Why Does One Contact Feel Uncomfortable While the Other Feels Fine?
There's something particularly annoying about putting in your contacts in the morning and having one feel perfectly fine while the other just won't cooperate. You take it out, rinse it with contact lens solution, put it back in, and somehow it's still bothering you.
If you've experienced this, you're definitely not alone. It's actually pretty common for one contact lens to feel more uncomfortable than the other, even when you're wearing the exact same brand in both eyes.
So, why does one contact feel uncomfortable while the other feels fine?
There are several possible explanations, including differences in tear production, contact lens fit, prescription strength, and even something as simple as a lens being inside out. Sometimes the problem is with the contact lens itself, while other times it has more to do with your eye.
Let's look at some of the most common reasons this happens and what you can do about it.
1. One Eye Might Be Drier Than the Other
Believe it or not, your eyes don't necessarily produce the exact same amount of tears. It's possible for one eye to experience more dryness than the other, which can make wearing contact lenses feel noticeably different.
Your tear film plays an important role in keeping your contacts comfortable. When your eyes aren't producing enough tears, or those tears evaporate too quickly, your lenses can start feeling dry, scratchy, or irritating.
You might notice this more toward the end of the day, especially if you've spent several hours looking at a computer screen or sitting in an air-conditioned room.
If dryness is a recurring problem, your eye doctor may recommend contact lenses designed with moisture retention and comfort in mind, such as DAILIES TOTAL1 or Acuvue Oasys 1-Day.
However, even contacts designed for comfort won't necessarily solve every type of dry eye problem.
2. Your Contact Lens Might Be Inside Out
This is one of the easiest explanations to overlook, especially if you're rushing to get ready in the morning.
Soft contact lenses can sometimes flip inside out while you're handling or cleaning them. Although an inside-out lens may still sit on your eye, it might not fit or move the way it's supposed to.
You may experience irritation, excessive lens movement, blurry vision, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
Before inserting your contacts, place the lens on the tip of your finger and look at its shape. A correctly oriented soft contact lens should resemble a smooth bowl, with the edges pointing upward. If the edges flare outward, the lens may be inside out.
If you suspect this is the problem, remove the lens, check its orientation, and clean it with fresh contact lens solution before reinserting it.
Never use tap water to rinse your contacts.
3. Your Contact Lenses Might Fit Differently
Each eye has its own corneal curvature, and small differences in shape can affect how a contact lens fits. If one lens fits too tightly or moves excessively, you might notice discomfort in that eye.
A poorly fitting contact lens can also cause redness, irritation, and fluctuating vision.
This is one reason why a proper contact lens fitting is so important. Your eye doctor evaluates how each lens sits and moves on your eyes, rather than simply prescribing the same brand based on your glasses prescription.
If one contact consistently feels uncomfortable, even after you've replaced it with a fresh lens, it's worth scheduling an appointment to have the fit checked.
4. Your Contact Lens Could Be Damaged or Dirty
Sometimes the explanation really is as simple as having a problem with one particular lens. A tiny tear, scratch, or piece of debris can make a contact lens feel uncomfortable almost immediately after insertion. Even something as small as an eyelash caught underneath the lens can cause irritation.
Reusable contacts can also accumulate deposits from your tears, including proteins and lipids, which may affect comfort over time.
If one contact suddenly starts bothering you, remove it and inspect it carefully. If you notice a tear, rough edge, or any other damage, throw it away rather than trying to continue wearing it.
For reusable lenses that appear undamaged, follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions for your specific lens care system. If the lens continues to cause discomfort, don't put it back in.
Some contact lens wearers prefer daily disposable contacts because they get a fresh pair every morning without having to worry about cleaning and storing their lenses overnight.
5. Your Prescription Might Be Different in Each Eye
It's completely normal to have different prescription strengths in your left and right eyes.
However, if your prescription has changed or one lens isn't providing the correction you need, you might experience blurry vision or eye strain that makes wearing your contacts less comfortable.
This can be particularly noticeable if you have astigmatism, since toric contact lenses need to maintain the correct orientation on your eye to provide clear vision.
