Why Do My Eyes Burn After Inserting My Contacts?

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Why Do My Eyes Burn After Inserting My Contacts? FEB 27, 2015 Question:
The last two mornings I have had severe red and burning eyes after I put in my contacts. I take them out and then my eyes continue to burn and tear. I have worn contacts for a long time. Is this an allergic reaction to saline solution or do I have an eye infection?
Answer:
Redness and burning of the eyes after inserting contact lenses can be due to physical irritation from lenses that do not fit properly or are damaged, allergy to chemicals in the cleaning and storing solutions, sensitivity to broken down tear protein deposits in the lens, swelling of the cornea (the clear window on the front of the eye), or an infection of the eye. Do not force the use of the contact lenses. Wear your backup glasses, leave the contact lenses out, and see an ophthalmologist promptly!
Answered By: Lee R Duffner MD FACS Infections Glasses, Contacts and Vision Correction Contacts and Glasses
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