Introduction
Although contact lenses help with eyesight, some risk is involved if wear and care guidelines need to be followed. People who wear contact lenses should feel comfortable, and contact lenses should provide clear vision. The wearer of contact lenses may encounter numerous difficulties, either brought on directly by the lenses or made worse by them. The cornea's structure, ability to produce tears, and variations in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can all be affected by contact lenses.
Contact lens-related problems can be linked to various issues, such as the type of lens used (e.g., soft, hard, gas-permeable), how frequently the lenses are changed, the cleaning techniques employed, and wear-related factors. Irritations or, in more serious situations, infections may result from these modifications alone. If any irritation or other complications arise, it is necessary to schedule an appointment for the eye doctor to re-check the eyes and lenses.
What Are the Complications Related to Contact Lens Use?
1) Infection
One negative effect of wearing contact lenses is microbial infection of the cornea, especially when using hydrogel lenses. Infections can be brought on by various bacteria, viruses, or fungi in contact lens users. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus may be more susceptible to this consequence. Acute pain, burning, itching, redness, inflammation, and feeling something alien under the lens are just a few symptoms. Corneal ulcers caused by infections can have short-term and long-term effects on vision. In severe circumstances, eye loss may occur, or surgical intervention may be necessary. Depending on how quickly the infection is treated, healing from it might happen quickly or take a while. During this time, using contact lenses is typically not advised.
2) Superficial Keratitis
This is the most common problem in contact lens wearers and may occur due to dry eyes. It is the irritation of the outermost layer of the cornea. Multiple causes can contribute to superficial keratitis, including infection, lens care solutions, allergies, mechanical irritation, or a combination. While symptoms can vary, they often involve pain, itching, a foreign body feeling, and other issues. The course of treatment also varies according to the underlying cause, and antibiotic treatment, rescheduling, or fitting adjustments may be needed.
3) Redness
Those who wear contact lenses for extended periods frequently experience red eyes. It is easy for irritants like smoking, dust, smog, pollen, and cosmetics to get trapped in contact lenses. Their accumulation may result in conjunctivitis and red, burning, or irritated eyes. Additional causes include infection, allergies, hypoxia, low humidity, deformed or ill-fitting lenses, and low humidity. Most often, redness indicates inflammation. Treat any related blepharitis and remove the lens until full resolution has been achieved. If extended-use lenses are worn again, recurrence is possible.
4) Corneal Abrasion
Corneal abrasion can be caused by trauma or mechanical harm from the lens during insertion or removal. In addition, corneal abrasions may be caused by a foreign body lodged in the lens. It is necessary to see a doctor right away for this condition. Redness, watering, and soreness are some of the symptoms. The doctor will apply a dye to the cornea to see where the scratch is. For treatment, the doctor might also recommend antibiotic eye drops. The best action is to remove the contact lenses and apply topical antibiotics.
5) Corneal Hypoxia
Using contact lenses can cut down on the cornea's oxygen supply and lead to the cornea's swelling. This is rare because of the high quality of lenses these days, but it can happen if people do not change their lenses or use them for longer than advised. Although chronic hypoxia may not cause any symptoms, it can lead to neovascularization and structural abnormalities in the cornea. The cornea attempts to increase its oxygen supply over time by developing additional blood vessels. If they become serious, the arteries may develop into the cornea's core, impairing vision.
6) Microbial Keratitis
The most common and serious side effect of contact lenses is microbial keratitis. It can lead to vision impairment. Although other bacteria and fungi may sometimes cause the issue, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella infections are the most typical cause. Notably, Acanthamoeba spp. are known to induce an uncommon but extremely dangerous keratitis that can threaten vision. If the patient goes swimming in the pool or showers with lenses, it poses an additional risk. Hospitalization and intensive antibiotics are necessary. Fluoroquinolones, Gentamicin, Vancomycin, and Tobramycin are commonly used topical antibiotics.
7) Tight Lens Syndrome
A lens that attaches too tightly to the corneal can cause this condition, especially rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. This condition occurs when the lenses are worn overnight. It causes photophobia, redness, impaired vision, and excruciating discomfort. It is challenging to remove the contact lens since it is immobile. After removing the contact lens, the symptoms and signs go away in a few days. A brief course of topical corticosteroids and artificial tears may accelerate the resolution of the clinical signs.
How Can Contact Lens Complication Be Prevented?
Proper management of contact lenses can help reduce the infections and complications caused by contact lenses, which include:
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Multipurpose solutions or one-step hydrogen peroxide-based solutions should be used to care for, clean, and store the lenses. Also, it is necessary to follow contact lens case hygiene.
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Microorganisms can accumulate and grow in contact lens casings. To minimize the growth and attachment of microbial flora, it is advised to replace the case every quarter, rinse it off every day, and let it air dry.
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Do not swim or take a shower while using contact lenses.
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Never wear contact lenses to bed.
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At least once every three months, change the contact lens case.
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Replace contact lenses as frequently as the eye care professional advises.
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If redness, pain, or blurriness is experienced in the eyes, take out the contact lenses and consult an eye doctor.
Conclusion
Contact lenses are an essential aid in eye care to maintain vision. However, they can also lead to a myriad of complications, especially when proper care and instructions for using contact lenses are not followed. Complications arising from using contact lenses require immediate medical intervention to prevent them. Consult an eye care specialist if symptoms like redness, burning sensations, irritation, watery eyes, and others are experienced while using contact lenses.
