Contact lenses are a solution for people with low vision who don’t like the look or feel of glasses.
But unlike glasses, contact lenses require daily maintenance. Without such TLC, contact lenses can get dirty, which can lead to serious infection.
Doctors usually emphasize the importance of proper contact lens care when prescribing lenses. This is because of the link between dirty lenses and infections.
But the Cleveland Clinic notes that such infections are often preventable.
Infections and bacteria
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 80 to 90 percent of contact lens-related eye infections are bacterial. The bacterium staphylococcus aureus, also known as “staphylococcus”, is linked to many cases of contact lens-related eye infections. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are resistant to common antibiotics, highlighting the importance of cleaning contacts to reduce the risk of infection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another type of bacterial infection that can affect people who wear contact lenses. The Cleveland Clinic says this fast-growing infection is likely the most serious. This can result in a hole in the cornea and there is a significant risk of permanent scarring and loss of vision.
fungal infections
Poor contact lens hygiene can also lead to fungal infections. Fungi such as Aspergillus or Fusarium pose a threat to vision and infection can occur if lenses are not cleaned properly and regularly.
What causes contact lens infections?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that in addition to bacteria and fungi, various things can cause contact lens-related infections. These factors include:
Use of extended wear lenses
sleep with contact lenses
The accumulation of microbes under the lens
herpes virus
Parasites
Reusing or supplementing contact lens solution
Not keeping lenses clean
What are the signs of a contact lens related eye infection?
Severe vision loss or blindness can result from contact lens-related infections.
However, less severe symptoms may present before the infection progresses to the point of vision loss.
Blurry vision
unusual redness of the eye
pain in the eyes
Tearing or discharge from the eye
Extra sensitivity to light
The feeling that something is in the affected eye
Contact lenses require daily care to prevent infection. More information is available at www.aao.org.
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