Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Wear Contacts Possible Irritants

Wearing contact lenses offers freedom from glasses and improved peripheral vision for millions of people. Yet, a surprisingly common complaint among contact lens wearers is the sensation of burning eyes shortly after insertion. This discomfort isn’t something you should ignore. While occasional dryness or minor irritation may seem normal, persistent burning is a signal that something is off—whether it’s your lens care routine, environmental exposure, or an underlying eye condition.

The root causes can range from simple chemical residue to serious ocular surface diseases. Understanding what triggers this reaction is essential not only for comfort but also for long-term eye health. In this article, we’ll explore the most frequent reasons behind burning sensations, identify key irritants, and provide actionable steps to prevent and resolve the issue.

Common Causes of Burning Sensation with Contact Lenses

Burning eyes when wearing contacts typically stem from irritation of the cornea or conjunctiva. These sensitive tissues react strongly to foreign substances, allergens, or improper lens conditions. The following are some of the most prevalent culprits:

• Lens solution residue: Some multipurpose solutions contain preservatives like thimerosal or polyquaternium-1 that can trigger stinging, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Dry eye syndrome: Contacts absorb moisture from the tear film. If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, the lenses can exacerbate dryness, leading to a burning or gritty feeling.
• Allergens: Pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold spores can accumulate on lenses, irritating the eyes upon insertion.
• Improper lens fit: A poorly fitted lens can rub against the cornea, causing micro-abrasions and inflammation.
• Contaminated lenses: Bacteria, fungi, or debris on lenses due to poor hygiene can lead to acute irritation or infection.
• Overwear: Wearing lenses longer than recommended depletes oxygen flow to the cornea, increasing discomfort and sensitivity.

Tip: If your eyes burn immediately after inserting lenses, rinse them with sterile saline before reinserting—this removes residual solution or debris.

Potential Irritants in Your Lens Care Routine

Your daily lens care habits play a major role in how your eyes feel throughout the day. Even small oversights can introduce irritants that compromise comfort and safety.

Chemical Preservatives in Solutions

Multipurpose disinfecting solutions often contain preservatives to kill microbes in the storage case. However, these same chemicals can linger on the lens surface and transfer to your eye. Common offenders include:

• Chlorhexidine – Can cause stinging in sensitive users.
• Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) – Effective against bacteria but may cause irritation if not rinsed properly.
• Aldox (Purite) – Breaks down into harmless components under light but may initially sting.

If you experience consistent burning right after insertion, consider switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based system, which neutralizes completely and leaves no residue.

Tap Water Exposure

Never rinse your lenses or case with tap water. It may contain Acanthamoeba, a rare but dangerous microorganism that causes severe keratitis. Even trace amounts can lead to burning, redness, and permanent vision damage.

Expired or Contaminated Solutions

Using old solution reduces disinfecting power and increases risk of microbial growth. Always check expiration dates and replace bottles every three months, even if not fully used.

“Residual solution chemicals are one of the top reasons patients report burning with new lenses—even when the prescription is correct.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Optometrist and Corneal Specialist

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers

External factors significantly influence how your eyes respond to contact lenses. Even with perfect hygiene, certain environments can provoke irritation.

Dry Air and Low Humidity

Indoor heating, air conditioning, and airplane cabins reduce humidity, accelerating tear evaporation. This creates a dry surface on which contacts float, increasing friction and discomfort.

Digital Screen Use

Staring at screens reduces blink rate by up to 60%. Less blinking means less tear distribution and more dry spots on the cornea, contributing to a burning sensation.

Makeup and Skincare Products

Eyeliner, mascara, and facial creams can transfer microscopic particles onto lenses. Oil-based products are particularly problematic—they adhere to lens surfaces and disrupt oxygen permeability.

Smoking and Air Pollution

Cigarette smoke and urban pollutants like ozone and particulate matter inflame the ocular surface. Contact lens wearers in smoky or polluted areas report higher rates of burning and redness.

