Fix Dry or Irritated Eyes with Contact Lenses
By Coloured Contact Lenses & Halloween Contact Lenses | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to identify the cause of dry or irritated eyes while wearing coloured contact lenses and take corrective steps for lasting comfort.
Quick Answer
Dry or irritated eyes while wearing coloured contact lenses usually result from insufficient moisture, lens material, or improper fit. Start by using rewetting drops approved for contacts, and if discomfort persists, switch to lenses with a different design or replace them sooner.
Why Do Coloured Contact Lenses Cause Dryness?
Coloured contact lenses often have a slightly thicker outer layer to hold the pigment, which can reduce oxygen flow and moisture retention compared to clear lenses. This makes them more prone to drying out your eyes, especially during long wear or in air-conditioned environments. If you already have borderline dry eyes, this difference can tip you into irritation.
Corrective Actions You Can Take Right Now
First, remove your lenses and rinse them with fresh multipurpose solution—never water or saliva. Reinsert only if the lens feels clean and hydrated. If your eyes still feel gritty, apply preservative-free rewetting drops designed for contact lenses. Avoid drops that claim to 'get the red out,' as they can worsen dryness over time. If you wear lenses for more than six hours daily, consider taking a break mid-day or switching to a daily disposable schedule.
Dry Eye Diagnosis: Symptom, Cause, Action
- Symptom: Burning or stinging sensation within an hour of inserting lenses. Likely cause: lens solution reaction or dirty lens.
- Cause: Insufficient blinking or low humidity environment (air conditioning, screens). Action: blink fully and use rewetting drops.
- Action: If drops don't help within 15 minutes, remove lenses and rest eyes for a few hours. Checkpoint: if this happens repeatedly, consider a lens with a different moisture profile.
Lenses That Prioritize Comfort
- Brown Natural Coloured Contact Lenses: Try our Illusions Brown coloured contacts. Designed to give your eyes a moderate colour change. These innovative coloured contact lenses feature a star burst design and an outer ring whilst creating the illusion of bigger more glamorous eyes. The star burst design and outer ring help center the lens on your eye, reducing movement that can cause friction and dryness. The moderate colour change means less pigment layer compared to opaque lenses, which may improve moisture retention.
- Blue Natural Coloured Contact Lenses: With beautiful blue tones these are our Illusions Blue. Designed to give your eyes a moderate colour change. These innovative coloured contact lenses feature a star burst design and an outer ring whilst creating the illusion of bigger more glamorous eyes. Like the Brown version, the Illusions Blue uses a moderate colour-change design with a stabilizing outer ring. This can help keep the lens centered and comfortable, especially for those new to coloured contacts who may experience initial irritation.
