Introduction
You’ve probably been thinking about getting contact lenses because you’re tired of wearing glasses, or you simply like how you look in them, and want to know if they are actually safe to wear.
The good news is that contact lenses are generally safe for many people when they are fitted by a professional and cared for correctly. However, since they sit directly on your eyes, wearing them incorrectly or neglecting basic hygiene can increase your risk of eye irritation, infections, and other eye problems.
If you wear contact lenses or are thinking about getting a pair, it’s important to know the basic safety practices that can help protect your eyes.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What Are the Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses?
- What Habits Make Contact Lenses Unsafe?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses?
Eye infections
One of the more serious risks of wearing contact lenses is an eye infection. Germs such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can cause infections when they enter the eye, especially if lenses aren’t cleaned or worn properly.
One infection you may hear about is keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. When keratitis is caused by germs, it is known as microbial keratitis. It can cause symptoms such as eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge and blurred vision.
This is one reason you shouldn’t ignore unusual eye symptoms just because you think they are from wearing your lenses for too long.
Dry or irritated eyes
Sometimes, the problem may be less serious but still uncomfortable. Contact lenses can cause dry or irritated eyes if you wear them for longer than recommended.
You may notice:
- Dryness
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Discomfort
- Watery eyes
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
Having some discomfort does not mean you have an infection. However, if the irritation is persistent or getting worse, remove your lenses and speak with an eye doctor.
Scratches or damage to the cornea
Your cornea is the clear surface at the front of your eye, and contact lenses sit directly over it. A lens that does not fit properly or is handled incorrectly can irritate or scratch the cornea.
Water can also cause soft contact lenses to change shape and stick to the eye, which can make scratching more likely. A damaged cornea can make it easier for germs to enter and cause an infection.
This is why you shouldn’t force a lens into your eye if it feels uncomfortable or continue wearing one that is damaged.
Blurred or reduced vision
Contact lenses should help you see clearly, so blurred or suddenly reduced vision while wearing them is not something to brush off.
While it can happen because of irritation, an improperly fitting lens, or deposits that build up on the lens, blurred vision can also signify a more serious problem, including an eye infection.
If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, especially alongside pain, redness or sensitivity to light, remove your contact lenses and seek medical attention.
Serious complications
Most contact lens problems are not serious when they are addressed early. However, some infections can become severe if they are not treated.
For example, severe microbial keratitis can damage the cornea and, in the most serious cases, lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
This doesn’t mean you need to be afraid of wearing contact lenses, but you must understand that they require proper care, just like any other medical device.
What Habits Can Make Contact Lenses Unsafe?
Often, the contact lenses themselves aren’t the problem, but how you use them. A few seemingly harmless habits can increase the risk of irritation or eye infection.
Here are some common ones to watch out for.
Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
It can be tempting to fall asleep with your contacts on, especially after a long day when you just want to get into bed. But unless your eye-care professional has specifically told you that your lenses are suitable for overnight wear, you should take them out before sleeping.
Sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of serious eye infections, so make removing them part of your bedtime routine.
Showering or Swimming While Wearing Contact Lenses
You might not think twice about leaving your contacts in while having your morning shower or going for a swim. But contact lenses and water are not a good combination.
Water can contain microorganisms that may get trapped between the lens and your eye. One of these is Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that can cause a rare but serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Water can also cause soft lenses to swell or change shape, which may irritate or scratch the cornea.
So, whether you’re taking a shower, swimming in a pool, spending time at the beach, or using a hot tub, remove your contact lenses first.
And if your lenses accidentally come into contact with water, take them out as soon as you can and follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions for your particular lenses.
Cleaning Your Lenses with Water or Saliva
If you drop a lens or need to clean it quickly, using whatever is nearby may seem convenient. But tap water, bottled water, and saliva should not be used to clean or store your contact lenses.
Water is not sterile, and even tap water that is safe to drink can contain microorganisms that may cause an eye infection. Saliva can also introduce germs to the lens.
