Complications From Wearing Contact Lenses

Under the right circumstances, contact lenses are both convenient and comfortable. Alan Optics indicates, however, that the body views contact lenses as foreign objects. If these foreign bodies are left in too long, cut off the oxygen supply to the cornea or build up excessive amounts of protein, a number of complications can develop.

Corneal Ulcers

• Corneal ulcers, or infections of the cornea, are a common complication from wearing contact lenses. Wearing improperly disinfected contact lenses can cause this condition. Extended-wear contact lens wearers have the highest risk of developing corneal ulcers, followed by soft lens wearers. The infection develops when a small area of the corneal surface breaks down and forms an abrasion through routine lens use. Bacteria infects the surface and causes an infection. The symptoms are usually severe. Most patients experience excessive watery discharge from the eye and an abnormal sensitivity to light. The vision blurs and the eye becomes red and painful. Take out the contact lenses immediately and contact an eye care professional. Treatment of corneal ulcers includes one or two weeks of antibiotic eyedrops. Contact lenses cannot be worn during the treatment period. Corneal ulcers sometimes lead to permanent scarring that affects the vision.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is the most frequent contact lens problem, according to Alan Optics. An allergic reaction to protein deposits on contact lenses, or to the lens solution or material causes the condition. The inside surface of the eyelids develop a number of growths or swellings. The condition does not affect the wearer's permanent vision, but it makes contact lenses uncomfortable to wear. The eyes become red, itch and release a sticky discharge. Regular lens disinfection reduces the chances of developing this uncomfortable condition. Perret Options also suggests using disposable lenses because they do not have the chance to build up protein deposits.

Corneal Swelling

• Corneal swelling, or edema, develops when the cornea does not get enough oxygen. Perret Opticians explains that the cornea gets suffocated by the contact lens. People who sleep in their contact lenses, such as extended lens wearers, are at higher risk of developing corneal swelling. The eye becomes blurry or foggy. Some individuals see rainbows around lights, and many people experience irritation and pain, especially when removing the lens. Long-term corneal swelling causes corneal infections and permanent corneal scarring. Replace contact lenses according to the manufacturer's recommendations and do not wear contacts at night.

Corneal Neovascularization

• Corneal neovascularization develops when the cornea does not get enough oxygen. Small abnormal blood vessels form in the clear tissue of the cornea. This area normally has no blood vessels, but prolonged lens use that significantly limits the cornea's oxygen supply causes the cornea to develop new blood vessels as a means of redirecting oxygen to the eye. The condition worsens and increasingly larger blood vessels continue to grow, accompanied by connective tissue. This material grows over the pupil if the condition is not addressed, according to Alan Optics. Change the lenses to a higher-oxygen material and discontinue the extended lens wearing schedule.