It is exciting when you start wearing contact lenses for the first time. It feels like a significant upgrade from your ordinary eyeglasses. There is no more discomfort while performing daily rituals, especially traveling, exercising, or running. Plus, you look good!

Everything said contact lens has adverse effects on your eyes if not carefully used. There are side effects that would affect your vision eventually. This article lets us know more about the risk factors associated with wearing contact lenses and tips to prevent the side effects of wearing them.

5 Risks of Wearing Contacts Lenses

·        Deprivation of Oxygen Supply

The contact lens rests on the eyes and directly covers the cornea, so the oxygen supply to the eyes decreases. An ample amount of oxygen is required to keep your eyes healthy.

You must never sleep wearing your contact lenses and avoid wearing them for long hours. Also, choose soft or silicone hydrogel lenses since they transmit more oxygen to your eyes.

·        Dry Eyes

Contact lenses absorb tears to keep themselves soft. When tears are absorbed entirely, it leads to dry eyes. The dry eye syndrome causes itchiness, burning, and redness of the eyes. If dryness continues, it will lead to scarring of the cornea, which is excruciatingly painful.

Avoid using contact lenses for long hours and start using lubricating eye drops to avoid this situation.

·        Corneal Abrasion

When you don’t wear contact lenses properly, there is a probability of contact lenses scratching your cornea, leading to corneal abrasion. One of the reasons why experts and doctors advise never to sleep wearing contact lenses is that it would only lead to more complicated problems.

·        Irritation when Combined with Other Medications

Wearing contact lenses and using certain medications could lead to severe side effects. Concurrent use of birth control pills and contact lenses upsets the balance in the tear film, leading to irritation, burning sensation, and excessive tearing.

·        Various Eye Infections

If not handled properly, contact lenses can trap dirt and dust particles that heavily damage your cornea. Abrasions in the cornea can allow bacteria and viruses to cause infection in the eyes, leading to decreased vision.

3 Golden Rules to Reduce the Eye Damage of Wearing Contact Lenses

Let us look at the dos and don’ts while wearing and caring for your contact lenses.

·        Keep your Hands & Lens Case Clean

Although it sounds juvenile, it is of utmost significance. Your hands can be covered with germs and bacteria, so ensure you wash them well before putting in your contact lens and taking it out.

Properly clean your lens case regularly. It is required to pour out the contact lens solution from the case, rub it with a clean finger, and rinse with fresh solution. Remember to replace the case once every three months. These simple steps can go a long way!

·        Replace your Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have to be replaced according to your doctor’s prescription. There are temporary contact lenses that have to be changed daily, every week, or month, and the rest can be worn for a year, depending on the usage. Wearing contact lenses beyond the prescribed time can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, consult your ophthalmologist and change your lenses promptly.

·        Regular Eye Check-ups

Your eyes might look and feel fine while using contact lenses, but contact lens-related issues are identified only during routine check-ups. Hence, a regular visit to the Best eye doctor in India can be beneficial for the health of your eyes.

These golden rules would help reduce the harmful effects of wearing contact lenses. Make sure you follow these simple steps to keep your eyes healthy.

Conclusion:

It is convenient and comfortable to wear contact lenses daily without hindrance to your daily activities. But remember, contact lenses can cause permanent damage to your eyes if not used properly. Hence, always clean them well, never sleep in them, and regularly replace them.