Irritant Source	Effect on Eyes	Prevention Strategy
Preserved solutions	Chemical stinging, redness	Switch to peroxide systems or preservative-free saline
Dry indoor air	Tear film instability	Use humidifiers; take screen breaks
Eye makeup	Debris buildup on lenses	Apply makeup after inserting lenses; avoid waterproof formulas
Extended screen time	Reduced blinking, dryness	Follow 20-20-20 rule; use artificial tears
Pollen & allergens	Itching, burning, watering	Wear wraparound sunglasses; clean lenses daily

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnose and Resolve Burning Sensations

If your eyes consistently burn when wearing contacts, follow this systematic approach to identify and eliminate the cause:

1. Stop wearing lenses temporarily. Give your eyes a break for 24–48 hours. Use only glasses during this period to allow the ocular surface to recover.
2. Inspect your lens care routine. Check solution expiration dates, ensure proper handwashing, and verify that you’re not using tap water anywhere in the process.
3. Rinse lenses with preservative-free saline. Before insertion, flush each lens thoroughly to remove any residual solution.
4. Replace your lens case. Cases should be replaced monthly. Scrub with solution (not water), air-dry upside down, and never let it sit closed when not in use.
5. Try a different solution. Switch to a hydrogen peroxide-based system (e.g., ClearCare) or a preservative-free saline for sensitive eyes.
6. Visit your eye doctor. Schedule a comprehensive exam to assess lens fit, tear quality, and signs of inflammation or infection.
7. Consider daily disposables. Dailies eliminate cleaning steps and reduce buildup, making them ideal for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes.

Tip: Label your lens case with the replacement date (e.g., “Replace 04/15”) to stay on schedule.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Solution to Chronic Burning

Sarah, a 29-year-old graphic designer, had worn monthly silicone hydrogel lenses for five years without issues. Over two months, she began experiencing sharp burning within minutes of insertion. She assumed it was seasonal allergies and used over-the-counter drops, but symptoms worsened.

After stopping lens wear and visiting her optometrist, testing revealed moderate dry eye and high levels of protein deposits on her lenses. Her lens case, though cleaned weekly, was six months old. Additionally, she had recently switched to a store-brand multipurpose solution to save money.

The doctor advised:

• Discontinue the current solution
• Start using a peroxide-based system
• Replace her case immediately
• Begin using preservative-free artificial tears four times daily
• Switch to daily disposable lenses for two weeks

Within ten days, Sarah’s symptoms resolved. She continues with dailies during allergy season and uses the peroxide system year-round with strict case hygiene.

Checklist: Preventing Contact Lens-Related Eye Burn

Use this checklist to maintain comfortable, healthy contact lens wear:

• ✅ Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses
• ✅ Replace lens case monthly
• ✅ Never top off old solution—always discard and refill
• ✅ Avoid tap water contact with lenses or case
• ✅ Stick to recommended wearing schedule (no overnight unless approved)
• ✅ Use rewetting drops compatible with your lens material
• ✅ Remove makeup before taking out lenses
• ✅ Attend annual eye exams even if vision seems fine
• ✅ Carry backup glasses for emergency removal
• ✅ Stay hydrated and blink consciously during screen work

Frequently Asked Questions

Can allergies cause my eyes to burn when wearing contacts?

Yes. Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander stick to lens surfaces and trigger histamine release in the eye, leading to burning, itching, and redness. Daily disposables are recommended during high-allergy seasons because they don’t accumulate allergens over time.

Is it safe to wear contacts if my eyes burn occasionally?

No. Occasional burning is not normal and may indicate early inflammation or hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Continuing to wear lenses under these conditions increases the risk of corneal ulcers, neovascularization, or permanent scarring. Remove lenses at the first sign of discomfort and consult your eye care provider.

Should I switch to glasses permanently if contacts burn?

Not necessarily. Many causes are reversible with better hygiene, solution changes, or updated prescriptions. However, if you have chronic dry eye, severe allergies, or irregular corneas, your eye doctor might recommend limiting contact lens wear or exploring alternatives like scleral lenses or LASIK.

Conclusion: Prioritize Comfort and Long-Term Eye Health

Burning eyes when wearing contacts is not a minor inconvenience—it’s a warning sign. Whether caused by chemical exposure, dryness, or poor hygiene, ignoring the sensation risks long-term damage to your vision. The good news is that most causes are preventable with the right knowledge and habits.

Take control of your eye health today. Audit your lens care routine, upgrade to safer solutions, and listen to what your eyes are telling you. If discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional evaluation. Your vision is too valuable to compromise for convenience.

💬 Have you experienced burning with contacts? What helped you find relief? Share your story in the comments to help others navigate similar challenges.