Topic of the Month

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CONTACT LENS SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

Contact lenses are more affordable and more widely available today than ever before. New materials make them more moist, more breathable, and healthier than previous lenses. And they are more convenient than ever, with products available for monthly, two week, and daily replacement.

With these advances, contact lens use has become more and more popular. 1 in 6 adults in the USA wears contact lenses.  And studies show that near sighted kids under 12 have better vision related quality of life with contact lenses than with glasses. Contact lenses improved kids self perception of physical appearance, athletic competence, and social acceptance.

But while todays contact lenses are safer and more convenient than ever before, wearing contacts does carry significant risks.

Did you know that contact lenses are medical devices, controlled by the food and drug administration, just like medicine? In the USA contact lenses cannot be obtained without a prescription. Unlike some medicines, there is no such thing as an over the counter contact lens.

When cared for properly, contact lenses are a safe alternative to glasses. Unfortunately, lenses are not always cared for properly.  99% of adult contact lens wearers reported at least one risky behavior. Those of most concern include sleeping overnight in contact lenses, and rinsing or storing contact in water. Of the 40.9 million adult contact lens wearers, 1 in 3 have had at least episode of eye pain or redness severe enough that they sought medical advice.  Nearly 1 million U.S. healthcare visits for keratitis or contact lens complications occur annually, costing $175,000,000.

But what cause is there for concern? After all, they are available in all these new materials and wearing schedules. And they can easily be purchased online or by phone. What harm can they really do?

The most common complications of contact lens wear include:

Corneal Edema

              The cornea is the clear central portion of the eye that the contact lens rests on. If the lens does not fit properly or if it limits the flow of oxygen, the cornea may swell up. Symptoms of corneal edema include blurred or hazy vision, halos round lights, light sensitivity, and redness. 

Corneal Neovascularization

              If oxygen flow to the cornea is reduced for a long period of time, the eye will try to bring more oxygen to the cornea. It does this by growing new blood vessels. If these new vessels progress to the center of the cornea they can permanently damage the vision.

Contact Lens Related Red Eye

              Many complications can lead to a red eye: dirty or torn contact lenses, lack of oxygen due to sleeping in contact lenses, abrasions or reactions to dirty contact lenses, or infections from contaminated contact lenses. 

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

              GPC is inflammation of the tissue on the inside of the eyelid. It is caused by the rubbing of the lens on the lid with each blink. Although it causes no symptoms in its earliest stages, if it gets bad enough, GPC can cause an allergic reaction each time lenses are worn. Some people have had to give up wearing contact lenses altogether due to GPC.

Infection

              Contaminated contact lenses can pass germs into your eye and cause an infection. An infection of the white of the eye or the pink skin inside the lid is called conjunctivitis. An infection of the clear part of the eye, the cornea, is called keratitis.

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye

              This can be uncomfortable and can appear very severe, but it is will usually clear up, although antibiotics may speed its resolution. Keratitis can be sight threatening and should be treated by your eye doctor.

So, what can be done to avoid these complications? How can we increase our chances of happily wearing our contact lenses?

First, avoid the highest risk habits. Studies show that:

• Sleeping in any kind of contact lens increases the risk of eye infection.

• Infrequent replacement of contact lens cases has been linked to serious eye infections.

• Those who do not follow recommended contact lens replacement schedules have more complications and discomfort.

• Topping of solutions in your case increases the risk of infection and decreases the effectiveness of lens disinfection.

Second, avoid water.

Water and contact lenses don’t mix. Most water, even tap water, is not germ free. Water can also cause contact lenses to swell and stick to the eye. This can scratch the cornea, making it easier for germs to enter the eye. So, keep you contacts away from all water, and throw away or disinfect any lenses that touch water.

Third, establish good habits. If you wear contact lenses, your habits, supplies, and eye doctor are all essential to keeping your eyes healthy. 

Your habits should include:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them well before handling your contacts.

• Don’t sleep in your contacts unless prescribed by your eye doctor.

• Keep water away from your contacts. Avoid showering with them, and always remove them before swimming or entering a hot tub.

• Your supplies should include:
• Follow the care instructions for your contact lens solution. If you use multipurpose solution, rub and rinse your lenses every day.

• Never store your contacts in water.

• Replace your contacts as often as recommended by your eye doctor.

• Rub and rinse your contact lens case with contact lens solution, then empty and allow to dry before use.

• Replace your case at least every three months.

• Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh solution and fill the case each time.

• Use only the solution recommended by your eye doctor.

Your eye doctor visits:

• See your eye doctor every year, or as recommended.

• Ask your eye doctor if you have any questions about caring for your contacts.

• Remove you contacts and call your eye doctor if you have eye pain, redness, or blurred vision.

And finally, all contact lens wearers should carry a back up pair of glasses, just in case you have to remove your contacts.

For more information, click on contact lens types, contact lens solutions, contact Do’s and Don’t’s.  Or visit  the Contact Lens Safety Website.