Health Science

Why Contact Lenses Can Cause Infections

Learn why contact lenses can cause infections and how to prevent them. Understand the different types of contact lens infections, their symptoms, and treatment options by Cassandra Andrus
Estimated reading time: 4 min 34 sec
Why Contact Lenses Can Cause Infections Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels

Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that are placed directly on the eyes to correct vision problems.

They are a popular alternative to traditional eyeglasses and offer several advantages, such as better peripheral vision and the ability to participate in sports activities without the concern of broken or misplaced glasses.

The popularity of contact lenses

Over the years, contact lenses have gained immense popularity among people of all ages. They provide a convenient and cosmetically appealing solution for individuals with vision problems.

Whether it’s nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or even presbyopia, contact lenses offer a practical corrective measure.

Types of contact lenses

There are a variety of contact lenses available in the market, catering to different needs and preferences. The most common types include:.

  • Soft contact lenses: Made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material, soft contact lenses are flexible and comfortable. They allow oxygen to reach the cornea, reducing the risk of eye dryness.
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These lenses are made of rigid plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through. RGP lenses provide crisp vision and correct astigmatism more effectively.
  • Toric lenses: Designed specifically for individuals with astigmatism, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens and can correct irregular corneas.
  • Multifocal lenses: These lenses are suitable for those with presbyopia, providing clear vision at different distances.

The risk of contact lens infections

Although contact lenses are generally considered safe and effective, they do pose a risk of infections if not used and cared for properly. Various factors can contribute to the development of infections, including:.

  1. Poor hygiene: Failing to wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses increases the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to the eyes.
  2. Extended wear: Sleeping or napping with contact lenses increases the risk of infection as it reduces oxygen flow and traps bacteria against the eye.
  3. Improper cleaning and disinfection: Not cleaning or disinfecting lenses as directed allows bacteria and debris to accumulate on the lens surface.
  4. Wearing lenses past their expiration date: Expired contact lenses are more prone to bacterial contamination and may cause infection.
  5. Using tap water: Rinsing contact lenses or storing them in tap water can expose eyes to harmful microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can lead to a severe eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
  6. Environmental factors: Exposure to water in swimming pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water can introduce microorganisms to the eye, leading to infection.

Types of contact lens infections

Contact lens infections can vary in severity and symptoms. Common types of infections include:.

Related Article The Hazards of Wearing Contact Lenses The Hazards of Wearing Contact Lenses

  • Bacterial keratitis: Caused by bacteria, this infection leads to redness, excessive tearing, discharge, and blurred vision.
  • Fungal keratitis: Fungal infections are less common but can result in severe damage to the cornea and may require intensive treatment.
  • Acanthamoeba keratitis: As mentioned earlier, this infection is caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite and can be particularly difficult to treat. It can lead to vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant in severe cases.
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): GPC is an inflammatory condition caused by an allergic reaction to foreign substances on the surface of the lens. Symptoms include itching, redness, and increased lens discomfort.

Preventing contact lens infections

While the risk of contact lens-related infections exists, they can be significantly minimized by following proper hygiene and care practices:.

  • Wash hands thoroughly: Always wash hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses to keep bacteria at bay.
  • Follow the wearing schedule: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule provided by your eye care professional. Avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear.
  • Clean and disinfect lenses: Use only recommended contact lens solutions to clean and disinfect lenses. Rub the lenses gently with solution to remove debris and microbes.
  • Replace lenses as advised: Replace lenses as per the scheduled timeline provided by your eye care professional. Using expired lenses increases the risk of infection.
  • Avoid tap water: Never rinse lenses or store them in tap water or any liquid other than the recommended solution.
  • Keep lens case clean: Rinse the lens case with solution daily and let it air-dry to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.
  • Protect lenses from water exposure: Remove lenses before swimming or participating in water activities. If needed, use swim goggles to protect the eyes.

Recognizing and treating contact lens infections

Early detection is crucial in treating contact lens infections to prevent complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek prompt medical attention:.

