Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses placed directly on the tear film covering the eye’s surface to correct vision. Many people find them a convenient and effective alternative to eyeglasses. While contact lenses are generally safe, they can cause eye injuries, including abrasions.
How Contact Lenses Can Injure Your Eye
The cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, is delicate and susceptible to damage. Even minor irritation can lead to a corneal abrasion, a scratch or cut on this surface. Several scenarios can cause such injuries when wearing contact lenses.
Improper handling, such as using excessive force or scraping the eye with a fingernail during insertion or removal, can directly abrade the cornea. Wearing torn, chipped, or otherwise damaged lenses also creates rough edges that can scratch the eye with each blink. Foreign objects like dust, debris, or an eyelash trapped beneath a contact lens can rub against the corneal surface, causing abrasions.
Over-wearing contact lenses can lead to dryness and increased friction between the lens and the eye, making the cornea more vulnerable to damage. Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear can deprive the cornea of oxygen, increasing the risk of abrasions and infections. This oxygen deprivation weakens the cornea’s ability to protect itself.
Signs of an Eye Injury and What to Do
Recognizing the signs of an eye injury from contact lenses helps prompt action. Common symptoms include sudden pain, redness, and a persistent feeling that something is in the eye. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, or any discharge from the eye can also indicate an injury.
Should these symptoms arise, remove the contact lens immediately. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen the abrasion and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Do not attempt to force the lens back in or use tap water to rinse the eye, as tap water is not sterile and can contain microorganisms harmful to the eye.
Seeking medical attention from an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is important for any persistent or worsening symptoms. Professional evaluation helps diagnose the injury accurately and prevent complications like infection. They may prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection and advise on when it is safe to resume contact lens wear.
Protecting Your Eyes When Using Contacts
Minimizing the risk of eye injuries from contact lenses involves consistent adherence to proper care and wear practices. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling contact lenses. This hygiene step helps prevent the transfer of germs to your eyes.
Proper lens care involves using only recommended contact lens solutions for cleaning, rinsing, and storage. Never use tap water, saliva, or non-sterile solutions, as these do not disinfect lenses and can introduce harmful microorganisms. Regularly replace your contact lens case, typically every two to three months, to prevent bacterial buildup.
Adhering to the prescribed wear schedule for your specific lenses is important; avoid over-wearing lenses and replace them as advised. Unless approved by an eye care professional for extended wear, avoid sleeping in lenses, as this significantly increases the risk of complications. Regular eye exams and contact lens fittings with an eye care professional ensure proper lens fit and monitor overall eye health. Avoid contact with water while wearing lenses unless they are daily disposables that can be immediately discarded afterward.