Another common misconception is that discomfort associated with contact lenses is due to poor quality. In reality, it often results from improper lens hygiene. Giant papillary conjunctivitis, an allergic condition, frequently occurs in monthly contact lens users. Symptoms include eye irritation, itching, excessive tearing, redness, and the presence of mucus-like discharge around the eyes.
These allergic reactions stem from protein deposits that accumulate on the contact lenses. These protein deposits originate from natural eye secretions, combining with dust, air particles, or cosmetics, forming a biofilm that can impact the eyes. In individuals experiencing contact lens allergies, an eye examination with a special magnifying instrument reveals the presence of white spots (papillae) near the inner conjunctiva close to the eye's shell.
The allergy can be addressed by maintaining lens cleanliness, rubbing the lenses before soaking to dissolve protein deposits and microbes. Additionally, choosing high-quality lens cleaning solutions or switching to daily disposable lenses can effectively address and correct the root cause of the issue.