  • Redness and irritation that doesn’t subside
  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • Increase in light sensitivity
  • Excessive tearing or discharge
  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Feeling as if something is stuck in the eye

Your eye care professional will determine the appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of the infection. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops or ointments, oral medications, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Contact lenses and children

While children can wear contact lenses, it is essential to ensure they can handle the responsibility of proper lens care and hygiene.

Parents should closely supervise their children and teach them the importance of following hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.

Conclusion

Contact lenses can significantly improve vision and offer a convenient alternative to traditional eyeglasses. However, it is essential to prioritize proper hygiene and care to minimize the risk of infections.

By following the recommended guidelines provided by eye care professionals, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while keeping your eyes healthy and infection-free.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Swimming in the Sea with Contact Lenses – Precautions to Take Swimming in the Sea with Contact Lenses – Precautions to Take 3 Essential Tips for Proper Contact Lens Use from the CDC 3 Essential Tips for Proper Contact Lens Use from the CDC Mistakes you don’t want to make with contact lenses Mistakes you don’t want to make with contact lenses How to Apply Eye Makeup with Contact Lenses Comfortably How to Apply Eye Makeup with Contact Lenses Comfortably Wearing Contact Lenses May Cause Vision Loss, Says Study Wearing Contact Lenses May Cause Vision Loss, Says Study Facts About Eye Insurance Coverage: What’s Included and What’s Not Facts About Eye Insurance Coverage: What’s Included and What’s Not Exploring alternatives to drops for myopia correction Exploring alternatives to drops for myopia correction Eye Care Coverage: What Ophthalmological Procedures Are Included in Your Insurance Eye Care Coverage: What Ophthalmological Procedures Are Included in Your Insurance Test Yourself: How Many Mistakes Do You Make When Using Contact Lenses? Test Yourself: How Many Mistakes Do You Make When Using Contact Lenses? What Causes Barley in the Eye? What Causes Barley in the Eye? Solving Keratoconus with Effective Treatment Solving Keratoconus with Effective Treatment New contact lenses can deliver drugs to the eyes New contact lenses can deliver drugs to the eyes Thousands of people contract infections due to lost contact lenses Thousands of people contract infections due to lost contact lenses Quick test: How well can you see with nearsightedness? Quick test: How well can you see with nearsightedness? Debunking common misconceptions about myopia Debunking common misconceptions about myopia Everything You Need to Know About Dry Eye Drops Everything You Need to Know About Dry Eye Drops Protecting your eyes from keratitis while wearing contact lenses Protecting your eyes from keratitis while wearing contact lenses How often should you see an eye doctor? How often should you see an eye doctor? What You Need to Know About the Bacteria on Your Contact Lenses What You Need to Know About the Bacteria on Your Contact Lenses How do contact lenses impact eye health? How do contact lenses impact eye health? Predict your susceptibility to colds with contact lenses. Predict your susceptibility to colds with contact lenses. Maintaining your contact lenses for better eye health Maintaining your contact lenses for better eye health How we damage our eyesight daily: observe for yourself How we damage our eyesight daily: observe for yourself 30 Possible Titles for “The 8 Dangers for Eyes from Long-Term Use of Contact Lenses” 30 Possible Titles for “The 8 Dangers for Eyes from Long-Term Use of Contact Lenses” Google’s Diabetes-Focused Contact Lenses Google’s Diabetes-Focused Contact Lenses The Common Mistake in Treating Conjunctivitis: How to Get Rid of It Faster The Common Mistake in Treating Conjunctivitis: How to Get Rid of It Faster Study Finds Link Between Contact Lens Wear and Vision Loss Study Finds Link Between Contact Lens Wear and Vision Loss Don’t neglect your eyes – here’s why Don’t neglect your eyes – here’s why Are Your Contact Lenses Harboring Dangerous Bacteria? Are Your Contact Lenses Harboring Dangerous Bacteria?
To top