Why Are My Contacts Blurry?

Blurry vision with contacts is a common complaint, and it is usually fixable.

This guide covers common causes of blurry contacts and what you can do to improve comfort and clarity.

Common Causes of Blurry Vision with Contact Lenses

There are several reasons why your vision might be blurry while wearing contacts. One of the most common reasons is dirty contact lenses, which typically occur when you wear them for too long.

Sometimes getting a new prescription can also cause blurriness because your eyes need to adjust. It can take about two weeks for your eyes to adjust, but if they don’t, you might have to get a new prescription.

Other common causes of blurry contacts may include:

• Outdated prescription
• Allergies
• Improper contact lens fit
• Astigmatism
• Dry eyes
• Floaters
• Eye infection
• Hormone changes
• Ocular migraines

Can Underlying Health Conditions Lead to Blurry Vision?

In some cases, blurred vision isn’t due to the contact lens itself but an underlying medical condition. These include:

• Diabetes. It can damage blood vessels in the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy.
• Cardiovascular disease. It can damage veins and arteries in the eye.
• Cataracts. A cloud in the lens can cause blurry vision and prescription changes.
• Glaucoma. This can increase intraocular pressure and lead to vision loss.
• Macular degeneration. This can reduce and blur central vision.

These conditions require professional medical treatment. If you’re experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above, seek medical attention.

How to Fix Blurry Contact Lenses

Removing blurriness in your contacts often depends on what’s causing it. If your contacts are dirty, you can clean them thoroughly or use daily disposable lenses that you can throw away at the end of the day.

If you’re experiencing blurriness due to prescription changes, you can set up an appointment with an eye doctor. They can help adjust your prescription or provide a new one.

Other ways of fixing blurry contact lenses include:

• Outdated prescription. Get an annual comprehensive eye exam to stay up to date with your prescription.
• Allergies. You can take antihistamines, keep your contacts clean, take a break from wearing contacts, or switch to glasses.
• Improper fit. Contact your eye doctor to ensure the lenses fit correctly on your eye.
• Astigmatism. Try getting contact lenses that are designed specifically for astigmatism.
• Dry eyes. Use eye drops or re-wetting drops while wearing contact lenses. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to stop wearing contacts until you get treatment for dry eyes.
• Floaters. Eye floaters are usually harmless and go away on their own. Prolonged floaters may be a sign of retinal detachment and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist immediately.
• Eye infection. Call your doctor immediately, they’ll treat the infection with medicated eye drops.
• Hormone changes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can affect vision. Talk to your eye doctor about ways to treat eye conditions during these periods.
• Ocular migraine. These can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication.

What are the Signs That You Need To See A Doctor?

If you’re experiencing persistent blurry vision along with pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or nausea, you should see a doctor. These could be signs of an eye infection or another underlying medical issue that requires treatment.

How To Maintain Your Contact Lenses

One of the best ways to maintain contact lenses is to clean your lenses thoroughly. Before you touch your contacts, make sure your hands are clean to avoid transferring dirt or germs.

Gently rub each lens with the recommended cleaning solution to remove debris or buildup. Even if you use a "no-rub" solution, a little extra cleaning can go a long way in restoring clarity.

Make sure to replace your lenses regularly according to your doctor’s recommendations. Over time, lenses can become worn, damaged, or outdated, resulting in blurry vision.

In addition to these basics, consider these additional tips:

• Take a break from screens and close work to avoid dryness.
• Use the right eye drops recommended by your doctor.
• Insert your lenses before applying makeup and replace your eye makeup every 3 to 6 months to avoid infection.
• Don’t forget to take off your contacts before bed.
• Stick to the recommended wear and replacement schedule.
• Avoid getting water in your eyes while wearing contacts.
• Get regular eye exams.

By taking proper care of your lenses, staying up to date with eye exams, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can improve the chances of clear, comfortable vision with contacts.

Summary

• Blurry vision with contacts is often caused by dirty lenses, dryness, allergies, or an outdated prescription.
• Cleaning your lenses properly and following the recommended wear schedule can help prevent problems.
• Some causes, including infection or underlying eye disease, need prompt evaluation.
• See your eye doctor if blurry vision does not improve or comes with pain, redness, or discharge.