You always follow the contact lenses cleaning guidelines and wear contacts without issues. But suddenly, symptoms such as blurry vision, grittiness, redness, pain, tearing, discharge, or light sensitivity, occur. You developed an eye infection.
Why, despite following cleaning guidelines, did you develop an infection?
What is the risk of a contact lens-related eye infection?
What are the symptoms of contact lens-related eye infections?
What should you do when developing an infection after wearing contact lenses?
Check this post for the solution.
What Causes Eye Infections From Contact Lenses?
Despite correct contact lens cleaning routines, developing an eye infection is always possible. Some of the causes are:
- Bacteria or viruses (having a cold, for example, can lead to adeno virus eye infection)
- Sleeping in your contact lenses
- Using extended-wear lenses
- Reusing contact lens solution or not keeping contact lens cases clean
Cleaning your contact lenses correctly is necessary to keep your eyes healthy. However, if not done properly, it will create an environment for growing germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites on the lenses, and these germs can cause eye infections.
What Are The Risks Of Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections?
Because the contact lens sits on your cornea, the most common contact lens-related eye infection is keratitis, or infection of the cornea.
When severe enough, the cornea can develop a scar, impairing your vision, and sometimes a cornea transplant is necessary.
What Are The Symptoms Of Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections?
- Blurry vision
- Grittiness
- Redness
- Pain
- Tearing or discharge
- Light sensitivity
How To Avoid Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections?
- Always wash your hands with soap before putting in or removing contact lenses.
- Avoid sleeping with contact lenses.
- Never swap contact lenses with anyone.
- Never wear contact lenses for longer than the advised time.
- Rub your lenses when cleaning them, rinse and store them in contact lens solution.
- Clean your case and use a fresh solution to store your lenses every time.
- Replace your case every three months.
- Renew your lenses when recommended.
What To Do When You Develop Symptoms Of An Eye Infection?
- Take out contact lenses immediately, and use backup glasses when needed
- Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist
Every patient deserves top-quality eye care from us. European Eye Center focuses on providing Western-standard services and determining appropriate treatment plans to help patients restore their vision in a feel-like-home atmosphere.
We are happy to help if you have questions about contact lens-related eye infections. Don’t hesitate to connect with us at appointment@europeaneyecenter.com.