For those who don’t have perfect vision, contacts can be a great alternative to glasses. However, contacts require much more maintenance compared to glasses. They require regular cleaning, proper storage, and they cannot be worn all the time. Eye infections from contact lenses are definitely a risk. Those who wear contact lenses have a higher risk for infections such as pink eye and keratitis, an infection of the cornea.
Eye Infection Risks and Contact Lenses
Bacteria:
Bacteria can be found on your skin, mouth, and nose and usually doesn’t cause any harm to your body. However, the combination of those bacteria, contact lenses, and any scrape or injury on your eyes can cause issues. Sleeping in your contact lenses can cause scrapes on your eye, which can cause great harm if the bacteria on your skin, mouth, and nose get into it. Mild bacterial infections on the surface of your eye can usually be treated with antibiotic eyedrops. Some bacterial infections are more serious and can lead to vision loss.
Viruses:
A virus, like herpes or pinkeye, can easily spread to your eye. Viruses that cause upper respiratory infections, and even the chickenpox virus can impact your cornea. For a virus, you will likely have to wait it out. However, you can help with the symptoms by using a cold compress, artificial tears, or even steroid eye drops if your doctor prescribes it. Your contact lenses will likely further irritate your eyes while you have the virus, so you should not use them until your eyes have fully recovered.
Parasite:
Parasites are microscopic and found in tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other communal water sources. If you wear contacts, it’s easier for parasites to harm your eyes, especially if you open your eyes underwater or use water instead of contact solution. Parasites are difficult to treat, and there are grave consequences, including the need for a cornea transplant, if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Fungal:
While fungal infections in your eye are rare, they can happen, and there are major consequences such as blindness. They can be treated with eye drops or pills. Contacts can make you more susceptible to fungal infection as there is more contact between your hands and eyes.
Eye Infection Symptoms
If you think you may have an eye infection and you wear contacts, remove your contacts immediately. Below you will find the most common symptoms of an eye infection. If you experience these, contact a medical professional for help.
- Red eyes
- Swelling
- Pain
- Itching or burning
- Blurred vision
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light
Eye infections require immediate treatment after a diagnosis to ensure the health of your eyes. When you go to your eye appointment, bring your contacts and the case, as this may help the doctor determine the issue.
Alternatives to Contact Lenses
While contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses, Lasik is a great alternative to both. Unlike eyeglasses and contacts, Lasik is a permanent solution to your vision problems. The surgery has come a long way over the past few decades and has become the most effective way to improve your vision. The procedure is fast, safe, and pain-free.
Lasik Eye Procedure in Orange County
Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical is one of the top ophthalmologists in Southern California. Depending on what your needs are, Dr. Ghosheh’s clinic provides a wide variety of services. Some of the services include cataract surgery, iLasik surgery, and eyelid and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ghosheh and his team of experts have been serving the Orange County area for decades. Contact Advanced Eye Medical today to schedule an appointment!