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Tips for Avoiding Eye Infections While Wearing Contact Lenses
Proper contact lens usage
Contact lenses are a current necessity because they offer an alternative solution for eyeglasses. In addition, contact lenses are also available in various hues, which are great for enhancing eye color.
Given their popularity, there is no surprise that more people are lining up to get themselves a fresh pair. While contact lenses are generally safe, customers must still keep in mind the importance of wearing them properly.
Recently, Maricar Reyes, an actress and entrepreneur, shared her story of how she almost became blind and suffered a corneal abrasion due to wearing expired contact lenses(1). Before we dive into tips for contact lenses proper use, this blog will first explain how contact lenses work and how improper use can affect your eyes.
How Does Contact Lenses Work?
Fun fact! Did you know that your cornea is one of the few places in your body that do not receive much oxygen? Why is that? According to research, the cornea does not have its own blood supply or blood vessels.
The reason is that blood vessels could cloud the cornea. Covering the cornea with blood vessels can prevent light from refracting properly, which can negatively affect your vision. Therefore, it purely relies on oxygen coming from the eye’s natural clear fluid and air (2).
Contact lenses offer an alternative to eyeglasses. They are designed to temporarily correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Since they are worn directly to the eyes, contact lenses limit the amount of oxygen the cornea receives. This is why wearing contact lenses for too long can damage or scratch the cornea.
Here are some tips for contact lenses to avoid eye infections and damage when wearing:
Keep your contact lenses clean
It is mandatory to keep your contact lenses clean because they can easily catch bacteria if not handled properly. Wash your hands before and after touching your contact lenses, and clean them with fresh solution. You should also disinfect the case with lukewarm, soapy water once a week, dry it with tissue or a clean cloth, and replenish the contact lens solution every day.
Do not sleep while wearing contact lenses
As mentioned above, wearing contact lenses for a long period can cause corneal abrasion. This occurs because the limited amount of oxygen entering the eye causes dryness, making the eyes more susceptible to scratches from friction. To prevent this, follow the 8-10 hour rule or adhere to the prescribed wearing hours recommended by a licensed optometrist.
Do not wear expired contact lenses
All contact lenses have an expiration date indicated on their packaging. It is important to check this date before purchasing, as wearing contact lenses past their expiration date can cause eye inflammation, redness, pain, and even partial or complete loss of vision.
This risk applies even to unopened expired contact lenses, as they may have accumulated deposits that can be harmful to your eyes.
You should also be mindful of the contact lens modality—whether it is single-use, monthly, or yearly. Wearing contact lenses beyond their prescribed modality can lead to significant discomfort and potential damage to your eyes.
Do not wear contact lenses during swimming and shower
Contact lenses and a sponge share one common denominator, and that is they absorb everything, particularly bacteria. Water from showers, public pools, beaches, and even freshwater possesses a bacteria called Acanthamoeba.
If you are not careful enough, your eyes may absorb this, leading to Acanthamoeba Keratitis— a kind of eye infection that may take a year to cure. Unfortunately, bacteria may also result in blindness if left untreated.
In addition to this, exposure to water while wearing contact lenses may cause you to experience corneal ulcers, a condition wherein the cornea becomes inflamed due to bacteria. Without proper treatment, corneal ulcers may permanently damage your vision.
A contact lens bears numerous solutions. It can act as an alternative to eyeglasses and add color to your eyes. Wearing them is safe and would not cause blindness, as long as you follow the rules. Remember, proper precautions must be adhered to avoid traumatic situations.
Be a responsible user, but when symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with your trusted optometrist.
Check out our EO Visualities Artificial Tears Formula Multipurpose and Visualities Moisture Lock System Contact Lens Solution. These products are ideal for disinfecting and lubricating contact lenses, helping maintain their moisture and quality.
It is also recommended to apply drops on your eyes during contact lens wear. Try the EO Visualities Artificial Tears Formula Lubricating Eye drops to maintain your eyes’ healthy condition during long wear.
For long lasting comfort it will be best to wear the Hydrogel Clear Contact lens as it not only provides comfort due to its soft materials, it also has UV protection.
Shop yours now, and do not forget to follow the tips for contact lenses and instructions! Remember to Love Your Eyes.
References:
- GMA News. “Maricar Reyes endured ‘excruciating eye pain’ for 3 days after wearing expired contact lenses.” GMA News Online, June 16, 2023.
- “Are there any parts of the human body that get oxygen directly from the air and not from the blood?”wtamu.edu, June 25, 2015
- “Do Contacts Really Expire? (When You Can & Can’t Wear Them)” nvisioncenters.com, Aug 17, 2023
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