Contact lenses cover the corneas to correct your vision in place of eyeglasses. Contact wearers enjoy the freedom of not worrying about glasses, either for functional reasons or because they prefer the look of no glasses. Because contact lenses are a foreign object in the eye, there are risks associated with wearing them, especially if you don't properly care for the lenses. Discuss the benefits and risks with your optometrist before choosing contact lenses.
Irritation
Contact lenses sometimes irritate the eye, causing discomfort for the contact wearer. The irritation appears as redness, discomfort or the sensation of something gritty in the contacts. Common causes of irritation include wearing contact lenses too long before replacing, wearing them when you sleep, general eye dryness or getting something in the eye. Aside from the contact lenses themselves, contact lens solution causes irritation for some people. If your eyes appear sensitive to the solution, stick to one brand rather than switching frequently.
Scratches on Cornea
Contact lenses sometimes scratch the cornea, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. A contact lens that does not fit well is one potential cause of corneal scratches. Your doctor should check the fit of the contact lenses initially and at a follow-up appointment if you are a new contact wearer or switch to a new brand. Wearing your lenses while sleeping may also cause scratching on the cornea. Remove contact lenses before you fall asleep, either at night or during a daytime nap.
Intolerance
Intolerance means you become unable to wear the contact lenses. According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, this typically occurs in people who wear their contacts for too long. Follow the recommended cycle for changing contacts. Remove them when they start feeling comfortable, which may happen near the end of the day.
Infection
Infections of the eye sometimes occur because less oxygen reaches the corneas, according to MayoClinic.com. Potential symptoms of an eye infection include watering, discharge, itching, burning, redness, swelling, pain or blurry vision. Remove your contacts if you experience these symptoms. Contact your eye care professional so she can determine if you have an infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends bringing your contact lenses with you to help your eye care specialist identify the cause of your infection.