If one toric lens rotates excessively or doesn't settle into its intended position, your vision may fluctuate throughout the day.
It's important to remember that blurry vision doesn't automatically mean your prescription is wrong. Dryness, lens movement, deposits, and other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms.
If your vision has changed, schedule an eye exam rather than trying to adjust your prescription yourself.
6. One Eye Could Be More Sensitive or Irritated
Sometimes the contact lens isn't actually the problem. Allergies, eyelid inflammation, dry eye disease, or irritation from makeup and skincare products can affect one eye more than the other.
For example, if you accidentally get moisturizer or sunscreen too close to one eye, you might notice irritation when you put your contacts in afterward.
Similarly, seasonal allergies can make your eyes itchy, watery, and uncomfortable while wearing contact lenses. If you notice that one eye is consistently red, irritated, or sensitive, remove your lenses and speak with your eye doctor, particularly if the symptoms continue after you've taken them out.
What Should You Do if One Contact Lens Feels Uncomfortable?
If one contact feels uncomfortable while the other feels perfectly fine, the first thing to do is remove the uncomfortable lens.
Check for visible damage, debris, or an inside-out lens. If you're wearing daily disposables, discard the uncomfortable lens rather than trying to clean and reuse it.
If you're wearing reusable contacts, you can inspect the lens and clean and disinfect it according to the manufacturer's instructions, provided your eye isn't red or painful and you don't have other concerning symptoms.
However, don't keep reinserting a lens that repeatedly causes discomfort. Switch to glasses and give your eyes a break until you know what's causing the problem.
If you experience significant pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurry vision that doesn't clear after removing the lens, seek prompt evaluation from an eye care professional. These symptoms can sometimes indicate an infection or another condition that requires treatment.
Should You Switch Contact Lens Brands?
If one contact lens consistently feels uncomfortable, switching brands can help. Different contact lens brands use different materials, designs, and moisture technologies. A lens that works wonderfully for one person (or eye) might not be the best fit for another.
For example, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day uses HydraLuxe Technology, while DAILIES TOTAL1 uses Water Gradient Technology. Both are designed with comfort in mind, but they accomplish this in different ways.
Another option your eye doctor might discuss is Bausch + Lomb INFUSE, a daily disposable contact lens designed to help maintain moisture and comfort throughout the day.
That doesn't mean one of these brands will automatically solve the problem. Your eye doctor will need to determine whether the issue is related to lens material, fit, dryness, or something else entirely.
You should always have a contact lens prescription and fitting for the specific brand you're wearing rather than switching brands on your own.
FAQ
Is it normal for one contact lens to feel different from the other?
It can happen, especially if your eyes have different tear film characteristics, prescriptions, or corneal shapes. However, persistent discomfort isn't something you should ignore. Properly fitted contact lenses should generally feel comfortable in both eyes.
Why does my left contact hurt but my right one doesn't?
Your left contact could be inside out, damaged, dirty, or fitting incorrectly. It's also possible that your left eye is experiencing dryness or irritation. Remove the uncomfortable lens and avoid wearing it again until the cause has been addressed.
Why does one contact feel like something is stuck in my eye?
This sensation can happen when debris gets trapped underneath your contact lens, the lens is damaged, or your eye is dry. It can also be a sign of a corneal scratch or another eye problem. If the sensation continues after removing your contact, have your eye examined promptly.
Can I wear a contact lens in just one eye?
Some people are prescribed contact lenses for only one eye, and others use a fitting approach called monovision. However, you shouldn't decide to wear just one of your prescribed lenses without checking with your eye doctor, since it may affect your vision and depth perception.
Why does one contact get blurry throughout the day?
Dryness, lens deposits, an outdated prescription, or excessive lens movement can cause blurry vision in one eye. If you wear toric lenses for astigmatism, lens rotation may also contribute to fluctuating vision.
Will switching to daily contacts help with discomfort?
Daily disposable contacts may help some people who experience discomfort related to deposits or reusable lens care. However, daily contacts aren't automatically more comfortable for everyone. Your eye doctor can help determine whether changing your replacement schedule or lens material would be beneficial.