Contact lenses have evolved in leaps and bounds since the first polymethyl methacrylate hard lens was introduced in the 1940s, with newer materials such as silicone-hydrogel offering greater comfort, ease and extension of wear. However, while modern contacts may give you the 20/20 vision that nature intended, there are contact lens problems to be aware of before deciding that this method of vision correction is for you.
Contacts and Your Eyes
The main problem you face wearing contact lenses that they cut down on the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, says MayoClinic.com. Gas permeable lenses, although initially less comfortable to wear, allow better oxygen flow than soft contact lenses, notes MayoClinic.com. Since 2000, soft protein deposit-resistant silicone-hydrogel lenses have been introduced, and these also allow greater oxygen flow, says the Contact Lens Council. However, MayoClinic.com cautions that regardless of which lens type you choose, reduced oxygen flow is still problematic. The main risk attached to reduced oxygen and contact lens use in general is infection.
Extended Wear Lenses
According to the Federal Citizen Information Center and MayoClinic.com, the risk of infection is a great concern with extended-wear lenses. This type of contact lens can be worn for up to seven days without removal; however, MayoClinic.com indicates that many doctors find this practice "questionable." Extended-wear lenses are associated with an infection called a corneal ulcer, says the FCIC. This can ultimately lead to changes in vision, extreme discomfort, excessive tearing and possible blindness. According to James Saviola, O.D. of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, your risk of getting a corneal ulcer with extended-wear lenses, which are kept in overnight, is 10 to 15 times greater than if you use daily-wear lenses. MayoClinic.com advocates choosing daily-wear lenses, which are taken out each night.
Who Can't Wear Contacts
Contact lenses aren't the appropriate for everyone. You may have problems wearing contacts if you have dry eye syndrome or severe nearsightedness, says the FCIC. If you're exposed to chemical fumes in the workplace or are allergic to lens care products, you may have more problems wearing contact lenses than the rest of the population.
Cosmetic Lens Problems
Nonprescription cosmetic lenses are another problem associated with contact lens use, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Although sales of these special effects "vampire" and "cat's eye" lenses was made illegal in the U.S. in 2005, they continue to be sold by retailers and online, says the AAO. Wearing nonprescription "one size fits all" lenses can lead to infection and other eye disorders. MayoClinic.com states that contact lenses should be worn for the sole purpose the FDA approves: To correct vision.
What to Do
Make sure you won't experience undesirable and unnecessary contact lens problems by having your lenses dispensed by an eye care professional. There are advantages and disadvantages to both soft lenses and gas permeable contact lenses that your doctor can go over with you before you decide which type is best suited for your lifestyle. Proper lens care and cleaning is necessary to ensure the quality of your vision, as well as the health of your eyes. When your lenses are dispensed, your eye care professional will demonstrate proper care and cleaning of your contact lenses, says the Contact Lens Council.
