Wearing contact lens is generally safe, but complications can occur. With approximately 45 million people in the US using contact lenses to improve their vision, it’s important to be aware of potential issues. After popular TV actress Jasmin Bhasin damaged her cornea due to contact lenses, the issue gained significant attention. To help prevent eye damage, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
COMMON COMPLICATIONS: CONTACT LENS
DISCOMFORT
Feeling discomfort from contact lenses occasionally or persistently is common. However, this tends to improve with use. Lubrication and gradually increasing wearing time can help eyes adapt to contacts.
DRY EYES
Contacts can worsen dry eyes, which may lead some people to stop wearing them.
CORNEAL INFILTRATES
Contact lens wearers may develop small, gray-white bumps on the eye surface. While many people have no symptoms, some may notice redness or irritation.
GIANR PAPILLARY CONJUNCTIVITIS
Long-term use of contacts can inflame the upper eyelid due to rubbing over the contact lens. This typically causes itching or a sensation of having something in the eye. Fortunately, proper contact lens care and taking breaks from contacts usually improve this condition.
SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS: CONTACT LENS
CORNEAL NEOVASCULARIZATION:
Wearing contacts reduces the amount of oxygen that the cornea receives from the surface of the eye (hypoxia), which can lead to swelling of the cornea. Over time, the cornea tries to get more oxygen by growing new blood vessels (neovascularization). If severe, the vessels can grow into the center of the cornea and cause vision loss.
CORNEAL ABRASION
Poorly fitting contacts or trauma during insertion or removal of contacts can cause a painful scratch on the cornea. This condition requires immediate medical attention. The doctor will stain the cornea with a dye to visualize the scratch and prescribe eye drops to prevent infection.
INFECTIOUS KERATITIS
The most serious complication of contact lens use is an infection of the cornea (corneal ulcer). If left untreated, this complication can cause total loss of vision in the affected eye. It is usually painful and may cause decreased vision, light sensitivity, discharge, redness, and white areas on the eye. Many different bacteria, as well as viruses or fungi, can cause infections in contact lens wearers.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS
To reduce the risk of serious complications, practice good contact lens hygiene. Avoid sleeping, showering, or swimming while wearing contacts. Additionally, using daily disposable contacts can significantly lower the risk of infectious keratitis.
WARNING SIGNS
Complications from contacts can have a wide range of symptoms. Therefore, consult an eye doctor if any of the following symptoms occur, as they may indicate a serious complication: redness or irritation, eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurry or worsening vision, excessive tearing, or discharge.
By following these tips and maintaining good contact lens hygiene, you can reduce the risk of complications and keep your eyes healthy.
