Problems Caused by Wearing Contact Lenses

1. Burning and Itchiness

A feeling of burning and itchiness in the eyes may be a problem of contact lens use caused by an eye infection such as keratitis or conjunctivitis. Keratitis is a serious eye infection that requires attention from an eye care professional. Besides a burning and itchy feeling, keratitis can also cause pain in or around the eyes and blurry vision. Conjunctivitis can be caused by contact lenses as the lens can irritate the surface of the conjunctiva. If you are experiencing, eye irritation from contacts, book an appointment with an optometrist.

2. Blurred Vision

Experiencing blurred vision while wearing contact lenses can be due to many reasons such as a change in your prescription, eye infections, unclean lenses and eye allergies. If you are wondering, why do my contacts get blurry, it is important to let your optometrist know. It is recommended to get an eye test at least once every two years so an optometrist can check your eye health and also determine if your prescription has changed.

3. Red Eyes

Red eyes is a symptom of contact lens use that can be an indication of many problems and should be taken seriously. According to Very Well Health, experiencing red eyes from wearing contacts may be a sign of seasonal allergies, keratitis, a corneal ulcer, dry eyes, giant papillary conjunctivitis and improper use of contact lens solution such as reusing old solution. If you have red eyes from contact lens use, book an appointment with an optometrist to have your eye health checked.

4. Dry Eyes

A common problem with wearing contact lenses is they can cause dry eyes as the lens partially blocks oxygen from entering the eye. Dry eyes is the most commonly reported symptom of wearing contact lenses, according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine titled, >Contact Lens Wear and dry eyes:challenges and solutions. The symptoms of dry eyes include red eyes, irritation and a feeling of scratchiness or grittiness.

5. Sensitivity to Light

While contact lenses themselves do not cause sensitivity to light, contact lens-related issues such as keratitis and corneal abrasions may lead to this problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of microbial keratitis include sensitivity to light as well as irritated and watery eyes.

6. Eye Allergies

Contact lenses may cause an allergic reaction as the wearer could be allergic to the lens itself or the contact lens solution. Eye allergy symptoms include red eyes, itchy eyes and irritation. For people who are allergic to contact lenses, it is advised to discontinue use to see if the problems resolve themself. If they do not, glasses may be a better option to prevent the symptoms of eye allergies.

7. Eye Infections

Developing an eye infection is a possible side effect of wearing contact lenses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, microbial keratitis is a common contact lens infection that occurs when germs invade the cornea causing irritated, painful and red eyes. The types of microbial keratitis include fungal keratitis, bacterial keratitis, and parasitic keratitis.

8. Difficult to Insert and Remove

A common problem a person experiences with contact lenses is they find it difficult to insert and remove the lens. Putting in and taking out contact lenses can be tricky due to the sensitive area, however, with practice, it should become easier. It is important to always wash your hands before putting in contact lenses and before taking them out to prevent problems such as infections.

What are Contact Lenses Made of?

Contact lenses are made of many different materials, depending upon what type of contact lens they are. There are several types of contact lenses including gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses (RPG) and soft contact lenses, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses (RPG) are a type of hard contact lens made with firm, oxygen-permeable silicone polymers, allowing oxygen to pass more easily through to the eye, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Soft contact lenses are often made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel which make plastic lenses that are flexible, soft when hydrated, and hard when dry.

What are the Types of Contact Lenses?

The different types of contact lenses include silicone hydrogel contact lenses, toric contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses, progressive or multifocal contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, scleral contact lenses, extended wear contact lenses, daily disposable contact lenses, planned replacement contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses and therapeutic contact lenses. The different types of contact lenses are listed below.

• Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are a type of soft contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel materials.
• Toric Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
• Hybrid Contact Lenses: Hybrid contact lenses are contacts that are a combination of hard and soft contact lenses with a hard centre and a soft edge.
• Progressive or Multifocal Contact Lenses: Progressive or multifocal contact lenses are contacts that have three prescriptions over one lens to assist with near, far and middle-distance vision.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are a type of hard contact lenses, made with oxygen-permeable polymers.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Scleral contact lenses are a type of hard contact lens that are bigger than most contact lenses, resting on the sclera part of the eye, as opposed to the cornea.
• Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Extended wear contact lenses are contacts designed to be worn for an extended period of time.
• Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: Daily disposable contact lenses are contacts worn once then disposed of.
• Planned Replacement Contact Lenses: Planned replacement contact lenses are contacts worn for a predetermined period before being replaced.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses: Ortho-K contact lenses are contacts most often worn at night to reshape the cornea and help treat vision issues such as myopia.

Does Sleeping in Contact Lenses Increase the Risk of Eye Infections?

Yes, sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of developing eye infections. It is unsafe to sleep in contact lenses as it increases a person’s risk of developing an eye infection by six to eight times, according to an article published by the Sleep Foundation. The eye infections or diseases a person may develop as a result of wearing contact lenses when sleeping include bacterial keratitis, acanthamoeba keratitis and fungal keratitis. To lower the risk of developing an eye infection from contact lenses, make sure to remove them when going to sleep at night and when planning to have a nap.

Do Contact Lenses Cause More Eye Problems than Eyeglasses?

Yes, a person’s risk of eye infections is increased when wearing contact lenses as opposed to glasses. However, with proper care and usage, contact lenses can be worn with minimal problems. Glasses may be chosen over contact lenses for their convenience and eye protection, whereas, contact lenses may be selected for their wide range of vision and ability to wear during sports. If you are unsure whether contact lenses or glasses are right for you, speak with your optometrist so they can provide their recommendations.

Do Therapeutic Contact Lenses Reduce the Risk of Eye Problems?

Reducing the risk of eye problems is not the primary role of therapeutic contact lenses, however, they are worn to help alleviate, recover and protect the cornea after surgery, eye disease or an injury. Therapeutic contact lenses work by creating an optimal environment for the cornea to heal properly. The different types of therapeutic contact lenses available include soft, rigid gas permeable and hybrid.