Contact lenses can be prescribed to children for many reasons--for pediatric cataracts, light sensitivity, developmental issues, lazy eye, playing sports and appearance. Young children, however, might not be responsible enough to wear contact lenses. Children often have low motivation to take care of their contact lenses, depending on their parents for care and maintenance. Without proper care and education in use, contact lenses can pose serious risks to children.
Bacterial Infection
Proper cleaning and disinfection of contact lenses is vital as bacteria can grow between the contact lens and the eye, causing infection. The tear film of the eye is essential to getting moisture and oxygen to the epithelial cells of the eye. Debris and bacteria are normally wiped from the eye with the tear film by blinking. Contact lenses are a barrier between the eye and the tear film and if there are bacteria on the inside of the contact lenses, the tear film has little effect and the eye becomes susceptible to infection. Contact lenses also can cause breaks in the epithelium, allowing for direct access of bacteria to the stroma of the eye.
Corneal Hypoxia
According to an article written by ophthalmologist Dr. Barry Weissman, corneal hypoxia is one of the most common problems surrounding the use of contact lens. Corneal hypoxia occurs when the oxygen requirements of the corneas are not met because of the contact lenses acting as a barrier, preventing adequate oxygen exchange. Corneal hypoxia can cause epithelial edema, temporarily cause blurred vision, and in severe cases, cause the death of the epithelial cells and the shedding of the outer layer the cells. Most people usually have discomfort and remove contact lenses before that happens, but in children this is a risk because they might fall asleep with their contacts in or may not think to take their contact lenses out if they are experiencing discomfort.
Cornea Damage
Contact lenses can be damaged because of improper care and then they can damage or scratch the corneas of the eye. If contact lenses become warped, they can cause corneal warpage, which happens when the cornea conforms to the warped lens, resulting in irritated eyes and poor vision, taking months to correct. Improper cleaning and disinfection of contact lenses can also cause corneal abrasion resulting in permanent damage to the eye and making it more susceptible to infection.
