Why are my contacts blurry?

Contacts help you see the world clearly without the hassle of wearing glasses. Imagine your disappointment when you get contacts and your vision is blurry — think of it like getting TSA PreCheck approved only to realize that line is longer.  

Before you give up on contacts entirely, you should take a moment to consider why your contacts are blurry. 

Your new contact lenses should provide clear, comfortable vision. If your contacts make your vision blurry, there's definitely a problem, but it's likely easy to solve. Several potential reasons can cause blurry contacts, but they typically involve an issue with the lens, your eye, or something else. 

Some of the reasons that cause or contribute to blurriness might include: 

  1. New prescription adjustment 

  1. Outdated prescription 

  1. Incorrect orientation 

  1. Incorrect fit 

  1. Inserted incorrectly 

  1. Dirty lens 

  1. Improper care  

  1. Lack of moisture 

  1. Underlying condition 

In many cases, more than one thing could be causing the blurriness. Several factors influence contact comfort and effectiveness, such as underlying conditions the contacts are meant to correct, the type of lens and their use. For instance, astigmatism lenses have a specific orientation to be as effective as possible. If someone with astigmatism tries to wear regular contacts, the results may disappoint.  

But don't worry. We're not just going to throw all these possibilities at you and tell you to figure everything out yourself. Keep reading about each potential cause so you know how to address it safely. 

Tips & guidance 

Before we get into the potential problems afflicting your contacts, there's some groundwork we have to cover. As mentioned above, figuring out the exact issue might take some investigating. So, before we begin, we should mention some important tips and guidance reminders: 

  • Your eye safety should be the top priority. You don't get more than the pair you're born with, so it's always best to contact an eye care professional when in doubt or if you suspect a health issue. 

  • Some people are just not made for contacts. Sad, we know. This is because contact lenses are available in limited powers, but glasses can be made to more precise specifications. Therefore, for certain conditions, glasses may be more precise and less blurry than contact lenses, regardless of contact lens cleanliness, fit, orientation, or other factors. 

  • Blinking can influence lens orientation and fit and contribute to clarity. 

  • Sometimes, your contacts dry out. As some (soft) lenses dry out, their power may be affected. In this situation, your contacts may begin to blur over time.  

  • Some behaviors can influence blurriness, such as excessive screen time. (Now you really don't have an excuse to ignore that pesty screen time warning.)  

  • Blurriness in one eye is probably not an issue with your contacts and could indicate something more serious. Contact an eye care professional immediately for a consultation.  

Why do my eyes get blurry with contacts? 

There are many potential reasons for eyes getting blurry with contacts, usually involving issues with the lens or the eyes. For example, new prescriptions often feel uncomfortable. They're like a new pair of stiff leather shoes; you have to break them in. It can take several days to adjust to a new contact prescription. And just like shoes, they have to fit right. An incorrectly sized contact or one with the wrong orientation is asking for blurry vision.  

Safety and proper hygiene are also critical when wearing contacts. If you don't store or clean your contacts properly, they can be damaged or dirty. Tuck them away in some solution for the night. If you sleep with your lenses in, it can cause a buildup of protein on the contacts. 

How to fix blurry contacts   

Ultimately, the solution to your blurred contacts depends on the problem. You can take several steps to identify the issue and address the blurriness problem: 

  1. If your contacts are new, give your eyes several days to adjust. If the blurriness continues after a week, it may be a different issue. 

  1. Confirm your prescription is up to date. You should have your prescription updated once a year.  

  1. Ensure your contacts aren’t expired and you use them according to package instructions. (Don't try to squeeze a third week out of biweekly contacts.) 

  1. Make sure your contacts are clean. Give your contacts a rinse in contact cleaning solution. Consider cleaning your storage case as well.  

  1. Do your research into how to put in contacts properly. This can help avoid some wonky placement.  

  1. Consider whether your eyes feel dry. If so, a new pair might fix the blurry vision.  

  1. If all the steps above don't fix the blurry vision, consult an eye care professional.  

How to prevent blurry contacts 

You know how you never think about how grateful you are to breathe easily until your nose is plugged? The same is true for your vision — you don't think about it until it's taken from you. And you shouldn't have to.  

The best tips for preventing another instance of blurry contact lenses are: 

  • Keep your contacts clean. Use a cleaning solution and store your contacts properly.  

  • Be safe and hygienic with your contacts. This means paying attention to expiration dates and never using them longer than recommended.  

  • Have an eye exam annually so you can get an updated prescription.  

  • Visit an eye care professional anytime you have eye problems.  

Why does my contact get cloudy? 

If your contacts are cloudy, it's likely because debris has built up on the lens. Try cleaning your lens and seeing if that resolves the issue.  

Why do my contact lenses get blurry? 

Your contact lenses could be blurry simply because you haven't adjusted to a new prescription. In some cases, your eyes may be the issue.  

Try to problem-solve and get to the bottom of what's causing your contacts to malfunction. If you can't figure it out yourself, let the experts take over and contact an eye care professional.  

If you need new contacts, you can find your favorite brands at 1-800 Contacts. Order online with just a few clicks and get your new, functioning lenses in no time at all.  

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

It’s never been easier to get your contacts! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. 

FAQs 

Should I be concerned about blurry contacts? 

Contacts should make your vision crystal clear. If you're experiencing blurriness, it could be a minor issue (such as dirty lenses) or a major health problem. For this reason, it's important to find the root problem for the blurry contacts as soon as possible.  

Does blurry contacts mean I should wear glasses? 

If your contacts give you blurry vision, there's likely an issue you can resolve. However, for some people, glasses may be the better option. Contact lenses are a bit more limiting, while glasses can adhere to specific requirements. 

How do I know if the contacts are causing my blurry vision? 

If you're unsure if the contacts are the reason your vision is blurry, simply take them out and see if your vision improves. Alternatively, you can try on your glasses and see if you see clearly out of those.  

Original published date: 1/23/2020

Updated: 12/10/2024