It is a known fact that contact lenses come with a certain level of risk. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of developing eye infections.

Even minor infections can cause discomfort and can lead to serious consequences if not treated in time. One of the most common reasons for infections is lost contact lenses. Thousands of people around the world have experienced the consequences of lost contact lenses, and still, many are unaware of the high risk associated with this problem.

What happens when a contact lens is lost?

When contact lenses are lost, they can land anywhere on the floor, on the furniture or even outside. The lens can be contaminated by bacteria, fungi or viruses from the surface where it fell.

When worn again, the lens can transfer the pathogens to the wearer’s eye, leading to an infection. This can cause discomfort, pain, redness, and swelling of the eyes. Moreover, lost contact lenses can damage the eyes and cause long-term vision problems.

How common is losing a contact lens?

According to a study by the American Optometric Association, contact lens wearers lose around 500 million lenses annually in the United States alone. This is a significant number, considering that the US has around 40 million contact lens wearers only.

The study also showed that people who wear soft contact lenses are more prone to losing them than those with rigid gas-permeable lenses.

Why is losing a contact lens dangerous?

Lost contact lenses can be contaminated by harmful bacteria and viruses that can be transferred directly into the eye. The eye is a sensitive organ, and any foreign object can harm the cornea, leading to infections, pain, and inflammation.

Moreover, contact lenses are designed to fit perfectly over the cornea, and when lost, they can scratch or damage the cornea, leading to long-term vision problems.

How to prevent lost contact lenses?

The best way to prevent lost contact lenses is to take precautionary measures. Here are some tips:.

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses
Don’t rub your eyes too hard as it can dislodge the lens
Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or in the shower
Carry a spare pair of lenses, especially when traveling
Use a contact lens case with a lid to store your lenses
Avoid sleeping with your contact lenses on

What to do if you lose your contact lens?

If you lose your contact lens, it’s important not to panic. Here are some steps to take:.

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes
Check the floor, furniture, and clothing around you to see if the lens is visible
Don’t wear the other lens until you find the lost lens
Use a flashlight to locate the lens if necessary
If you can’t find the lens, replace it with a new one

What are the symptoms of an eye infection?

The symptoms of eye infections can vary depending on the type of infection. However, some common symptoms are:.

Eye redness
Eye pain
Eye discharge
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Swelling of the eyelid
Feeling like something is in your eye

What to do if you suspect an eye infection?

If you suspect an eye infection, it’s important to see a doctor or an eye specialist immediately. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications, including permanent loss of vision.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct vision, but they come with risks. Lost contact lenses are a significant problem, and many people are unaware of the danger associated with it.

It is important to take precautionary measures to prevent losing contact lenses and to know what to do in case of loss. Infections resulting from lost contact lenses can cause discomfort and pain and can lead to serious long-term consequences.