Contacts help millions of people enjoy better vision without the bulk and inconvenience of wearing glasses, but that doesn't mean contacts are without problems. Understanding the proper care and maintenance of contact lenses as well as the risk factors that can lead to eye problems can help you keep your eyes healthy and enjoy wearing contacts for years to come.
How Contacts Work
Contacts are either flexible plastic discs or harder, more permanent plastic discs. As contacts wear out, they can develop tiny scratches and breaks and accumulate debris, which can lead to significant eye problems.
Identification of Eye Problems
Some eye problems associated with wearing contacts include irritation and itchy, red or dry eyes. Usually you can resolve these conditions by taking out the contacts and letting your eyes rest for a day or two. If you continue to wear your contacts in irritated eyes, you can develop an eye infection, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology. Signs of an infection can include redness, irritation, discharge from the eye, puffiness around the infected eye, pain and problems with vision, according to MedlinePlus.
Considerations
Contacts might not be the best option for every person. People who have regular eye infections, people who experience dry eyes or work in an environment such as construction with large amounts of dust or dirt, and people who regularly suffer from allergic reactions might need to avoid contacts, according to Prevent Blindness America.
Warnings
Some people who don't need their vision corrected still wear cosmetic contacts in order to change the color of their eyes. Some consumers buy these contacts without a prescription at boutiques, tattoo parlors or similar retailers. Non-prescription contact lenses pose a serious risk to your eye health, according to Prevent Blindness America. If you want to wear cosmetic lenses, consult a doctor. Your doctor can help you avoid infection by getting you a custom fit and making sure you're ordering lenses that are manufactured to the highest specifications.
Prevention/Solution
One of the easiest ways to avoid eye problems associated with contacts is by properly storing and caring for them. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, you should follow the instructions that come with your contacts in terms of how often you should take them out. Some contacts are manufactured to be worn for several days in a row. When you do take out your contacts, clean them properly by using a standard contact saline solution. Wet the contacts with saline solution, and then rub them with your fingers to remove any protein deposits that might cause irritation to your eye.
