What are contact lens-related diseases?

Wearing contact lenses is a popular alternative to spectacles when it comes to visual correction due to its many benefits. For example, contact lenses help provide clearer vision while maintaining cosmetic appearances as well as not interfering with strenuous physical activity such as contact sports.

However, contact lens-related complications are common and could cause severe visual impairment if left unaddressed. Many of these complications tend to be caused by prolonged and improper use of contact lenses.

What are contact lens-related diseases?

Mild diseases

Dry eyes
Dry eyes is a common condition that is caused by an irregularity in tear production, resulting in a lack of sufficient lubrication of the eyes. Wearing contact lenses can worsen symptoms of dry eyes which may lead people to discontinue their use of contact lenses.

Consider consulting a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, about potential treatments for dry eyes before forgoing contacts. These treatments can include eye drops, artificial tears, or specialised plugs.
Corneal infiltrates
Under certain conditions, greyish-white spots may form on the normally-transparent corneal surface. These bumps are caused by a buildup of grey and white inflammatory cells, and occasionally develop in the eyes of contact lens users.

Symptoms such as redness and irritation of the eyes may be signs of an infection. Should these symptoms manifest, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to prevent further eye health complications.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis
In cases where a contact lens wearer feels as if there is debris stuck in the eye or experiences chronic itching, it may be a sign of giant papillary conjunctivitis. People who use contact lenses for an extended period of time may end up with inflammation of the upper eyelid, caused by repeated friction against the contact lens. Eventually, contact lenses become more uncomfortable to wear as the condition progresses.

Symptoms of this condition usually ease up by improving contact lens hygiene and care as well as taking a break from wearing contacts. However, if the condition continues to persist, an eye doctor may prescribe allergy or steroid eye drops to help soothe negative symptoms.

Serious diseases

There are also more severe diseases that are linked to improper contact lens usage. The following conditions are more likely to leave lasting effects on one’s eye when left unchecked and may require more rigorous methods to treat.
Corneal neovascularization
A cornea of a contact wearer’s eyes naturally receives less oxygen from the surface of the eye, formally referred to as hypoxia, and causes it to swell. The cornea will attempt to gain more oxygen by growing new blood vessels in a process known as neovascularization; in the worst case, these vessels grow excessively and block off vision at the centre of the cornea.
Corneal abrasion
When an individual experiences a severe scratch on the cornea due to ill-fitting contacts or trauma while putting in or taking out contacts, this is known as corneal abrasion. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately upon discovery of the condition.

A standard treatment involves staining the cornea with a dye that helps identify the location of the trauma; an ophthalmologist is likely to prescribe antibiotic eye drops in order to minimise the probability of potential infections.
Infectious keratitis
Infectious keratitis is among the most severe complications that can arise from contact lens misuse. The condition involves the infection of the cornea (corneal ulcer). Symptoms include sharp eye pain, decreased vision, discharge, sensitivity to light, white spots forming on the cornea, and redness of the eye.

When the condition is left untreated, it can lead to total vision loss in the afflicted eye. A variety of different bacteria, viruses, and fungi may lead to such infections in contact lens users, and comorbidities such as diabetes have been associated with an increased risk of infectious keratitis diagnosis.

How do I prevent contact lens-related complications?

An important aspect of avoiding eye complications is building up good contact lens hygiene habits. Ensure your contact lens are regularly cleaned and disinfected as per the recommendations of the ophthalmologist as well as the instructions from the contact lens manufacturer on the label.

Furthermore, it is recommended that contact lens wearers avoid swimming, showering, or sleeping while contacts are on, as these situations increase the risk of developing the above conditions. Consider the use of disposable contacts in order to avoid the risk of infections.

Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre is dedicated to keeping your eye health in good condition. Schedule an appointment with our professional optometrists and ophthalmologists at EYECENTRIC to find more information on how to keep eye infections from contact lenses at bay.