Contact lenses have been around for over a hundred years. They can correct several problems like farsightedness and nearsightedness. Millions of people around the world use contact lenses because they are convenient and eliminate the need to wear eyeglasses. However, improper wearing of contacts may cause several problems. Prolonged use of contact lenses may even change the structure of the cornea. Contacts are also known to affect oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and tear production. These changes can themselves cause problems. They may also exacerbate existing conditions.
The problems may be associated with the kind of the lens that you use and the frequency with which you change it. Inadequate rinsing of the contacts may also cause problems. Six percent of people who wear contacts may develop some problems associated with their use. On the bright side, most of these problems are minor; however, you can’t ignore them.
Improper wearing of contacts may lead to pain and discomfort. If you experience these problems, you should remove the contacts promptly and get the eye examined by your eye doctor. If the lens does not fit well, it can cause damage. While tight lens may feel comfortable initially, it will become quite uncomfortable over the course of several hours. This will eventually lead to tight lens syndrome. Loose lenses, on the other hand, cause lens decentration. The wearer will have an increased awareness of the lens. They may also feel that their vision varies with each blink.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure that you clean them properly. The buildup of protein deposits on the lenses can cause persistent irritation of the cornea. You should also ensure that the lens does not come into contact with hand cream, hairspray, make-up or smoke. Correct use will prevent the buildup of deposits on the lenses.
Soft lenses are more susceptible to damage than gas-permeable lenses. The lens may tear, crack or chip. These can also cause the irritation of the cornea. Do not rinse the lens in hot water. This may cause the warping of the lens. Excessive squeezing may also cause warping. Warping of the lens may result in subsequent warping of the cornea. This problem can take several months to resolve.
If you do not blink often, it may result in the drying of the lens. This may also give rise to a problem called corneal hypoxia.
Contact lenses are convenient. However, proper caring of the lenses is essential to prevent injuries.