The Dangers of Contact Lens Abuse: What You Need to Know

Contact lenses have become an increasingly popular choice for many people in recent years. They offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses for those who require vision correction, and they can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as changing one's eye color. However, the convenience and aesthetic appeal of contact lenses can sometimes lead to misuse and abuse, resulting in serious eye health complications. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of contact lens abuse, the importance of proper lens care, and how to prevent potential risks.

Understanding Contact Lens Abuse

Contact lens abuse refers to the improper use, handling, or care of contact lenses. This can include wearing contact lenses for longer than recommended, failing to clean and disinfect them properly, or using them in ways that are not intended by the manufacturer. Some common examples of contact lens abuse include:

1. Over-wearing: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time, beyond the recommended usage duration, can deprive the eyes of oxygen and cause irritation, redness, and even severe infections.

2. Sleeping in contact lenses: Unless prescribed for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses can significantly increase the risk of eye infections, as the closed eye environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

3. Improper cleaning and storage: Failing to clean and store contact lenses in the appropriate solution can cause protein and lipid buildup on the lens surface, leading to eye irritation and a higher risk of infection.

4. Sharing contact lenses: Sharing contact lenses with others increases the risk of transferring bacteria and other pathogens, which can lead to serious eye infections.

5. Using expired or damaged lenses: Wearing expired or damaged contact lenses can cause discomfort and increase the likelihood of infections or other complications.

The Consequences of Contact Lens Abuse

Contact lens abuse can lead to a range of eye health issues, from mild irritation to severe infections and complications. Some of the most common consequences include:

1. Dry eye syndrome: Over-wearing contact lenses can cause a reduction in tear production, leading to dry, irritated, and uncomfortable eyes.

2. Corneal abrasions: Improper handling or wearing damaged lenses can cause scratches on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, which can be painful and lead to infections.

3. Corneal ulcers: In severe cases, contact lens abuse can result in corneal ulcers, which are painful open sores on the cornea that can cause scarring and even vision loss.

4. Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Poor lens hygiene and sharing lenses can lead to bacterial, viral, or fungal conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye.

Preventing Contact Lens Abuse

To maintain good eye health and prevent the risks associated with contact lens abuse, follow these essential tips:

1. Always follow your eye care professional's recommendations for contact lens wear, cleaning, and replacement schedules.

2. Remove your contact lenses before going to sleep, unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses and use a sterile contact lens solution to clean and store them.

4. Never share contact lenses with others, and do not use saliva, tap water, or any other unsterile solutions to clean your lenses.

5. Replace your contact lens case every three months, and never use expired contact lenses and expired contact lens solution.

6. Always replace your contact lenses on time according to their specified replacement schedule.

Contact lens prescriptions generally last one year, this is because it is important that your optometrist continues to evaluate the health of your eyes in relation to wearing a medical device (contact lens) on the eye over a longer period of time. There are times where certain contact lenses may not be viable options anymore for you as a patient and changes need to be made. There are also times where if enough damage has occurred from contact lens abuse, a contact lens prescription may be denied all together as it may be deemed unsafe. Having your eyes checked every year will allow your optometrist to carefully evaluate your eye health and ensure that contact lenses are still safe for you to use. Remember your contact lens prescription is a prescription for a reason and it is specific to the contact lens power, brand, shape, curvature, breathability etc… that your optometrist feels is right for you.