If you wear contact lenses and often find yourself feeling drowsy, you’re not alone. Many contact lens users notice they feel unusually tired or heavy-eyed during the day—and your contacts could be part of the problem.
Common reasons why contacts can make you sleepy include eye fatigue, dryness, poor fit, incorrect prescription, allergies or sensitivity, and overuse. Identifying the root cause of your discomfort can help you find effective solutions to improve your comfort and energy levels.
6 Common Causes of Fatigue from Contact Lenses
1. Eye Fatigue
Wearing contact lenses requires your eyes to work harder than when wearing glasses. The lenses sit directly on the eye, and your eyes need to focus and adjust to the lenses throughout the day.
Prolonged use can lead to eye strain and fatigue, which, in turn, can make you feel tired. This fatigue can be worse if you’re looking at screens for long periods or reading, as your eyes are constantly adjusting to the lenses.
2. Dryness
Dry eyes are another common cause of drowsiness when wearing contact lenses. Contacts can sometimes reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, leading to dryness.
When your eyes are dry, they don’t function as effectively, and your brain compensates for this by causing you to feel sleepy or tired. Dryness can also make it harder to focus, leading to more strain and fatigue.
3. Poor Fit
If your contact lenses don’t fit properly, they can cause discomfort and strain. Lenses that are too tight or too loose can lead to irritation, causing your eyes to feel tired.
A poor fit may also prevent the lenses from moving properly, which can lead to blurry vision and discomfort. This added strain can easily make you feel fatigued. If your lenses are not designed for your unique eye shape, they may also cause unnecessary discomfort throughout the day.
4. Incorrect Prescription
Wearing the wrong prescription, whether it’s for your contacts or a mismatch between your glasses and contact lens prescription, can lead to visual strain. If your contacts aren’t correcting your vision properly, your eyes will have to work harder to focus.
This extra effort can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and general tiredness. Incorrect prescriptions are often subtle, and you might not realize that your contacts aren’t providing the right level of vision correction.
5. Allergies or Sensitivity
For some people, allergies or sensitivities can cause irritation when wearing contacts. This irritation can include red, itchy, or watery eyes, and it can be tiring for your body to cope with these symptoms.
When your eyes are constantly reacting to allergens or environmental factors, your body’s energy may be redirected to fight those irritants, causing you to feel more tired than usual.
6. Overuse of Contacts
Wearing your contacts for too long, or not following the recommended wear schedule, can also cause fatigue. Overwearing your contacts can lead to dry eyes, discomfort, and eye strain, all of which contribute to the feeling of drowsiness.
Your eyes need time to breathe and recover, and by exceeding the recommended wear time, you might be increasing the risk of fatigue.
Solutions to Combat Tired Eyes from Contact Lenses
Now that we’ve identified some of the common causes of eye fatigue and drowsiness from wearing contact lenses, let’s look at some solutions that can help. Here are a few strategies to keep your eyes comfortable and prevent that sleepy feeling:
Lens Changes
If your contact lenses are the wrong fit, or if they’re no longer providing the right vision correction, it’s time for a change. Regularly updating your lenses can make a huge difference in comfort. For example, switching to lenses that provide more hydration for your eyes, or switching from daily wear to extended wear lenses, can help reduce dryness and eye strain.
Lubricating Drops
If dryness is the issue, lubricating eye drops are a simple and effective solution. They can provide the necessary moisture to your eyes, reducing the irritation and dryness that lead to fatigue. Just make sure you use drops that are specifically designed for contact lenses to avoid any potential harm.
Eye Exams
One of the easiest and most effective ways to address eye fatigue is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. A professional eye exam will help ensure that your prescription is correct and that your lenses fit properly. Your optometrist can also identify any underlying issues that might be contributing to eye strain and fatigue, such as dry eye or an undiagnosed vision problem.
Switch to Glasses or a Different Lens Type
If wearing contacts every day is leaving you drained, consider wearing glasses during the evenings or on days when you don’t need to wear contacts. Switching to glasses when you’re at home can give your eyes a break.
If you still prefer the convenience of contacts, talk to your optometrist about trying a different type of lens, such as lenses designed for sensitive eyes or lenses that offer more moisture.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If you experience consistent eye fatigue, dryness, or drowsiness from wearing contact lenses, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional. They can help identify the cause of the discomfort and recommend the appropriate solution to improve your comfort and visual clarity.
At Total Vision San Clemente, we’re here to help you find the perfect contact lenses for your lifestyle. If you’re feeling tired or uncomfortable with your contacts, contact us today to schedule an eye exam and discuss how we can improve your experience.
