Signs You Should Remove Your Contact Lenses Immediately

Contact lenses are safe and convenient for many patients, but there are times when continuing to wear them can put your eye health at risk. Knowing when to remove contact lenses immediately can help prevent irritation, infection, and more serious complications. If something feels off, it is important to pay attention.

Sudden Eye Pain or Burning

Contact lenses should never cause significant pain. Mild awareness can happen when you first insert them, but sharp pain, burning, or a stinging sensation is a sign to take them out right away. This can happen if debris gets trapped under the lens, the lens is damaged, or the eye is becoming inflamed.

If the discomfort continues after removal, do not put the lenses back in.

Redness That Does Not Go Away

A little temporary redness can happen from dryness or fatigue, but persistent red eyes are not normal. Redness may point to poor lens fit, overwear, lack of oxygen to the eye, or an eye infection. Wearing contacts longer in this situation can make the problem worse.

If your eye stays red after removing the lens, it is best to schedule an exam as soon as possible.

Blurry Vision or Sudden Sensitivity to Light

If your vision becomes blurry while wearing contacts, remove them immediately. Blurry vision can happen when a lens is torn, dirty, inside out, or no longer fitting properly. It may also be a sign that the surface of the eye is irritated.

Light sensitivity is another warning sign that should not be ignored. When blurred vision and light sensitivity happen together, it can indicate a more serious issue that needs prompt attention.

Unusual Discharge or Excessive Tearing

Watery eyes, mucus, or unusual discharge can mean your eyes are reacting to irritation or infection. Contact lenses should not cause thick discharge or constant tearing. If you notice either of these symptoms, remove the lenses and avoid wearing them again until your eyes have been evaluated.

Watch for these signs:

• Yellow, white, or green discharge

• Excessive tearing that does not improve

• Crusting around the eyelids

• A lens that suddenly feels hard to tolerate

Dryness That Quickly Gets Worse

Dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable, but worsening dryness may be a signal that your lenses are no longer working well for your eyes. If blinking does not help, or your lenses start to feel stuck, remove them. Forcing continued wear can irritate the front surface of the eye and increase the chance of complications.

When to Call Your Eye Doctor

If symptoms improve right after lens removal, your eye may simply need a break. But if pain, redness, blurry vision, discharge, or light sensitivity continue, professional care is important. A contact lens problem can sometimes develop into a corneal abrasion or eye infection more quickly than many people realize. If your contact lenses are causing problems, do not wait for symptoms to get worse.

If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, schedule an eye exam at Emer Eye Care for urgent eye care and contact lens support. Contact our office in Kenosha, Wisconsin, visit our website at emereyecare.com, or call (262) 654-6005 to book an appointment today.