Contact lenses are an amazing invention that has helped millions of people see better and have more freedom in their daily lives. However, as helpful as these lenses are, there are some risks involved with wearing them.

In this article, we will explore how contact lenses can impact eye health and what steps you can take to minimize those risks.

Risk of Infection

One of the biggest risks associated with contact lenses is the risk of infection. When you wear contact lenses, you are putting a foreign object directly onto your eye.

Bacteria and other microorganisms can easily get trapped between the lens and your eye, which can lead to an eye infection. Symptoms of an eye infection include redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. In rare cases, an eye infection can lead to vision loss, so it’s important to take any signs of infection seriously.

Improper Cleaning and Storage

To reduce the risk of infection, it’s important to clean and store your contact lenses properly. When you don’t clean your lenses, bacteria and other microorganisms can accumulate on the surface and cause an infection.

Additionally, storing your lenses in an unclean case can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi. When you put your lenses in your eye, you are transferring these harmful microorganisms directly into your eye. To keep your eyes healthy, make sure to clean your lenses as directed by your eye doctor and replace your lens case regularly.

Dry Eye

Another common problem associated with contact lenses is dry eye. When you wear contacts, they can absorb the natural tear film in your eyes, leading to dryness. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and, in severe cases, corneal damage.

To prevent dry eye, make sure to use contact lenses that are designed to retain moisture, such as silicone hydrogel lenses. You can also use eye drops to lubricate your eyes throughout the day. Your eye doctor can recommend the best approach based on your specific needs.

Corneal Abrasions

Corneal abrasions are another potential risk of wearing contact lenses. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.

The risk of corneal abrasions increases when you wear contact lenses for too long, wear them while swimming or in other water-related activities, or wear contacts that are damaged. To minimize the risk of corneal abrasions, make sure to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and replace your lenses as directed.

Extended Wear Lenses

One type of contact lens that has become increasingly popular in recent years is extended wear lenses. These lenses are designed to be worn for multiple days or even weeks at a time, without being removed.

Although this may seem convenient, extended wear lenses increase the risk of infection and other eye problems. This is because they don’t allow your eyes to “breathe” as well as other types of lenses.

If you choose to wear extended wear lenses, make sure to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor closely and be vigilant for any signs of infection or other problems.

Allergy Symptoms

If you have allergies, wearing contact lenses can exacerbate your symptoms. Allergens can get trapped between your lenses and your eye, leading to itching, redness, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

To minimize allergy symptoms, make sure to avoid wearing contacts during allergy season or on days when the pollen count is high. You can also use prescription eye drops or other allergy medications to manage your symptoms.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are a great way to improve your vision and quality of life, but they do come with some risks.

To minimize those risks, make sure to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor, clean and store your lenses properly, and be vigilant for any signs of infection or other problems. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.