Contact lenses are designed to offer crystal-clear vision, seamlessly correcting your eyesight. However, there are times when your vision through contacts might become frustratingly blurry. If you’re experiencing this, especially suddenly, you’re likely wondering, “Why Are My Contacts Blurry?”
Let’s explore the common reasons behind blurry vision while wearing contact lenses and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision with Contact Lenses
While a change in your prescription might be the most straightforward answer, blurry vision with contacts can stem from various factors. Let’s delve deeper into these potential causes:
1. Outdated Prescription
The most obvious reason for blurry contacts is that your prescription may have changed. Just like your eyesight can evolve over time, so too can your prescription needs. If it’s been longer than a year since your last eye exam, it’s highly advisable to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They can determine if your vision has changed and update your prescription accordingly. For many, this is the primary reason for blurry contacts, but let’s consider other possibilities if you’ve recently updated your prescription.
2. Adjustment Period for New Prescription or Lenses
If you’ve recently switched to a new prescription or a different type of contact lens, allow your eyes some time to adjust. It’s normal for your vision to take a week or two to fully adapt. Think of it like breaking in new shoes; your eyes need a little time to get accustomed to the new lenses. However, if the blurriness persists beyond a couple of weeks, it’s crucial to investigate further.
3. Dirty or Cloudy Lenses
Maintaining clean contact lenses is paramount for both clear vision and eye health. Dirty or cloudy lenses are a frequent culprit behind blurry vision. Throughout the day, your contacts can accumulate dust, debris, and even makeup, leading to cloudiness and reduced visual clarity.
person cleaning contact lenses
Ensure you are diligently cleaning and disinfecting your contacts each time you remove them, and always store them properly in fresh solution. Adhering to the recommended wear schedule is also vital. Wearing contacts for longer than prescribed by your eye doctor or the manufacturer can lead to buildup and discomfort. If you struggle with lens hygiene, consider switching to daily disposable contacts. These eliminate the need for daily cleaning as you start with a fresh, sterile pair every day.
4. Protein Deposits
Protein deposits are another common cause of blurry vision with contacts. These deposits naturally occur from your tears and can accumulate on the lens surface over time. Factors that exacerbate protein buildup include sleeping in contacts, wearing them while swimming (exposing them to water contaminants), and inadequate cleaning practices.
Beyond blurry vision, protein deposits can also increase the risk of eye infections and discomfort. Regular and thorough cleaning with appropriate solutions is key to minimizing protein buildup. Enzymatic cleaners can be particularly effective in removing protein deposits if you are prone to them.
5. Dry Eyes and Dry Contacts
Dryness is a significant contributor to blurry vision for contact lens wearers. When your eyes are dry, or your contacts dry out, it can lead to distorted vision. This dryness can be triggered by various factors, such as forgetting to store lenses in solution, extended wear time, or underlying dry eye syndrome.
If you suspect dryness, try rehydrating your contacts with a few drops of contact lens rewetting solution. These drops are specifically formulated to be safe for use with contact lenses and can provide quick relief. If dry eyes are a chronic issue, consult your eye doctor. They may recommend prescription eye drops or suggest contact lenses designed to retain moisture better.
6. Improper Lens Fit
A precise contact lens fit is crucial for comfortable wear and clear vision. Your contact lens prescription isn’t just about vision correction; it also takes into account the unique curvature of your cornea, pupil and iris size, and other eye measurements. This is why a comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting are essential, especially for individuals with astigmatism.
If your newly prescribed contacts are causing blurry vision, an improper fit could be the culprit. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor. They may need to re-evaluate the fit, adjust parameters, or recommend a different brand or type of contact lens that better suits your eye shape.
7. Incorrect Insertion or Lens Shift
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the lens itself but how it’s placed in your eye. Double-check that you haven’t accidentally inserted a lens inside-out. Due to their flexibility, this can easily happen. Also, ensure you are placing the correct lens in the corresponding eye, especially if your prescriptions differ between eyes.
For those wearing toric lenses for astigmatism, proper lens alignment is critical. Toric lenses have specific markings to help you orient them correctly. If your vision is blurry with toric lenses, ensure these markings are positioned as instructed. Lastly, even properly inserted lenses can sometimes shift slightly off-center during wear. If you suspect a lens shift, gently remove and reinsert the lens. This often resolves minor positional issues.
8. Underlying Health or Eye Conditions
Blurry vision can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition or eye disease. Various eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome (mentioned earlier), eye infections (like conjunctivitis), floaters, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, can all manifest as blurry vision. Systemic health issues, like diabetes, can also impact vision clarity.
If you experience persistent blurry vision, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain, redness, discharge, or headaches, it’s crucial to consult your eye doctor or general physician promptly for a comprehensive eye exam and medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions are essential for both vision and overall health.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’re consistently asking, “Why are my contacts blurry?” and the issue doesn’t resolve with simple troubleshooting steps like cleaning or re-wetting, it’s time to seek professional advice. Your eye doctor is your best resource for diagnosing the cause of blurry vision and recommending appropriate solutions.
They can:
- Update your prescription: If your vision has changed.
- Recommend specific eye drops: To combat dryness or allergies.
- Advise on proper lens care: Including cleaning solutions and wear schedules.
- Assess lens fit: To ensure optimal comfort and vision.
- Diagnose underlying eye conditions: And recommend treatment or referrals.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Clear and comfortable vision with contact lenses is achievable, and addressing blurriness promptly is crucial for maintaining both visual acuity and eye health.
