Are Contact Lenses Painful? Myth or Fact?
Putting something on your eyes: the idea itself can make some people shudder. Many hesitate to switch to contact lenses for fear of... pain. "Will I feel it?", "What if it itches all day?", "I can't even stand a speck of dust in my eye!" These are all legitimate fears—but are they well-founded?
Contact Lenses: Why is this fear of pain so common?
The eye is a highly sensitive and protected area. Even the mere fact that a speck of dust lands there can cause immediate discomfort. So when you're told you're going to "place an object" on your cornea, it's perfectly logical to react with "Whoa, no thanks!"
But this fear is often linked to the imagination: we imagine the Colored Contact Lens as a rigid foreign body, which we'll constantly feel. In reality, modern Colored Contact Lenses are designed to be ultra discreet, and even... imperceptible.
How does a lens feel once in place?
Generally: you don't feel them at all.
Soft lenses, made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, have a soft, thin, and flexible texture. Once properly placed on the eye and centered, they move with your gaze and follow every movement naturally.
Regular wearers often describe this sensation: "For the first few seconds, I feel it's there... then I completely forget about it."
🧊 Slight discomfort at first? This is normal.
The first few times, while your eye adjusts, you may feel a slight sensation of presence, but it's neither painful nor uncomfortable. Over the days, the eye adapts very quickly.
When can a contact lens become painful?
Contact lenses should never cause persistent pain. If they do, something is wrong. Here are the main possible causes:
❌ Poor position
> Lens inserted upside down (it happens to everyone!)
> Lens miscentered
> Lens folded
➡️ Solution: remove it, rinse, reposition.
❌ Poor care
> Dirty lens (makeup, pollution, dust, etc.)
> Unsuitable or expired solution
> Case not properly cleaned
➡️ Consequence: A feeling of sand in the eye, stinging, and redness.
❌ Wearing time exceeded
> Wearing a lens for too long can dry out the cornea and cause irritation.
➡️ Tip: Respect the maximum number of hours indicated (often 8 to 10 hours/day).
❌ Dry or sensitive eyes
> Certain eye types (allergic, dry, post-operative) react more strongly.
➡️ In this case, there are lenses specially designed for dry or sensitive eyes, often more moisturizing and breathable.
❌ Poor-quality lenses
> Colored Contact Lenses not CE certified, purchased from unreliable sites.
➡️ This can cause micro-injuries, infections, and even serious complications.
Tips for Painless Contact Lens Wear
To ensure everything goes smoothly, just follow a few simple rules:
✅ Always wash your hands before handling your lenses,
✅ Use a fresh contact lens solution every day,
✅ Respect the recommended wearing time (and replacement if they are monthly or bi-monthly),
✅ Never sleep with your Contact Lenses (except for special models),
✅ If you experience pain, immediately remove the lens and inspect it,
✅ Consult an optician or ophthalmologist in case of persistent discomfort.
Quite the contrary: for many, it's a real comfort on a daily basis.
If you have any doubts, the best is to talk to a professional who can help you try Contact Lenses safely. The first fitting is often accompanied, and you'll see: it's no more difficult than blinking an eye.