Contact Lens Comfort: Why Your Eyes Feel Tired and What to Do

Contact lenses are a convenient way to see clearly without glasses, but if your eyes often feel tired, dry, or irritated by the end of the day, you’re not alone. Many contact lens wearers experience eye fatigue without realizing that small habits, lens choices, or underlying eye conditions may be contributing to the problem. Understanding why your eyes feel tired and knowing what steps to take can help improve comfort and protect your long-term eye health.

Dry Eyes

Contact lenses naturally reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the eye’s surface and can disrupt the tear film. If your eyes do not produce enough quality tears, lenses may feel uncomfortable, especially late in the day.

Digital Screen Use

Extended time on computers, phones, and tablets reduces how often you blink. Fewer blinks allow tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and tired, strained eyes while wearing contacts.

Outdated or Incorrect Prescriptions

An old or inaccurate contact lens prescription can force your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to eye strain, headaches, and tired eyes.

Improper Lens Fit or Material

Not all contact lenses are the same. A lens that doesn’t fit properly or isn’t made from the right material for your eyes can cause irritation, dryness, and fatigue.

Poor Lens Care Habits

Reusing solution, skipping cleaning steps, or sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear can all contribute to discomfort and eye fatigue.

What You Can Do to Improve Contact Lens Comfort

There are several steps you can take to reduce eye fatigue and improve overall comfort while wearing contacts.

• Follow proper wear schedules: Always wear your lenses for the recommended amount of time and replace them as directed, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.

• Take breaks from screens: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain and encourage blinking.

• Maintain excellent lens hygiene: Clean and store lenses properly, replace solution daily, and never reuse old solution. Good hygiene helps keep lenses comfortable and safe.

• Consider different contact lens options: Advances in contact lens technology have made lenses more breathable and comfortable than ever. Daily disposable lenses, specialized materials, or lenses designed for dry eye can make a significant difference.

• Schedule regular eye exams: Routine eye exams allow your optometrist to ensure your prescription is accurate, your lenses fit correctly, and your eyes remain healthy.

When to See Your Optometrist

If eye fatigue persists despite good habits, it may be a sign of an underlying issue such as dry eye disease, allergies, or a need for a different type of lens. An eye exam can help identify the cause and provide personalized solutions to improve comfort.

Discover Contact Lenses Designed for Comfort

Tired, uncomfortable eyes are not something you have to accept as part of wearing contact lenses. With the right lens choice, proper care, and regular eye exams, most patients can enjoy clear, comfortable vision throughout the day. Paying attention to how your eyes feel and addressing issues early can help protect your vision and improve your overall comfort.

If your eyes feel tired or uncomfortable while wearing contact lenses, the team at Texas State Optical is here to help. Schedule a contact lens exam to explore comfortable lens options tailored to your eyes and lifestyle. Visit our office in Victoria, Texas, or call (361) 578-2904 today.