Contact lens eye infection risk and prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates roughly 41 million Americans use contact lenses. According to a new report presented by the CDC, nearly all contact lens wearers embark on risky behavior involving their contacts. Such behavior can increase a person’s risk of eye infections and complications related to contact lenses.

In the CDC press release researchers claim that more than 99 percent of survey respondents reported at least one risky behavior regarding contacts. Risky behavior with contacts include wearing them during sleep, adding new solution to old solution or wearing contact lenses for longer than the recommended time. The CDC reports that such risky behavior increases the risk of eye infections five times or more.

To collect the data, an online survey was administered to contact lens wearers to determine how often and which risky behavior wearers participated in. To determine the total amount of contact lens wearers in the U.S. an alternative survey was sent out – their results amounted to nearly 41 million.

Based on the findings from the survey, the CDC has developed recommendations for contact lens wearers in order to prevent infection. Their recommendations include:

• Always ensure your hands are washed and clean when handling contact lenses or touching your eye.
• Remove contact lenses when entering a shower, pool or while sleeping.
• Always use new solution when cleaning contact lenses – every time they are removed.
• Replace lenses every one to three months.
• Don’t add new solution to old solution.
• Remember to carry around backup glasses for emergencies.

Eye infection risks due to contact lenses

Those with impaired vision can choose to wear glasses or contact lenses. A person may opt for contact lenses because they don’t like the appearance of glasses or having something on their face all day.

Contact lenses are round, plastic or silicone shaped disks which are placed on the eye to correct vision. If worn and handles correctly, contact lenses can be a safe way to improve your vision, but partaking in risky behavior can increase your risk of infection. Other risks associated with contact lenses are:

• Dry eyes
• Problems with the cornea – swelling, hazy vision, scratches or scrapes on the cornea
• Allergic reactions to contact lens solution
• Deposits on the lens which can make lenses uncomfortable
• Eye inflammation
• Eyelid inflammation

The type of lens you choose can increase your risk of eye infection as well. The best way to avoid complications associated with contact lenses is to follow the recommendations provided on the package as well as the ones presented by the CDC.

Who should avoid contact lenses

Although contact lenses are generally safe for anyone, there are some factors involved that could make contact lenses an unsuitable choice. Here are some reasons and factors which would mean contact lenses are not the right choice for you.

• You are unable or not willing to properly care for them
• You would have a hard time handling the lenses – for example if you have arthritis
• If you have certain medical conditions – uncontrolled diabetes, allergies, asthma, hyperthyroidism, other respiratory disorders
• Dry eyes or problems with your cornea
• Working in an environment which exposes your eyes to particles, fumes, debris

How to select suitable contact lenses

If you have deemed that you are able and equipped to have contact lenses, here is how you can better select the right pair for you.

• If you have astigmatism that’s normal or not high you can opt for rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.
• If you can’t handle hard lenses, soft lenses are available for astigmatism and to correct nearsightedness – soft lenses are more comfortable, but hard lenses offer sharper vision.

Tips on caring for your contact lenses and eye health

Aside from the recommendations provided by the CDC, there are a few other tips to practice in order to properly care for your contact lenses and protect your eye health.

• If you have difficulty remembering when to change your lenses, use a chart or alarm to prompt yourself to change them.
• Never share contact lenses.
• Don’t let the tip of the solution bottle touch other surfaces.
• Wear sunglasses as contact lenses may increase sensitivity to light.
• Use a re-wetting solution to keep your eyes moist.
• If your eyes become irritated, remove the contact lenses immediately.
• If your vision changes suddenly, see your doctor right away.

Although contact lenses are intended to improve your vision, with improper care they can pose a serious threat of infection. Practicing safety tips in regards to your contact lenses will ensure you protect your eyes and vision.

Related Reading:

CDC: Contact lens wearers partake in risky behaviors

A recent government study finds many wearers of contact lenses are not practicing safety precautions and are instead putting their eyes, and vision, at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 41 million Americans who use contact lenses admit to not following safety precautions when it comes to their lenses. Continue reading…

Can glaucoma treatment be as easy as wearing contacts?

With nearly 3 million people in the U.S living with glaucoma, considered the leading cause of blindness, a need for convenient treatment is in high demand. Forget the messy eye drops. Newly developed contact lenses may be the answer. Researchers from Massachusetts Harvard Medical School say these revolutionary lenses are in the works. Continue reading…

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/p0820-contact-lens
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses
http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/cls-damage-eyes
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/caring-contact-lens