Are Your Eyes Safe with Contact Lenses? Take This Quiz to Find Out!

When a person reads the title, it sounds ironic, doesn't it? Contact lenses are known to improve vision. But what is the relation between contact lenses and blindness? In fact, the two are not related to each other, but wearing contact lenses improperly can cause blindness. However, there is nothing to worry about as proper wear and care of contact lenses will always yield positive results.

There are various outcomes from wearing contact lenses. Sometimes, contact lens wearers, lens manufacturers, and practitioners contribute to unsatisfactory results, and it is true that contact lenses have become commoditized over the years. We are not purchasing something that can be compromised; a contact lens is a medical device placed over our eyes, which are one of the most precious organs in our body.

Studies have shown that the risk of eye infections is higher in the first six months of contact lens usage. The frequency of usage, as well as the hardness and softness of the lens, are also factors that determine the risk of various infections. One of the most important things to consider is the lens material.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa – Bacterial Infection

This is one of the main concerns for people wearing contact lenses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that causes the infection. These bacteria are able to breed in the eyes because of inadequate oxygen flow to the tissues present in the eyes. The oxygen flow is disrupted because of the lens covering the cornea.

In a recent survey, participants were asked to wear different types of lenses. It was noticed that people who wore rigid gas permeable lenses did not experience an increase in bacteria in the cornea during the trial. After three months of the trial, the bacteria level started to decline in the cornea of persons wearing other types of lenses, whereas the bacteria level remained the same in the patients' corneas wearing different types of lenses after six months. It was observed that when the eyes get adapted to the lens, the bacteria are completely eliminated. This is why it is necessary to be cautious when using lenses for the first time, especially in the first six months.

Biodeposits

Biodeposit debris can accumulate on the lenses and cause irritation. It can even result in a corneal ulcer, a severe complication that leads to blindness.

Corneal Thinning

The cornea can become thinner by up to 10 percent if covered with contact lenses, causing a disruption in the production of new cells.

Acanthamoeba

This microorganism is present in fresh water and soil. It is also found in tap water, and when you rinse your eyes in a sink containing water, the amoeba can transfer to the eyes. This can result in amoebic keratitis, which can cause blindness and is painful. Common lens solution is unable to kill the amoeba. To be safe from acanthamoeba, one must avoid washing the lens in tap water. One of the best options is to use daily disposable contact lenses.

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Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with clinicians before using this information.