“Can wearing contacts damage your eyes?”
I want to wear contacts. Can wearing contacts damage your eyes?
6 Answers
YEs, contact lenses are medical devices and if not worn properly and cared for can cause permanent damage to the eye
Yes, if worn improperly such as sleeping with them or working in harsh, dusty or dirty environments.
Jason Randall Smith
Optometrist
When properly fit and when a patient follows all the rules concerning wearing time, solution use, proper cleaning and storage, etc., contact lenses should be worn successfully without any issues. Yes, contact lenses have the potential to create problems when patients do not follow the rules and procedures that they have been instructed to follow, mostly in sleeping with contact lenses or using contact lens solutions that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor.
If contact lenses interest you, consult an eye doctor for a fitting and an eye exam and you can discuss at the time how you want to use the lenses. Trial lenses can then be prescribed for you to try and to "see" if this is a good fit for you in your professional, personal, and hobby life and with whatever is most important for you in your visual world.
If contact lenses interest you, consult an eye doctor for a fitting and an eye exam and you can discuss at the time how you want to use the lenses. Trial lenses can then be prescribed for you to try and to "see" if this is a good fit for you in your professional, personal, and hobby life and with whatever is most important for you in your visual world.
Wearing contact lenses, when done responsibly and with proper care, usually does not cause damage to the eyes. However, there are some risks associated with contact lens wear that can lead to eye problems if not managed correctly. It's crucial to be aware of these risks and follow the necessary precautions to ensure optimal eye health. Here are some potential risks and how to avoid them:
1. Eye Infections: Incorrect handling, improper cleaning, or wearing lenses for extended periods can increase the risk of eye infections. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to discomfort, redness, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
Precaution: Always follow your eye care professional's instructions on proper contact lens care and hygiene. Wash your hands before handling lenses, clean and disinfect them regularly, and replace them as recommended.
2. Corneal Abrasions: A scratched or damaged cornea can occur if a foreign object or a rough lens surface comes into contact with the eye. This can cause pain, sensitivity to light, and potential complications.
Precaution: Handle lenses with care, avoid using damaged lenses, and follow a proper lens replacement schedule. If you experience any discomfort, remove the lenses and consult your eye care provider.
3. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the materials used in contact lenses or their care solutions. This can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Precaution: If you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue lens use immediately and consult your eye care professional for alternative lens materials or solutions.
4. Dry Eye Syndrome: Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms in some individuals, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, and irritation.
Precaution: Stay well-hydrated, use lubricating eye drops as recommended by your eye care specialist, and consider using contact lenses designed for dry eyes if needed.
5. Corneal Hypoxia: Some contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, especially if worn for extended periods. This can lead to corneal hypoxia, causing discomfort and other complications.
Precaution: Avoid wearing lenses for longer than the recommended duration, and choose breathable lenses designed for extended wear if necessary.
Conclusion:
While contact lenses can be worn safely by millions of people worldwide, it's essential to prioritize eye health and follow proper contact lens care and usage guidelines. Regular eye exams and open communication with your eye care professional are essential in identifying and managing any potential issues that may arise from contact lens wear. By taking appropriate precautions and adhering to good lens hygiene, you can enjoy clear vision and comfortable contact lens wear without compromising your eye health.
1. Eye Infections: Incorrect handling, improper cleaning, or wearing lenses for extended periods can increase the risk of eye infections. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to discomfort, redness, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
Precaution: Always follow your eye care professional's instructions on proper contact lens care and hygiene. Wash your hands before handling lenses, clean and disinfect them regularly, and replace them as recommended.
2. Corneal Abrasions: A scratched or damaged cornea can occur if a foreign object or a rough lens surface comes into contact with the eye. This can cause pain, sensitivity to light, and potential complications.
Precaution: Handle lenses with care, avoid using damaged lenses, and follow a proper lens replacement schedule. If you experience any discomfort, remove the lenses and consult your eye care provider.
3. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to the materials used in contact lenses or their care solutions. This can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Precaution: If you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue lens use immediately and consult your eye care professional for alternative lens materials or solutions.
4. Dry Eye Syndrome: Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms in some individuals, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, and irritation.
Precaution: Stay well-hydrated, use lubricating eye drops as recommended by your eye care specialist, and consider using contact lenses designed for dry eyes if needed.
5. Corneal Hypoxia: Some contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, especially if worn for extended periods. This can lead to corneal hypoxia, causing discomfort and other complications.
Precaution: Avoid wearing lenses for longer than the recommended duration, and choose breathable lenses designed for extended wear if necessary.
Conclusion:
While contact lenses can be worn safely by millions of people worldwide, it's essential to prioritize eye health and follow proper contact lens care and usage guidelines. Regular eye exams and open communication with your eye care professional are essential in identifying and managing any potential issues that may arise from contact lens wear. By taking appropriate precautions and adhering to good lens hygiene, you can enjoy clear vision and comfortable contact lens wear without compromising your eye health.
No why should it ?!?
Contact lenses can sometimes damage the eyes especially if overwork or if slept with. Most of the time they are relatively safe.
