Contact Lenses Can Hurt as Well as Help Your Vision

Contacts are an easy way to achieve achieve perfect vision without glasses, but they come with certain, potentially serious risks.

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Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction, as they provide an unobstructed and natural view compared to glasses. However, as with any medical device, they also carry a certain degree of risk and can even cause blindness if not used properly.

Contact Lenses and Infection Risk

One of the most common risks of wearing contact lenses is infection. While serious infections leading to vision loss are rare, affecting 1 in 500 users annually, contact lenses can be the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria because they rest directly on the eye.

“It’s crucial to recognize that eye infections represent the most severe complication associated with contact lens wear,” Dr. Joseph Allen, an ophthalmologist and founder of the educational YouTube channel Doctor Eye Health, told The Epoch Times.

Infections can lead to redness, pain, a burning sensation, itchiness, and eye swelling. Left untreated, infection can lead to severe consequences, including permanent vision loss or blindness.

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Poor hygiene habits, improper lens care, and wearing contact lenses for too long increase the risk, Dr. Allen said. On the other hand, washing hands before handling lenses, following lens cleaning and disinfection practices (such as rinsing and storing them in fresh solution every time they’re taken out), and replacing lenses as instructed by the manufacturer reduces the risk.

A rare infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis can severely damage the cornea and cause blindness. It’s caused by contaminated water or poor lens hygiene. Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by a microscopic organism that’s widespread in the environment, commonly found in water, soil, air, cooling towers, HVAC systems, and sewage systems. One woman contracted it while showering with her lenses in, resulting in worsening vision and eventual eye removal after failed operations. 

Colored Contact Lenses Can Damage Sight

Colored contact lenses—a popular feature in Halloween costumes—can permanently damage eyesight, especially those bought online without a prescription.

Most costume contact lenses are made with older lens materials and technology that can carry a higher risk of complications due to older lens plastics and poor oxygen transmissibility, Dr. Allen said.

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“Eye infections, corneal edema, and scarring are serious complications that have the potential to result in permanent vision loss,” he said.

One study found that chemicals used to dye over-the-counter colored contact lenses include chlorine and other potentially toxic chemicals that can be absorbed into the eye.

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Laura Butler experienced extreme eye pain after just 10 hours of wearing unfitted colored contact lenses bought at a store, she told the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

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“Because I had not been properly fitted by an eye care professional, the lenses stuck to my eye like a suction cup,” she said.

The poorly fitting lenses caused infection and corneal abrasion, or scratched cornea.

“I was in severe pain and on medication for four weeks and couldn’t see well enough to drive for eight weeks. I now live with a corneal scar, vision damage, and a drooping eyelid,” she said.

Dr. Allen advises getting properly fitted theatrical lenses, which often have usage restrictions, from eye professionals. The AAO provides Halloween contact lens safety tips.

Corneal Ulcers Carry Severe Consequences

Another risk associated with contact lens use is corneal ulcers, or open sores on the cornea. They can severely impair vision and, in rare cases, cause blindness.

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Major risk factors are wearing contact lenses for too long or sleeping in them. Wearing contact lenses during sleep can disrupt the normal flow of tears and oxygen supply to the cornea. This leads to insufficient oxygen and excessive carbon dioxide levels in the corneal tissue, ultimately causing cell death and damage from lack of adequate blood circulation.

Another risk factor for corneal ulcers is having dry eyes, a condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears to lubricate their surface.

“Contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film and cause irritation,” Dr. Allen said.

Most cases of corneal abrasion will heal within 24 to 72 hours and without complications.

Not Everyone Can Safely Wear Contacts

Some people are at higher risk for contact lens complications, according to Dr. Allen.

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Those with one functioning eye face greater vision loss risks if issues occur. Also, people with dry eye disease or severe allergies may worsen their conditions with contact lenses.

“Moreover, individuals with a history of eye infections are at increased risk of complications,” Dr. Allen said. “In such cases, careful consideration and consultation with an eye care professional are crucial to determine the most suitable vision correction options and to avoid potential complications.”

Though convenient, contact lenses carry potential health risks that require proper hygiene and care. Seek medical attention immediately for any unusual eye symptoms such as pain, redness, or vision changes.