Could starting ortho tri-cyclen pills be the reason why my contact lenses feels so dry & irritated in my eyes?

Possibly: Birth control pills, and antihistamines, among other drus, are known to cause dry eyes. The degree of symptoms vary, sometimes requiring only occasional use of artificial tears.

Wow! Good pickup!: That was a good pickup by you! most people on that medication do not make the connection, but you are correct.... Contact lens intolerance is a side effect of ortho-tricycline, however rare. I think it is more common than most think because most people do not make the connection to the medication and assume its something else.