Contact lenses are widely chosen because they offer flexibility, comfort and a 'no glasses' look. However, there are some risks to using contact lenses that are important to know about. If used or stored carelessly, contact lenses can actually cause various eye problems.
Contact lenses can indeed correct various eye disorders, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and poor focus.
However, if not used and cared for properly, the use of contact lenses can actually increase the risk of developing eye problems, such as eye infections and corneal injuries. If it is severe, these eye problems can even lead to blindness.
Various Risks of Using Contact Lenses
Here are the various risks of using contact lenses that are important to be aware of:
1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. This condition is usually caused by an allergy or irritation to the contact lenses used.
In addition, conjunctivitis can also result from a bacterial infection, especially if you wear dirty contact lenses or try on contact lenses that someone else has worn.
Complaints of red eyes due to conjunctivitis will usually make the eyes feel itchy, swollen, and watery. However, if treated promptly, this condition usually will not harm the eyes.
2. Dry eyes
Long-term use of contact lenses also often causes dry eyes. This condition commonly occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears dry too quickly, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the eye.
When experiencing dry eyes, the eyes may feel uncomfortable or sore, red, sensitive to light, and watery. These symptoms can get worse or recur when contact lens wear is continued.
3. Wounds on the cornea
Contact lenses that are dirty or used incorrectly can cause scratching of the surface of the cornea. This condition, called corneal abrasion, can cause symptoms in the form of pain in the eye, a sensation like sand in the eye, red eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
4. Keratitis
Keratitis or inflammation of the cornea is one of the most common eye diseases that can be caused by wearing contact lenses. Usually, this condition is caused by many factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.
In addition, keratitis is also more at risk for people who often wear contact lenses for too long and do not take care of their contact lenses and their storage properly.
Keratitis can be characterized by red eyes, sensitivity to light, sudden blurred vision, watery eyes, and pain in or around the eye, whether or not the lens is worn. In the most severe cases, keratitis can lead to blindness.
However, most of the risks associated with using contact lenses usually only cause mild symptoms so that they can be cured and overcome easily by not wearing contact lenses for a while or using eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
Safe Tips to Avoid the Risks of Using Contact Lenses
Here are some safe tips that need to be applied before wearing contact lenses:
- Consult with an ophthalmologist first to determine the appropriate type of contact lens.
- Buy contact lenses at a trusted pharmacy or optician to be on the safe side, and it's best to avoid buying over-the-counter contact lenses from unlicensed stores.
- Wash your hands with soap and dry your hands with a clean cloth before touching contact lenses.
- Keep contact lenses and their storage areas clean and follow the instructions for use and care for contact lenses.
- Wash and clean contact lenses regularly with a proper cleaning fluid and avoid cleaning contact lenses with saliva or tap water.
- Avoid reusing used or expired cleaning fluids.
- Put on contact lenses before using make-up and remove it first before deleting make-up.
- Remove contact lenses before bed and before swimming.
- Avoid sharing contact lenses with other people.
- Change contact lenses and their storage regularly according to the doctor's recommendations or the rules for using the brand of contact lenses used.
If you are not suitable for wearing contact lenses, you should not push yourself and wear glasses that suit your comfort.
In addition, it is also important to regularly eat foods high in nutrients that are good for maintaining eye health, such as green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs, nuts, meat, and fruits.
If you experience symptoms of irritation or infection in your eyes while wearing contact lenses, such as redness, pain, swelling, or impaired vision, remove your eye contact lenses immediately and store them in a proper and clean place. After that, check with an eye doctor to get the appropriate examination and treatment.