Why Do My Contacts Burn?
Wearing contact lenses should feel almost like nothing at all—clear vision, no hassle, and total freedom from glasses. But if you’ve ever popped your lenses in and felt that dreaded sting, you’ve probably asked: Why do my contacts burn?
The truth is, you're not alone. Many people experience discomfort, irritation, or even a burning sensation when wearing contact lenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of burning, how to prevent it, and what to do when it happens. Plus, if you're shopping for Contact Lenses from Canada, we’ll share why sourcing from a trusted Canadian retailer can make all the difference for your eye health and comfort.
1. The Most Common Reason: Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are one of the leading causes of burning when wearing contact lenses. When your eyes don’t produce enough natural tears—or when your tears evaporate too quickly—your lenses can start to feel like sandpaper.
What causes dry eyes?
Tip: Use preservative-free lubricating drops, drink more water, and consider switching to lenses with higher moisture content, like silicone hydrogel lenses.
2. Poor Lens Hygiene
If you're not properly cleaning and storing your lenses, you're basically inviting bacteria, protein deposits, and environmental grime right into your eyes. Gross—and dangerous.
Poor hygiene habits include:
Dirty lenses can lead to irritation, infections, and yes—burning.
Tip: Always use fresh multipurpose solution, replace your case every 1–3 months, and follow the cleaning instructions provided by your lens brand.
3. The Wrong Contact Lens Solution
Believe it or not, your burning sensation could be your eyes reacting to the solution you’re using. Some people are sensitive to preservatives found in certain multi-purpose solutions.
If your eyes feel irritated or burn shortly after inserting your contacts, your solution might be the culprit.
Tip: Switch to a preservative-free or peroxide-based solution (just make sure it’s safe for your lens type). It may take a few days to notice a difference, but your eyes will thank you.
4. Overwearing Your Lenses
This one’s simple: your eyes need oxygen. Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea. Overwearing your lenses—especially past their recommended time—can lead to oxygen deprivation, dryness, and a burning sensation.
Are you guilty of:
If so, you're likely putting your eyes at risk.
Tip: Stick to your replacement schedule. And if you have a busy lifestyle or forget easily, consider daily disposables for max hygiene and convenience.
5. Environmental Irritants
Even with perfect hygiene and the right lenses, your surroundings could be to blame.
Common irritants include:
All of these can cause burning or discomfort when trapped between your lens and eye.
Tip: Try wearing glasses on high-risk days or switch to daily disposables so you're not reusing irritated lenses.
6. You’re Wearing the Wrong Lenses
Sometimes, the issue is with the lens itself—not your habits. If your contacts don’t fit your eye properly or aren’t made of breathable material, burning can happen fast.
This is especially common with low-quality or unregulated lenses bought from non-reputable sellers.
That’s why it matters where you buy your lenses.
At CanadianContactLenses.com, we specialize in premium-quality Canada contact lenses that are Health Canada compliant, safe, and comfortable to wear. All of our lenses are sourced from trusted manufacturers and are suitable for sensitive eyes.
When you choose Contact Lenses from Canada, you're getting:
If you've been buying lenses from questionable online shops overseas, switching to a trusted Canadian retailer could make all the difference in your comfort.
7. Allergies or Eye Conditions
Sometimes, underlying issues with your eyes themselves can cause discomfort or burning when wearing contacts.
These could include:
If you suspect an eye condition is at play, it’s time to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What to Do If Your Contacts Burn
Burning isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it.
Immediate steps:
If the burning persists, contact your eye doctor. You might need a new lens type, solution, or an updated prescription.
Bonus: How to Prevent Burning in the Future
Want to avoid that stinging feeling for good? Here’s a checklist:
✅ Always wash hands before touching lenses ✅ Use fresh solution every time ✅ Stick to the recommended wear schedule ✅ Choose the right lens material for your eyes ✅ Keep your lens case clean and dry ✅ Buy only from trusted Canadian retailers
Where to Buy Comfortable Contact Lenses in Canada
If you’re looking for lenses that are safe, breathable, and designed for Canadian lifestyles, CanadianContactLenses.com has what you need.
We offer a wide selection of:
Whether you’re new to contacts or just ready to upgrade your experience, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
So, why do your contacts burn? It could be dry eyes, improper care, allergies, or even the lenses themselves. But the good news is: most causes are preventable. With the right lens hygiene, a little extra eye care, and quality products from a reliable source, you can say goodbye to that burning sensation for good.
And remember—when it comes to eye health, comfort should never be a compromise. Shop smarter, stay informed, and always choose trusted Canada Contact Lenses from verified sellers like CanadianContactLenses.com.
