As a convenient and aesthetically pleasing option for vision correction, wearing contact lenses is becoming more and more popular. Contact lenses do have certain hazards, though, much like any medical equipment, if not worn properly. You may lower your risk of major issues and keep good eyesight by being aware of these dangers and knowing how to prevent them.
Here's a thorough look at the typical risk factors for contact lens wearers as well as the precautions you may take to avoid infection or eye injury.
Common Risk Factors of Contact Lens Use
Eye Infections
The higher risk of eye infections is one of the biggest concerns of wearing contact lenses. These infections arise from the entry of bacteria, fungus, or other microorganisms into the eye, sometimes as a result of inadequate hygiene or lens maintenance. The most typical infections consist of:
Keratitis: An infection of the cornea frequently brought on by submerging contact lenses in water or overnight.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): An illness caused by bacteria or viruses that can spread through infected lenses.
Corneal Ulcers
Painful sores on the cornea known as corneal ulcers can be brought on by trauma, infections, or excessive contact lens wear. If ulcers are not treated right away, they may cause irreversible eyesight loss. Corneal ulcers are more likely to occur when contacts are not cleaned correctly, are worn for extended periods, or are worn when sleeping.
Hypoxia (Oxygen Deprivation)
The quantity of oxygen that enters the cornea is decreased by contact lenses, especially those that are worn for prolonged periods. Hypoxia is a disease that can lead to corneal edema or scarring in the long run, as well as pain and poor vision.
Dry Eyes
Because contact lenses obstruct the natural tear film, they might aggravate dry eyes. Symptoms including redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling can be experienced by those with dry eye syndrome or by long-term lens wearers.
Allergic Reactions
Allergies to contact lens solutions or the material that goes into the lenses themselves can occur in certain people. Redness, itching, and pain may follow from this.
Uncomfortable and Unfitting
In addition to being uncomfortable, ill-fitting contact lenses can scrape or abrade the cornea. In addition to increasing the risk of infection, loose or excessively tight lenses can move about the eye, impairing vision.
Overwearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses excessively, especially for longer than is advised, might cause major problems for your eyes. Deposits, germs, and other debris can build up in lenses, increasing the risk of infection or corneal injury.
Prevention: How to Reduce the Risks
Maintain Good Hygiene
Before handling your contact lenses, always cleanse your hands with soap and water. Before touching your lenses, make sure your hands are totally dry to avoid putting bacteria in your eyes.
Use the recommended cleaning solution and follow your eye doctor's instructions to maintain the cleanliness of your lenses. Never clean or store your lenses with saliva, water, or DIY treatments.
Avoid Sleeping in Lenses
Take off your glasses before bed, unless they are made expressly for sleeping with. The danger of bacterial keratitis and other eye infections is greatly increased when sleeping with contact lenses. It is safest to take out your lenses before going to bed, even if they are allowed for longer usage.
Replace Lenses as Directed
There are precise replacement schedules for each type of contact lens, such as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables. It is essential to stick to this routine to avoid protein deposits, bacterial accumulation, and lens deterioration.
Never use your lenses longer than is advised since worn-out lenses can cause ocular irritation and decrease the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea.
Keep Lenses Away from Water
Refrain from using contact lenses in the hot tub, shower, or swimming pool. Hazardous bacteria like Acanthamoeba may be found in water, and these microbes can cause deadly diseases like Acanthamoeba keratitis. If you must wear contacts in the water, make sure you put on safety goggles and clean your lenses right away.
Use Proper Storage Practices
Lenses should always be kept in a sterile, clean case with a constant supply of disinfectant solution. Refrain from adding more new solutions on top of the existing ones. To lower the danger of contamination, lens casings should be changed every three months after being cleaned with a solution and let air dry.
Do Not Wear Lenses Too Much
Long-term contact lens wearers run the risk of depriving their eyes of oxygen, which can cause hypoxia and corneal edema. If your eyes feel dry or inflamed, take frequent pauses from wearing contact lenses and think about using the lubricating eye drops your eye doctor has prescribed.
Replace the Lens Case Regularly
If you don't clean your lens case thoroughly, germs may grow within. To prevent infection, replace it every three months and clean it every day with a contact lens solution.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Make an appointment for routine eye exams with your ophthalmologist or optometrist to keep an eye on the health of your eyes and make sure your contact lenses are fitting properly. Additionally, routine examinations can assist in identifying early indicators of infection or eye injury before they worsen.
Be Aware of Symptoms
Take off your contact lenses right away and see your eye doctor if you have any redness, discomfort, irritation, or discharge from your eyes. More serious consequences can be avoided by treating infections as soon as they are discovered.
Never disregard symptoms of discomfort or think they will go away on their own. You can save your vision by acting swiftly.
Use the Right Products
Utilize contact lens solutions that are intended for your particular brand of lenses and that have been prescribed by your physician. It is advisable to speak with your optometrist before switching products because certain solutions could include ingredients that trigger pain or allergic reactions.
