Contact lenses have become an increasingly popular alternative to glasses for corrective vision since they first hit the market in 1979, according to EyeTopics.com. Innovations in lens type and comfort have made contact lenses more versatile, less expensive and safer to use. Regardless, wearing contact lenses can put you at risk for serious medical conditions that may be preventable. By learning more about these hazards, you can protect your eyes and avoid harmful practices that may put your health at risk.
Irritation and Discomfort
The most common problems associated with contact lenses are eye irritation and discomfort from improper care and cleaning of your contact lenses, Health Canada says. As a result, contact lens wearers may experience tearing, burning, itching, dry eyes, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Bacteria found in lens cases or hands that are not properly cleaned before contact lens use may be transferred to the eye where they can become lodged under the lens and provide a spot for bacteria to grow. Similarly, environmental contaminants such as dust, pollen, sprays and smoke can also irritate the eye when lenses are worn or cause discomfort, Health Canada notes.
Pink Eye
Contact lens wearers are at increased risk of developing pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. The condition, an infection of the lining of the eyelid and part of the eyeball caused by viruses or bacteria, results in discomfort, redness and swelling in the cornea that may affect vision, MayoClinic.com says. Contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses that can be worn day and night, provide a moist environment that is a potential breeding ground for these organisms, AllAboutVision.com notes. Because less oxygen reaches the cornea during contact lens use, the body is not able to fight off infection caused by bacteria or viruses.
Corneal Abrasion
The cornea can become scratched when contact lenses are worn when eyes are dry, are left in the eye too long, or are improperly cleaned, fitted or removed, according to "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook." Particles can become trapped under the lens, leading to infection. Symptoms include tearing, swelling, sensitivity to light and redness. After prompt treatment, most abrasions heal in one to three days, "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook" notes.
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer, an infected open sore in the eye's cornea, is caused by bacteria, fungus, viruses or a parasite, and is a serious risk for contact lens wearers, MedlinePlus.com says. An ulcer can develop after a corneal abrasion that becomes infected or from the amoeba Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba, commonly found in water sources such as tap water, pools and hot tubs, is particularly concerning because it can lead to vision loss or, in severe cases, the need for a corneal transplant. Cleaning contact lenses with tap water, storing the lenses in tap water or swimming with contacts are risk factors for developing the dangerous condition also known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, according to the American Optometric Association. To reduce the chances of a corneal ulcer, follow your eye doctor's instructions for proper cleaning and disinfection, soak lenses in a clean solution every night, do not use water to clean or store your lenses, and remove lenses before swimming, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises.
References
- EyeTopics: The History of Contact Lenses
- Health Canada: Contact Lenses
- MayoClinic.com: Pink Eye
- AllAboutVision: Extended Wear Contact Lenses
- "The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook"; Robert S. Porter et al.; 2009