Use the contact lens solution recommended for your lenses instead.
Wearing Your Lenses for Too Long
More time in your contacts does not necessarily mean better or clearer vision.
Different contact lenses have different wearing and replacement schedules, so follow the instructions given by an eye-care professional and the manufacturer. If you have daily disposable lenses, for example, they should be discarded after use rather than worn the next day again. Reusable lenses should also be replaced according to their recommended schedule.
If your eyes start feeling uncomfortable before it is time to take your lenses out, don’t force yourself to keep wearing them just because you haven’t reached your usual wear time. Remove them and give your eyes a break.
Handling Your Lenses with Dirty Hands
Your hands touch your phone, door handles, bags, money, and plenty of other things throughout the day. So, putting your contact lenses in or taking them out without washing your hands first can transfer dirt and germs directly to your eyes.
Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them properly before handling your lenses.
Reusing Old Contact Lens Solution
You should use fresh contact lens solution every time you store your lenses.
Don’t simply add new solution to the old solution already sitting in your case. This is sometimes called “topping off,” and it can reduce how effectively the solution disinfects your lenses.
Empty the old solution, clean the case as directed, and use fresh solution when storing your lenses.
Sharing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are not something to share, even with a friend who has the same prescription or only wants to try them for a few minutes.
Sharing lenses can transfer germs between people, and a lens that fits one person’s eye may not fit another person’s eye properly. This is especially important with coloured or decorative lenses, which some people may treat more like a fashion accessory than a medical device.
If you want to try contact lenses, get your own pair that has been properly fitted for your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses
Are prescription contact lenses safer than coloured or cosmetic contact lenses?
Not necessarily. Both prescription and coloured contact lenses can be safe when they are properly fitted and cared for properly. The main concern with coloured or cosmetic lenses is that they are sometimes bought without an eye examination or proper fitting. A lens that does not fit your eye correctly can cause irritation, scratches, and increase the risk of infection.
Even if you only want contact lenses to change the colour or appearance of your eyes, they should still be treated as medical devices and fitted by an eye-care professional.
Can contact lenses get lost behind my eye?
No. A contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye. There is a membrane that connects your eyelid to the surface of your eye, which prevents a contact lens from moving behind the eyeball.
However, a lens can sometimes move underneath your upper or lower eyelid, especially if you rub your eye or the lens moves out of position. It may feel like it has disappeared, but it is still within the eye area and can usually be removed. If you cannot find or remove the lens and your eye becomes painful, red, or uncomfortable, speak with an eye-care doctor immediately.
Do contact lenses expire?
Yes. Contact lenses have an expiration date, and you should not use them after that date. You should also follow the replacement schedule given for your particular lenses.
For example, daily disposable lenses are designed to be used once and thrown away. Other reusable lenses may need to be replaced after a specific number of days or months, depending on the type. Using a lens beyond its recommended replacement period can increase the risk of discomfort and other eye complications.
It’s also worth checking the expiry date of your unopened lenses and contact lens solution, rather than assuming that a lens is safe to use simply because it looks fine.
Can contact lenses cause headaches?
They can, although headaches are not usually caused by the contact lens itself. Poorly fitted lenses, eye strain, or dryness and irritation can make your eyes work harder and may contribute to headaches.
If you regularly develop headaches after putting in your contact lenses, remove the lenses and have your eyes checked. An eye doctor can determine whether the lenses or another eye problem could be contributing to the headaches.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
Many people love contact lenses because they can completely switch up your look. One day, you have your natural eye colour, and the next, you’re feeling yourself with a new one. But because lenses can feel like just another part of your routine, it’s easy to forget they are still sitting directly on your eyes.
Regardless of your reason for wearing lenses, whether to see better, change your eye color, or simply try out a different look, your eyes still need proper care. So before you buy that pair just because you like how it looks, make sure you know what you’re putting in your eyes and how to use it safely.