The usual suspects
| What you notice | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blur or a shadow in one spot; the lens may feel uncomfortable | An air bubble under the lens | Remove, refill to the brim, reinsert |
| A strong, even blur in both eyes | Right and left lenses swapped | Swap them |
| Smeary or greasy vision | Film, lotion, or makeup on the lens | Remove, clean, rinse, refill |
| A fleck or thread in your view | Lint or debris in the saline | Remove, rinse, refill from a fresh vial |
Keep products off the lens
Lotions, oils, and makeup end up on the lens surface if they’re on your hands. Wash with plain, non-moisturizing soap before handling your lenses, put makeup on after your lenses are in, and spray hairspray or cologne before you insert them.[2]
When blur is a warning sign
Blur that doesn’t clear when the lens is out, especially with pain, redness, or sensitivity to light, can be a sign of a more serious problem. The FDA advises removing your lenses right away and contacting your eye care professional if you have symptoms like these.[1]
Common mistakes
- Waiting for a bubble to go away.
- Handling lenses with lotion, oil, or makeup on your hands.
- Reusing saline from an opened vial.
- Assuming it's your prescription before checking for a bubble or a swap.
Common questions
My vision is clear in the morning but hazy later. Is that the same thing?
No. Haze that builds over several hours is usually midday fogging, which has different causes and fixes. Mention it to your fitter, along with when it starts.
Could it just be that my lenses are old?
Lenses can develop film or scratches over time that cleaning won't remove. If your vision through a clean lens is no longer as sharp as it was, tell your fitter at your next visit.
What if my vision stays blurry even with the lens out?
That's a reason to call your eye doctor today, especially with pain, redness, or light sensitivity.