Problems related to wearing contact lenses are rare. When they do occur, they are often mild. However, some of them pose risks that could permanently damage your vision.
Some conditions that could occur with wearing contacts are irritation, corneal ulcers, blurry vision and infectious keratitis.
Sleeping with contact lenses.
Only extended-wear contacts can be worn while asleep. However, some contact lens wearers sleep with lenses not meant for extended wear, leading to a corneal infection. The treatment for such an infection would comprise the extended use of antibiotics. However, some people have still lost their vision even after being treated.
Fortunately, such problems are rare. Keratitis, for instance, only affects 2-20 in 10,000 contact lens wearers.
How to avoid getting an infection from contacts
Even though infections from contact lenses are rare, researchers estimate that up to 1million contact lens wearers in a year visit the hospital because of problems related to their contacts.
For this reason, it is essential to take care of your contact lens and use them appropriately.
One way to avoid infection would be to wash your hands before touching your lens to avoid transferring bacteria to them. After you take off your contacts, make sure to put them in solutions only recommended to you by your ophthalmologist.
Cleaning your contacts will keep them clean and prevent infectious bacteria from growing on them. However, it would be best if you never cleaned your contacts by spitting on them or putting them in your mouth.
Your contacts should never come in contact with your makeup. To make sure they don’t, always take them off before removing make-up and put them in before putting on your makeup.
Use your contacts according to the guidelines given by your ophthalmologist. This includes changing them as frequently as required, which might even be daily. Do not sleep in contacts that are not meant for extended wear as this could cause infection.
Even after getting contacts, always visit your ophthalmologist to get regular eye exams. By doing this, your physician will note any problems you might be experiencing and act accordingly. You should also see your ophthalmologist if you experience any symptoms such as pain, irritation or swelling.
