Incorrect use of contact lenses

Incorrect use of contact lenses is a frequent cause of ophthalmologic problems. Contact lenses are nowadays a comfortable and pleasant solution for millions of patients who require their use. However, they have also become a risky habit if misused.

In Spain, nearly three million people use contact lenses on a regular basis, a figure that represents 8% of the population between 12 and 65 years of age, according to data collected by the White Paper on Visual Health in Spain 2019. Over time, many spectacle wearers relax their wear, hygiene and cleaning routines.

Ophthalmologists highlight among the bad practices the prolonged use of contact lenses, sleeping with them and the lack of hygiene due to poor maintenance of the cases, reuse and excess solution.

Major discomforts of improper use of contact lenses

• Blurred vision.
• Unusual redness of the eyes.
• Pain.
• Tearing and/or discharge.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Foreign body sensation.

The most common infection related to contact lens wear is keratitis, an irritation of the cornea. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal scarring, resulting in decreased vision. When the infection is very severe, a corneal transplant may be required.

Keratitis associated with improper use of contact lenses

There are three types of keratitis associated with improper contact lens wear.

Bacterial keratitis

The bacterium that causes the infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, develops rapidly and, if not treated in time, can cause blindness.

Mycotic keratitis

is an ocular infection of subacute course, which generates inflammation and ulceration of the cornea. It is caused by various opportunistic pathogenic fungi (Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. and Candida sp.).

Herpetic keratitis

It produces an inflammation of the cornea due to an infection by a virus of the herpes group, usually Herpes Simplex type I. It may affect other ocular tissues such as the conjunctiva, retina and eyelid skin.

The eye is a delicate organ. At Omiq we recommend a good habit of wearing contact lenses to reduce the risk of infection. In case of any symptom, come to our ophthalmology service so that we can recommend the most appropriate treatment.