Contact lenses provide individuals with an excellent alternative to eyeglasses. The technology and lenses have improved over the years, changing from hard lenses to soft, daily-use lenses that can be thrown away after a single use. However, contact lenses are still not without risk, and the potential for vision-threatening problems remains.
Effects
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, contact lenses can cause some painless superficial corneal changes, as well as other more serious conditions. Contact lenses can become painful to wear when the cornea becomes red and inflamed, the contact lens fits poorly, there is too little moisture to keep the lens floating above the cornea, or the lenses are worn in an environment full of pollution or rough weather, such as when it is smoky or windy.
When contact lenses are inserted improperly or removed aggressively, small foreign particles become trapped between the lens and the cornea, or if the contact lens is worn for prolonged periods of time, it can also cause complications. Corneal infections can be the result of poor hygiene, overnight or extended wear, use of tap water to clean the lens or eyes that already have a compromised surface, such as those that are dry or have poor sensation. According to Perret Opticians, some of the underlying eye disorders that can cause discomfort or injury to the eye when contact lenses are introduced include allergies, dry eye, conjunctivitis, iritis and pterygium.
Symptoms
Symptoms of complications from the use of contact lenses can include swelling of the cornea, loss of transmission of light, decreasing vision, bloodshot eyes, pain and discomfort, or feeling as if there is sand or grit in the eye, according to Family Doctor. Individuals may notice that they tear up more frequently or that light hurts the eyes. Some people who experience a corneal abrasion will also get headaches. According to Perret Opticians, protein deposits that form on soft or rigid lenses can also cause itchy eyes and decreased or blurred vision. When oxygen transmission to the cornea has dropped because of poor fit, an individual may also begin to see halos or rainbows around sources of light.
Complications
Complications associated with contact lens use include corneal abrasions, tight lens syndrome, corneal ulcers, corneal warpage, corneal swelling, giant papillary conjunctivitis and eye redness, according to Perret Opticians. Many times, these complications can be avoided through good hygienic eye care and changing lenses when necessary. Wetting solutions or cleaning solutions must be evaluated for any allergic reactions that may also cause problems with the eye.
Treatment
Treatment for conditions depends on the individual case. According to Family Doctor, the eye doctor may ask you to stop using your contact lenses while treatment is initiated. For a corneal abrasion, you may be given preventive antibiotic drops to prevent infections in the cornea. You will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses until the abrasion has thoroughly healed. If corneal edema, redness or swelling has been caused by poor-fitting contact lenses, the lenses will be refit. Treatment will always include removing the cause of the irritation or problem, as well as making changes to improve contact lens use.
Prevention
The development of many of the complications from contact lens use can be prevented by obtaining contact lenses through a licensed eye doctor. Individuals who wear contact lenses should be counseled to use care when inserting and removing contact lenses, practice good hygiene when cleaning contact lenses or handling contact lenses, keeping tap water out of the eye and seeking the care of an eye doctor when symptoms of a potential problem arise.
