Unusual Eye Experience
For the past few years, I’ve been using monthly contact lenses without any issues. However, something quite strange happened to me this morning. Yesterday, I removed my lenses as usual, but I ran into a problem: my bottle of lens solution was completely empty. In my search for a replacement, the only one I could find was an older, previously opened bottle. I didn’t think twice about using it. This morning, when I inserted my lenses again, I felt a slight burning sensation. I’ve experienced irritation before, so I dismissed it. About half an hour later, I noticed my vision becoming cloudy and milky. At first, I assumed that the lenses were just dirty, so I attempted to clean them; however, upon removal, I realized that my vision remained the same. In a bit of a panic, I tried to wash my eyes, but nothing improved. I decided to stay calm and opted for my glasses while I waited things out. Now, three hours later, my vision is starting to clear up. I plan to dispose of all my equipment, but I’m left wondering about the possible reasons behind this bizarre experience and why rubbing my eyes did not help at all.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 10:31:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you had quite a concerning experience with your contact lenses, but I'm glad to hear that your vision is improving. Here are the main points regarding what you may have encountered:
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Possible Causes of Symptoms: The burning sensation and cloudiness in your vision could be due to several reasons, including:
- Use of an old or contaminated contact lens solution, which can introduce bacteria or chemicals that irritate the eyes.
- Residue or buildup on your lenses from the old solution, leading to irritation and blurriness.
- Potential allergic reaction or sensitivity to the ingredients in the older solution.
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Why Rubbing Your Eyes Didn't Help: Rubbing your eyes can sometimes exacerbate irritation instead of alleviating it. Additionally, if there was an underlying condition (like an infection or irritation), rubbing could have made your symptoms worse or not affected them at all.
Next Steps
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Do Not Reuse Old Solutions: Going forward, always use fresh contact lens solution. If you're ever unsure about a bottle's sterility, it's safer to discard it.
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Monitor Your Eyes: Continue to observe your symptoms over the next few days. If you notice any return of irritation, redness, or decreased vision, it’s important to seek evaluation.
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Switch to Glasses Temporarily: Since your vision has started to clear up, avoid wearing contact lenses until you're fully symptom-free and have the appropriate supplies.
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Hydrate and Rest Your Eyes: Make sure to stay well-hydrated and allow your eyes to rest. If you feel any dryness or discomfort, consider using preservative-free artificial tears to help soothe them.
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Dispose of Affected Equipment: As you mentioned, throw away any old contact lens solutions and lenses to prevent future issues.
If your symptoms do not fully resolve or worsen, or if you have concerns about your eye health, I recommend seeking a professional eye evaluation. Take care!
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