What to Do If Your Colored Contact Lenses Feel Uncomfortable

Quick answer

If your colored contact lenses feel uncomfortable, remove them immediately if you feel sharp pain, redness, or blurred vision. For mild discomfort, wash your hands, inspect the lens for damage or debris, and rehydrate it with contact lens solution. If the problem persists after reinsertion, stop wearing the lenses and consult an eye care professional.

Colored contacts can transform your look, but when they start to bother your eyes, the experience quickly turns unpleasant. Whether it's a mild scratchy sensation or a sharp pain, knowing how to respond can prevent serious complications. This guide walks you through common causes of discomfort and the exact steps to take.

Remember: your eyes are delicate. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. The tips below are practical first-aid measures, not substitutes for professional medical advice.

Step 1: Remove the Lenses Safely

The very first thing to do when your colored contacts feel uncomfortable is to remove them, especially if you experience pain, redness, or excessive tearing. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel. Use your fingertip to gently slide the lens down onto the white of your eye before pinching it off. Never try to remove a lens with long nails or tweezers.

If the lens feels stuck, do not force it. Apply a few drops of contact lens rewetting drops or sterile saline solution to the eye, blink a few times, and try again. Once removed, place the lens in a clean case filled with fresh contact lens solution—don't reuse old solution.

• Always wash and dry your hands before touching your eyes.
• Use rewetting drops if the lens is dry and stuck.
• Store the lens in fresh solution while you inspect it.

Step 2: Inspect the Lens for Damage or Debris

After removal, hold the lens up to the light and examine it closely. Look for any tears, chips, or deposits. A torn or damaged lens can scratch your cornea and must be discarded. Also check for tiny particles like dust, lint, or makeup residue that might have gotten trapped under the lens. Even a small speck can cause significant irritation.

If you see debris, rinse the lens thoroughly with contact lens solution. Never use water or saliva—they contain microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections. Gently rub the lens with a clean fingertip in the palm of your hand, then rinse again before reinserting.

• Check for tears, chips, or cloudy deposits.
• Rinse with fresh contact lens solution only.
• If the lens is damaged, throw it away and use a new one.

Step 3: Rehydrate and Reinsert

Sometimes discomfort is simply due to dryness. Colored contact lenses, especially those with lower water content, can absorb moisture from your eyes, leading to a gritty feeling. If your lens looks clean and undamaged, soak it in fresh contact lens solution for a few minutes to rehydrate it. This helps restore its original moisture level.

Before reinserting, check that the lens is not inside out. Place the lens on your fingertip and look at its shape: it should form a perfect bowl with edges pointing up, like a cup. If the edges flare out, it's inside out. After reinserting, blink a few times to allow the lens to settle. If you still feel discomfort after a few minutes, remove the lens again and do not wear it.

• Soak the lens in solution for at least 5 minutes.
• Check the lens orientation before insertion.
• If discomfort returns, stop wearing the lens.

Step 4: When to See an Eye Doctor

While most discomfort resolves with cleaning and rehydration, some symptoms require immediate professional attention. If you experience persistent pain, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, or blurred vision that doesn't clear after removing the lenses, contact an eye care professional right away. These could be signs of a corneal abrasion, infection, or allergic reaction.

Also, if your eyes remain red or irritated for more than a few hours after lens removal, seek medical advice. Never sleep in colored contacts unless they are specifically designed for extended wear, and always follow the recommended replacement schedule. Wearing lenses past their intended lifespan increases the risk of complications.

• Seek immediate care for severe pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
• Don't ignore persistent redness or irritation.
• Follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule (daily, monthly, etc.).

Diagnosis at a glance

• Symptom: Mild scratchiness or dryness: Likely cause: Dry eyes, low humidity, or lens dehydration. Action: Remove lens, rinse with solution, and rehydrate. Use rewetting drops if needed. If reinsertion feels fine, continue wear. If dryness persists, consider lenses with higher water content or daily disposables.
• Symptom: Sharp pain or burning sensation: Likely cause: Torn lens, debris under lens, or corneal abrasion. Action: Remove lens immediately and inspect for damage. Do not reinsert if damaged. If pain continues after removal, see an eye doctor right away.
• Symptom: Redness or excessive tearing: Likely cause: Allergic reaction, infection, or lens intolerance. Action: Remove lens and do not wear until symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, consult a professional. Persistent redness or tearing is a red flag—seek medical advice.

Choosing comfortable colored contacts

• Romantea Fixy Dewy Tear Blue: 3-month colored contacts with 45% water content, made of silicone hydrogel, and a total diameter of 14.2mm. Silicone hydrogel materials allow more oxygen to reach your eyes, which can reduce dryness and discomfort during extended wear. The higher water content also helps keep the lens moist.
• Melody Brown: 1-month colored contacts with 38% water content and made of HEMA material. If you have sensitive eyes prone to dryness, a lower water content lens may actually help because it doesn't draw as much moisture from your eyes. Knowing your lens material can help you pick a more comfortable option.
• Lighly Lily Marry Pink: Daily disposable colored contacts with a total diameter of 14.3mm and made of silicone hydrogel. Daily disposables are a great choice for those who experience discomfort from protein buildup or debris. A fresh lens every day eliminates the need for cleaning and reduces the risk of irritation.

Uncomfortable colored contacts can often be resolved with quick action: remove, inspect, clean, and rehydrate. However, your eyes come first—never ignore persistent pain or redness. If you're prone to discomfort, consider trying a different lens material or a daily disposable option to find what works best for you.