Eye discomfort at the end of the day is almost always caused by a chemical issue called Delayed subjective dryness (DSD). It is a common soft contact lens complication that has consistent and specific characteristics. Generally, it is progressive in nature and causes reduced wearing time and then contacts failure.
People who experience DSD often think that it normal consequence of wearing contact lens, due to which it goes unreported at its early and moderate stages. Eventually, they simply give up wearing contact lenses as glasses feel more convenient.
Characteristics of Delayed Subjective Dryness
There are several characteristics of delayed subjective dryness that might help you recognize the complication. Firstly, lenses start to feel dry once the initial period of good comfort passes. Secondly, it gets gradually worse with time. Thirdly, lubricating drops provide relief for a brief period. Fourthly, patients feel like they want to rip the lenses out.
People who have DSD will feel dryness after only a few hours of wearing whereas people with no eye complications can wear lenses for up to 12 hours without feeling any kind of discomfort.
A lens that fits perfectly well will be comfortable between the wearing time and the onset of DSD.
Dry Eye:
Another complication that can cause irritation is dry eye. It is milder than DSD but still, it can be very discomforting. The dry eye responds well to lubricating drops and they provide substantial relief.
A patient can both DSD and dry eye at the same time but they are two unrelated clinical entities.
Other factors that can cause discomfort are; poor fit, environmental Allergens, or some underlying condition like an infection.
How to take care of the irritation?
In order for contact lenses to work properly, it is important to take care of them properly, strictly following the guidelines for maintenance and replacement schedule recommended by the eye doctor. These guidelines will keep your eyes comfortable and healthy while wearing contacts. Problems with comfort, vision, and other safety issues can occur if they are not followed. If you feel any discomfort, you should do the following things.
First thing first; remove the lenses right away on the smallest hint of discomfort. If the problems or discomfort stops with the removal of the lens, then look closely at the lens for the sign of any damage or any other You should not put that lens back on the eyes. Put the lenses back in the lens case and take it to your eye specialist.
If the lens has a particle of dust, a strand of hair, or any other foreign contaminant on it, you should thoroughly rinse and disinfect them and reinsert them. If the problem continues after reinsertion, you should remove them immediately and take the lenses to your eye specialist.
If the irritation continuous after the removal of the lens and also upon wearing a new pair, it could be a sign of a serious condition like a corneal ulcer, iritis, and other kinds of infections. If that is the case, you should immediately seek prompt treatment to avoid serious damage.
Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations i.e rinsing before and after each use. This is the best way to ensure that the lens stays safe for your eyes.
