Common Mistakes Contact Lens Wearers Make

Millions of people wear contact lenses safely every day. But there is a risk of getting an eye infection from them.

Keratitis is the most common eye infection from wearing contact lenses. It is when the cornea, the clear, front window of the eye, becomes infected. In some cases, it can scar the cornea, affecting your vision. If the cornea is severely scarred, a corneal transplant may be needed to have clear vision again. As for the cause, there are a number of things that can cause a contact lens-related eye infection. Some causes of infection may include:

• using extended-wear lenses
• sleeping in your contact lenses
• improper lens cleaning
• not replacing old contact lens cases
• reusing or topping off contact lens solution

Symptoms of contact lens-related infections include:

• blurry vision
• unusual redness of the eye
• pain in the eye
• tearing or discharge from the eye
• being extra sensitive to light
• feeling like there is something in your eye

Some contact lens-related eye infections can cause serious vision loss or even blindness. If you have any of these symptoms, is important to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. There are many ways you can avoid eye infections from wearing contact lens daily.

• Wash your hands before handling your contacts. Clean and disinfect contact lenses by place the lens in your clean palm with fresh solution from the bottle.

• Never reuse solution. Always place new contact lens solution into contact lens case for proper disinfection.

• Replace your contact lens case with a new one at least three times per year.

• From time to time, give your eyes a break from your contact lenses.　Try to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. This puts you at a higher risk of an eye infection.

• Make and keep an appointment with your ophthalmologist to keep your eyes healthy. Your ophthalmologist is committed to protecting your sight.

If you are tired of contact lenses, keep in mind there are alternative options for you such as glasses and elective eye surgery such as LASIK. To learn more and find out what options are best for you, call our office and schedule an eye exam today. For the exam, you will meet with Dr. Keith Liang and he can provide you with a few options based on your lifestyle needs. Click on this link to learn more about your candidacy for Lasik surgery if this is the route you’re considering.