Risks associated with the use of contact lenses

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are worn directly on the corneal of the eye to correct vision. Contact lenses work on the same principle as a spectacle. They refract the light and direct it onto the retina to improve vision quality. There are different types of contact lenses that suit your lifestyle. Your eye care professional can help you to find the right contact lens for you.

Today, most people wear soft contact lenses made of a water-containing material called hydrogel. Contact lenses made from Hydrogel are breathable. 

How to Care of Your Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are medical devices that are authorized and regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Wearing time:

Contact lenses are made from different materials. Since every material behaves differently. Manufacturers recommend for each contact lens a certain period of wear. So, do not exceed the period of wear the contact lens.

Proceed carefully with your Lenses:

Soft disposable contact lenses can tear. Keep your fingernails away from the lenses. Fingernails are not only sharp; they are also a great home for all kinds of bacteria.

Never share your lenses with others:

Sharing contact lenses with others leads to a transfer of bacteria. So, do not share your lenses with others.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Lenses:

Cleaning and disinfection is important to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms may lead to eye infections. Keep care of cleaning and disinfection of lenses.

Storage of Lenses:

Contact lenses must be stored in designated contact lens containers and in a special contact lens solution.

Moisten your Eyes:

If you feel dryness, please use specially provided drops for the wetting of contact lenses.

Use a contact lens case:

The contact lens cases are a common source of contamination by bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Follow the instructions for cleaning and storing the contact lens container in the package leaflet. 

• Replace the tank after every 3 months.

• Manual cleaning: Enter a few drops of cleaning solution on the lens. Rub gently with your little finger over the surface. After about twenty seconds, you can rinse the lens with a rinsing solution.

Who Should NOT Wear Contact Lenses?

Some people should not wear contact lenses:

• Those who have frequent eye infections.
• Those suffer from acute allergies.
• Those who suffer from dry eyes.
• People should not wear contact lenses whose work environment is dusty, gravelly, sandy and dirty.
• If a person is unable to handle lenses and properly keep of cleaning, removing and care of contact lenses, he should not wear them.

Risks associated with the use of contact lenses:

For those who cannot bear to wear glasses for any reason, contact lenses are a blessing. If the contacts are worn as directed, contact lens wearers may symptom-free as long as they have eye exams regularly. Following are some risks which are associated with the use of contact lenses.

 Infections:

People wearing contact lenses are at risk for eye infections. There may be swelling, pain and blurred vision. Excessive tearing may also occur. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.

Corneal ulcers:

Damage to the cornea by the virus, bacteria fungi, or a parasite is called a corneal ulcer.  The corneal ulcer is a dangerous eye disease that left untreated can lead to blindness.

Sometimes contact lenses may be responsible for corneal ulcer or corneal injury. This occurs when the contact lenses, especially soft contacts are left in overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer.

Pink Eye:

Pink eye can sometimes result from wearing contact lenses. Since pink eye is caused by viral and bacterial infections and is highly contagious. However, it is not a serious health problem, if you get the right treatment. When you wear contact lenses for a long time, your eyes become red and irritated.

Vision changes:

Visual disturbances may be caused by a variety of underlying diseases or disorders. Some vision problems arise in the eye itself. While other causes of diseases that affect the brain, the central nervous system or other parts of the body. Although many of the diseases that cause vision changes are not serious, and they are easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.