Common Eye Issues Among Contact Lens Wearers: What You Need to Know

Contact lenses are a popular, practical solution for vision correction and managing certain eye conditions. Yet, while they provide many benefits, contact lenses also bring specific risks, especially if you experience pain or redness in your eyes. This discomfort can signal a serious problem, such as corneal inflammation. In this blog, we’ll discuss what contact lens users should be aware of, how to recognize warning signs early, and when to seek professional help.

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses come in various types, each serving different needs. Here’s a brief overview:

• Soft Contact Lenses: The most common type, available in daily disposables, monthly, or long-term options (up to six months).

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Designed for those with irregular astigmatism or specific corneal conditions, these lenses allow longer wear times.

• Specialty Lenses: These include toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, lenses for dry eye treatment, and colored lenses.

Starting with Contact Lenses: Initial Exam and Regular Checkups

Before starting with contact lenses, a thorough eye exam is essential. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will assess your eye health and provide detailed guidance on proper hygiene and usage. Regular checkups monitor the eye surface's health to catch any potential issues from prolonged lens wear.

Risks Associated with Contact Lens Use

Though generally safe, contact lenses have some risks. Here are key factors to be cautious about:

• Swimming with Contact Lenses: Exposing lenses to water can lead to infections, including serious conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis.

• Debris Buildup: Dust and dirt can accumulate on lenses, increasing the risk of inflammation.

• Medication Interactions: Certain eye drops, especially vasoconstrictors, should not be used with contacts, and during treatment with eye drops, it's best to avoid wearing contacts unless advised otherwise.

What to Do When Your Eye Hurts

If you experience pain, redness, or blurred vision, corneal inflammation (keratitis) might be the cause. This condition is severe and requires immediate care as it can impact vision. Steps to take include:

1. Recognize the Symptoms: Pain, redness, watery discharge, or eye crusting are signs of a possible infection.

2. Seek Immediate Help: A doctor can diagnose the issue through tests, such as fluorescein staining, and may recommend an emergency visit to an ophthalmologist.

3. Check for Lens Fragments: If a contact lens or its fragment might be stuck in the eye, flip the upper eyelid to inspect.

Common Eye Infections Related to Contact Lens Use

1. Corneal Inflammation (Keratitis)

• Symptoms: Pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and discharge.

• Diagnosis: Fluorescein staining and microbial cultures.

• Treatment: Immediate discontinuation of contact lens use, antimicrobial medication, and a follow-up eye exam.

2. Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Symptoms: Itching, redness, and a foreign body sensation.

• Diagnosis: Check for giant papillae under the eyelid; allergy testing if necessary.

• Treatment: Antihistamine eye drops, sodium cromoglycate drops, and in severe cases, steroid eye drops.

3. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Symptoms: Redness, discharge, and blurred vision.

• Diagnosis: Microbial swabbing.

• Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops, lens break, and new lenses post-recovery.

Other Potential Issues for Contact Lens Wearers

Dry Eyes

• A frequent issue among contact lens users, often managed with preservative-free moisturizing drops. Severe dryness may prevent lens use altogether but can sometimes be mitigated with special lenses.

Allergic Reactions

• Environmental allergens or lens materials can trigger redness and itching. Preservative-free drops or antihistamines help, but severe reactions may require therapeutic lenses.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Some eye conditions mimic contact lens-related issues but can stem from other causes, such as:

• Iritis or Episcleritis

• Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Foreign Body in the Cornea

Seek medical help if:

• You experience severe pain, persistent redness, or vision loss.

• Symptoms don’t improve with better hygiene or home care.

• Your lenses frequently cause discomfort.

Summary

Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative for vision correction but come with risks that should be taken seriously. Practicing proper hygiene, regular checkups, and recognizing symptoms early are crucial for safe lens use. If you encounter problems while wearing contacts, don’t hesitate to consult an eye care professional. By taking proactive steps, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses safely and comfortably.