Contact lenses are small pieces of plastic used for cosmetic purposes or as substitute for glasses, especially when it no longer provides proper vision. But a successful wear of contact lenses needs a fitter, who is an optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist, to decide the right lenses for the wearer. The fitter is the one that instructs the user about the proper care and safe use of lenses.
Wearing of contact lenses can affect the structure, tear production, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and turnover of the cornea, the transparent dome-shaped anterior eye portion covering the pupil and iris. These changes can result to certain eye complications that may be associated with the frequency of changing the lenses, system of cleaning the lenses, or type of lens used.
The factors that contribute to contact lens infection include environmental factors, using extended-wear lenses, improper contact lens care, over-wearing lenses and even while sleeping, and poor hygiene. So proper handling of contact lenses is one of the steps to avoid the possible risks.
Although contact lens wearers rarely experience serious eye diseases, they should still be aware of this other than eye irritation and mild conjunctivitis. Some symptoms of contact lenses infection include eye redness, increased sensitivity to light, eye pain, tearing eyes, and blurred vision.
The most common and serious eye diseases related to contact lens wear are amoebic keratitis and corneal ulceration. These are caused by bacteria, fungus, herpes, or microbes. Amoebic keratitis is said to be the cause of the user’s bad hygiene, prolonged wear, and improper care of lenses. On the other hand, corneal ulceration commonly happen when using soft contact lenses. Same with the former, it is caused by poor hygiene as well as improper habits of cleaning lenses. The symptoms are eye sensitivity and severe irritation that can result to blindness if left untreated.
A lot of people use tap water or their saliva in cleaning their lenses as alternative when the required solution is not available. However, this habit allows damaging bacteria to get into the lenses and later to the eyes.
Any change in the eyes of a contact lens user must be diagnosed as early as possible for the right medication, whether or not an eye infection is caused by contact lenses. Therefore, the wearer must visit an eye doctor in their medical scrubs even at the first sign of irritation. Remember that early detection is among the best solution to prevent a serious disease.
