The Effects of Poor Contact Lens Care on Eye Health
Are you a contact lens wearer? If yes, then you need to read this article. Taking care of your contact lenses is no laughing matter. Poor contact lens care can have serious effects on your eye health.
Itchy Eyes? Blame It on Your Contact Lens Care!
Do you experience itchy eyes often? Then you might be a victim of poor contact lens care. When you don’t clean your contact lenses properly, it leads to a build-up of protein and bacteria. This build-up can cause your eyes to itch, reducing your ability to focus.
According to the American Optometric Association, over 40 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. That’s a lot of people at risk of developing itchy eyes and other eye infections.
Dry Eye Syndrome: A Silent But Dangerous Consequence
If you don’t clean your contact lenses properly, it leads to a lack of oxygen supply to your eyes. This lack of oxygen doubles the risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome can lead to serious consequences such as permanent vision loss.
A study conducted by Contact Lens Spectrum revealed that 50% of contact lens wearers experienced dry eye syndrome, and 5-30% of contact lens wearers had severe corneal changes.
Red Eyes? Your Contact Lens Might Be the Culprit
If you notice that your eyes are red, it could very well mean that your contact lenses are to blame. Improper contact lens care can cause your eyes to become red, irritated, and inflamed.
According to a study by the CDC, over 1 million cases of keratitis were reported each year due to poor contact lens care. Keratitis is an infection of the cornea that can lead to vision loss or blindness.
The Verdict: Take Care of Your Contact Lenses
Taking care of your contact lenses is essential to maintaining good eye health. Make sure you rinse your lenses with a sterile solution before and after each wear. Use only the recommended cleaning solution and change your lens case every three months.
Avoid water, saliva, and other solutions to clean your contact lenses. Also, make sure to remove your contact lenses before going to bed to give your eyes a break.
Don’t let poor contact lens care affect your eye health. Take care of your lenses, and your eyes will thank you in the long run!