1. Not All Lenses Are Created Equal
When it comes to contact lenses, one type no longer fits all. Contact lenses have come a long way since the hard plastic lenses of the 1950s. Today, in addition to hard lenses (vastly improved from those of 50 years ago), there are soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses. There are daily disposable soft lenses and lenses that can be worn for two weeks or a month at a time. Some can be kept in for 24 hours. With the many different types of lenses comes different side effects, ranging from mildly irritating to serious.
2. Minor But Irritating
Most side effects of wearing contact lenses are simply bothersome and do not have any long-lasting or serious implications. If a person suffers from dry eyes, the lack of tear production can irritate contact lens wearers. Getting dust or other debris in your eye while wearing contact lenses may scratch the cornea, especially if the eye is rubbed while the offending substance is still in the eye. How long contact lenses are worn may also cause blurry vision and dryness. It's best to follow manufacturer or doctor recommendations when it comes to wear time.
3. When Eyes Can't Breathe
Particularly in those who wear extended-wear contact lenses, lack of oxygen to the eye (hypoxia) is a common problem that can cause swelling of the cornea, resulting in hazy vision. Since no blood vessels bring oxygen to the cornea, outside air is relied upon, and many types of contacts can significantly decrease oxygen to the eye. Extended wear contacts also increase the risk of corneal infections or ulcerations (also attributed to lack of cleaning the lenses properly and frequently), which are marked by redness, pain and blurry vision.
4. Eyes Have Feelings Too
A sensitivity to contacts or contact lens solution can lead to eye and eyelid inflammation. The eye will become inflamed and red (conjunctivitis). In eyelid inflammation, bumps develop on the inside of the upper lid. If this side effect is the result of the solution, the person may stop wearing contact lenses for several months, then start anew with new lenses and a different solution. Much more uncommonly, contaminated solution can lead to fungal keratitis, a serious condition that can damage the cornea, pupil and iris. In 2006, Bausch & Lomb stopped shipping ReNu MoistureLoc solution to stores when it was connected to fungal keratitis.
5. Be Kind to Your Contact Lenses and They Will Be Kind to You
Proper care of your contact lenses can dramatically decrease the risk of most side effects. Do not keep contact lenses in for long periods of time if your eyes are not used to or not comfortable with prolonged wearing. Clean them regularly with the proper cleaning solution and disinfectant. Do not sleep in contact lenses not designed for overnight use. It's also not a good idea to wear extended-wear lenses for longer than they are intended for. Deposits can build up on dirty or old lenses and irritate the eye, or even cause serious complications.
