Are Contact Lenses Bad for the Eyes?

Contact lenses are medical devices that aid people with vision difficulties. Unlike glasses, contact lenses are inserted in the eye, allowing the user more freedom and convenience. Many people use contact lenses not only for vision correction but also for cosmetic reasons. Clear contact lenses as well as colored ones are available with a prescription.

Material

• Contact lenses may be made of different materials. Soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic plastic. There are a lot more varieties of soft contact lenses that are available compared to hard contact lenses. Hard contact lenses are made of polymeric materials, and they are usually smaller in diameter compared to soft contact lenses. These hard contact lenses may also help the eye receive more oxygen compared to soft lenses.

Dry eyes

• Contact lenses may contribute to a condition called keratitis sicca, which is the dry eye syndrome. Many users may experience dry eyes when the contact lenses they are wearing do not have sufficient lubrication. If not treated, this can lead to more chronic and serious problems such as cornea and eyelid diseases.

Foreign substances

• Contact lens may aggravate the irritation caused when foreign substances get into the eyes. Substances such as hair or make-up may cause redness or pain, and it is best to know the proper remedy for the situation. Take out your contact lenses and wash them with clean solution. Make sure you flush your eyes with water to remove foreign particles and relieve the situation.

Blurring of vision

• Although contact lenses are designed to improve vision, users may experience blurring of vision due to a number of reasons, such as wearing lenses that don't fit well or wearing ones past their recommended usage. Other reasons for blurry vision include using dirty hands when putting contact lenses in your eyes and fatigue.

Solution

• Issues with contact lenses can be solved through different ways. For dry eyes, contact lens wearers may rehydrate their eyes with drops as needed. Another way to solve irritability or dryness with contact lenses may be to switch to a different brand that you are more compatible with. Optometrists may switch patients to a variety of different brands until they find one that the patient is more suited to.