily disposable lenses for sensitive eyes

• Multifocal contact lenses for patients over 40 dealing with presbyopia

• Lenses designed for dry eye with enhanced moisture retention

• Specialty fits for irregular corneas

A Note About Insurance

Michigan Eye Consultants does not accept vision insurance. However, we do accept major commercial medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and select Medicaid plans. If you have questions about coverage for your visit, our team is happy to help you understand your options.
 

Let's Get Your Contacts Comfortable Again

If your contacts have suddenly become a daily struggle, don't suffer through it: and don't assume you have to switch to glasses permanently. Most of the time, the fix is simpler than you think

Schedule an appointment at Michigan Eye Consultants and let's figure out what's going on. We'll take the time to evaluate your eyes, discuss your lifestyle, and find a solution that works for you.

Call us today at 586-302-3222 or visit our website to book your comprehensive eye exam. Your eyes: and your contacts( will thank you.)