I Want to Wear Contacts, But They Don’t Seem to Work for Me: Can You Help?

For some, contacts are convenient, frame-free vision-correctors; for others, they’re challenging puzzles that don’t live up to their promise. If you’d like to wear contacts but haven’t found a good option, you’ve come to the right place.

Some people easily pop contact lenses in and out of their eyes and love the frame-free lifestyle. Others, like you, struggle with contacts that never feel quite right.

Maybe your eyes get dry, irritated, or uncomfortable after just a few hours of wear. Perhaps you’re dealing with blurry vision, redness, or frequent eye infections. Whatever the issue, you’re not alone — and we can help.

Dr. Sophia Barnes at Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, specializes in custom contact lens fittings, solutions for persistent issues, and advanced care to make contact lenses a comfortable option for nearly everyone.

Whether this is your first time trying contacts or you’ve been discouraged by past experiences, don’t give up. Contact lens success starts with understanding the common challenges and how we can address them together.

Why your contact lenses might not work for you

There are plenty of reasons why contacts might not seem like the right fit, but most of them have solutions. Here are some of the common challenges we see, along with ways to overcome them.

1. Dry eye syndrome

Dry eyes are one of the most frequent complaints from contact lens wearers. Tears keep your eyes lubricated and minimize friction between the lens and your eye’s surface. If your tear quality or production is insufficient, wearing contacts can make your eyes feel dry, gritty, and uncomfortable.

The good news is that there are many ways to fix this. Solutions include:

Advanced lenses like scleral or daily disposables
Artificial tear drops
Punctal plugs, which improve tear retention
Prescription eye drops like Xiidra® or Restasis®

If dry eyes prevent you from wearing contact lenses, our Vision Corner team can thoroughly evaluate your tear health and recommend targeted treatments.

2. Lenses that don’t fit

Contacts that don’t fit properly can move around or fail to provide sharp vision. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to contacts, and you may need specialty lenses if you have keratoconus, astigmatism, or a unique corneal shape.

At Vision Corner, Dr. Barnes performs personalized contact lens fittings that factor in your eye shape, prescription, and specific needs. From hybrid to rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, we have options for almost everyone.

3. Allergies

If your allergies cause itchy, red, or watery eyes, wearing contacts may seem impossible. Making matters worse, allergens like pollen or pet dander can stick to the lenses and exacerbate your symptoms.

The fix: daily disposable lenses. Because you use a fresh pair every day, disposables prevent allergen buildup. Dr. Barnes may also recommend pairing them with prescription antihistamine eye drops to reduce allergy-related irritation.

4. Frequent eye infections

Poor lens hygiene, prolonged wear, or eye conditions like blepharitis can increase your risk of eye infections. The resulting red, swollen, painful eyes may discourage you from wearing contacts altogether.

Here’s how we help:

Treat active infections with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops
Teach you proper cleaning and wearing habits
Offer alternative contacts, such as daily disposables, that reduce contamination risks

Dr. Barnes can help you eliminate eye infections so you can join the contact-wearing world.

5. Unique or complex prescriptions

If you have strong astigmatism, presbyopia, or keratoconus, standard contact lenses might not give you the clarity you need. The good news is that modern solutions like toric lenses, bifocal lenses, or scleral lenses can address even the most complex needs.

Dr. Barnes stays up-to-date with advanced specialty lens options so she can match you with the perfect pair.

What to expect at your personalized contact lens fitting

When you visit Vision Corner, we aim to provide a solution tailored to your eyes and lifestyle. Your customized contact lens fitting goes beyond a standard eye exam — it’s an in-depth process where Dr. Barnes evaluates your eye health, tear quality, prescription, and personal preferences. Here’s what happens during your visit:

Thorough evaluation: We start with a complete assessment of your eyes, checking for conditions like dry eye, allergies, or astigmatism.

Lens trials: Based on Dr. Barnes’ findings, we have you test a few different lens styles to find the most comfortable and effective option.

Follow-ups: After you try your lenses at home, you return for adjustments if needed, ensuring that the fit and vision are perfect.

Just because contact lenses haven’t worked for you in the past, that doesn’t mean they’re not an option. From correcting dry eyes to finding the right fit, our mission is to help you enjoy the convenience of contacts without the drawbacks.

If you’re one of the few who can’t wear contacts, we can help you find the perfect pair of eye glasses.

Book an appointment online or call Vision Corner in Houston today to learn how we can help contacts work for you.