Health Risks Associated With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses were the best solution for eye correction for a number of individuals around the globe for a decent amount of time, but laser technology has eliminated the need for these devices in a number of patients who suffer from hyperopia, farsightedness; myopia, nearsightedness; or astigmatism. Contacts require extensive maintenance to use and if not properly treated they can cause a number of problems. Who would have thought that sticking foreign objects up against your eye could have a number of negative health implications? Below are some of the concerning eye problems that many contact lens wearers face:

Corneal Problems

The contact lens is designed to cover the cornea and even when specially designed to allow air to flow, there can be a reduction in oxygen supply to the cornea. This can create a number of problems including hazy vision and swelling, both of which are quite problematic. Additionally, contact lenses can cause scratching of the surface of the cornea, especially those made of less flexible materials. Scratching can be due to improper application of the contact lens or from falling asleep with contact lenses still on. This damage can also increase risk of infection and other eye problems as well.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes can be caused by long-term use of contact lenses and ranks as the most common complaint among vision care patients that wear contacts. This syndrome is especially irritating to its sufferers because it is cyclical: the discomfort of wearing contacts causes red eyes, dryness, and burning, which ultimately make wearing the contact lenses even more uncomfortable and as a resul,t the symptoms continue.

Inflammation

The body sometimes has an immune-system response to contact lenses since they are viewed as a foreign object on the eye. As a result, the body’s immune system kicks in and triggers swelling. Additionally many people experience allergic reactions to contact lens solution, which can cause swelling, redness, and overall discomfort. Another cause of inflammation can be the breaking or cracking of the lens, which causes trauma to the eye. Swelling also can occur underneath the eyelid, making wearing the lens extremely uncomfortable.

Eye Infection

A major risk involved in wearing contacts is eye infection. Keratisis is an infection of the cornea by bacteria, fungi, or other contaminates that can be extremely serious, often leading to permanent eye damage.  Bacterial infection in particular can lead to pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity, and discharge from the eye. Contact wearers are also at risk for Acanthamoeba, an amoeba that infects the eye and can eat through the cornea, multiplying as it goes and potentially causing total blindness. The parasite is found in a number of different places including dust, tap water, bodies of natural water, and swimming pools. While not a common infection, all contact wearers are at risk for it since it is such a common amoeba. The treatment is extremely long and painful, and doesn’t always work effectively. Proper maintenance of contact lenses and following package directions can minimize risk of infection.

In essence, contact lenses come with a long list of risks for the wearer. For those that seek to escape the risks and annoyance of these plastic inserts, there is LASIK and PRK treatment available that is safe, quick, and life-changing. Contact OCC LASIK to find out more about how these procedures could improve your life today.