Contact lenses have become a popular alternative to glasses, providing individuals with clear vision and the freedom to participate in activities without having to worry about their glasses falling off or getting lost.

However, contact lenses require excellent care to avoid the buildup of bacteria that can cause eye infections, which can lead to more severe complications like vision loss. In this article, we will explore the worst bacteria that can survive on contact lenses and how to prevent them from harming your eyes.

1.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most harmful bacteria that can survive on contact lenses. It is responsible for corneal ulcers and bacterial keratitis, which can cause permanent vision loss.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to thrive in moist environments like contact lenses, which makes it crucial to keep your lenses clean and dry at all times.

To prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infecting your eyes, you should stop wearing your contact lenses immediately if you experience any symptoms of an eye infection like redness, discomfort, or discharge. Also, avoid sleeping with your contacts, and never rinse them with tap water, as it contains harmful bacteria that can cause serious eye infections.

2.

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals. However, it can cause severe infections when it gets into the eyes, especially in contact lens wearers.

Staphylococcus aureus can cause bacterial conjunctivitis, a type of pink eye that leads to eye redness, itching, and discharge.

To prevent Staphylococcus aureus from infecting your eyes, you should always wash your hands before handling your contacts. Also, avoid sharing your contact lenses with others, and never wear them beyond the recommended period to avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria.

3.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria responsible for respiratory infections like pneumonia and ear infections. However, it can also lead to severe eye infections like bacterial keratitis when it gets into the eyes.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is known to contaminate contact lenses, especially if they come in contact with contaminated water.

To prevent Streptococcus pneumoniae from infecting your eyes, you should avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs or pools while wearing your contact lenses. Also, always use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses.

4. Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals.

However, it can cause severe eye infections when it comes into contact with the eyes.

Escherichia coli is known to contaminate contact lenses through poor hygiene or contaminated water.

To prevent Escherichia coli from infecting your eyes, you should wash your hands before handling your lenses and avoid touching your eyes or lenses with dirty hands. Also, never rinse your contacts with tap water or use expired or contaminated contact lens solution.

5.

Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba is a parasitic amoeba that can cause severe eye infections when it contaminates contact lenses. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe infection that can cause vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.

Acanthamoeba is known to thrive in warm and moist conditions, which makes contact lenses an ideal breeding ground.

To prevent Acanthamoeba from infecting your eyes, you should always wear goggles when swimming, avoid showering or bathing while wearing your contacts, and use only fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses.

6. Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacteria commonly found in the environment, including water and soil. However, it can cause severe eye infections like bacterial keratitis when it contaminates contact lenses.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is known to thrive in moist conditions, making contact lenses an ideal place for growth.

To prevent Klebsiella pneumoniae from infecting your eyes, you should avoid wearing your contacts in the shower or while engaging in water sports. Also, never rinse your contacts with tap water, and always use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses.

7.

Enterococcus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. However, it can contaminate contact lenses and cause severe eye infections like bacterial keratitis.

Enterococcus faecalis can easily spread through poor hygiene practices like touching your eyes or lenses with dirty hands.

To prevent Enterococcus faecalis from contaminating your contact lenses, you should always wash your hands before handling your lenses, and avoid touching your eyes or lenses with dirty hands. Also, never share your contact lenses with others, and always use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses.

8.

Moraxella lacunata

Moraxella lacunata is a bacteria commonly found in the respiratory tract of humans. However, it can contaminate contact lenses and cause severe eye infections like conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Moraxella lacunata can spread through poor hygiene and contamination of contact lenses with secretions from the respiratory tract.

To prevent Moraxella lacunata from infecting your eyes, you should always wash your hands before handling your contacts, avoid sharing your lenses with others, and never wear your contacts beyond the recommended period.

9. Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a bacteria responsible for diphtheria, a deadly disease that can cause severe respiratory problems.

However, it can also cause severe eye infections like bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae can spread through contaminated contact lenses and poor hygiene practices.

To prevent Corynebacterium diphtheriae from infecting your eyes, you should avoid sharing your contact lenses with others, and always wear goggles when swimming. Also, never touch your contacts or eyes with dirty hands, and always use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses.

10.

Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes is a bacteria commonly found on the skin of humans. However, it can contaminate contact lenses and cause severe eye infections like bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Propionibacterium acnes can spread through poor hygiene practices like touching your eyes or lenses with dirty hands.

To prevent Propionibacterium acnes from infecting your eyes, you should always wash your hands before handling your contacts, avoid touching your eyes or lenses with dirty hands, and never share your contact lenses with others.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are an excellent option for vision correction, but they require excellent hygiene practices to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that can cause serious eye infections.

By following proper hygiene practices like washing your hands before touching your contacts, avoiding wearing them beyond the recommended period, and using fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses, you can prevent harmful bacteria from surviving on your contact lenses and causing severe eye infections.