What eye problems can be caused by contact lenses?
September 11, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ammelie Niemeyer
Dear doctor,
My name is David Hering and I have been wearing contact lenses for many years. Lately, however, I have noticed that my eyes are more often irritated and dry. I also sometimes feel that my vision is not as clear as it used to be. I am concerned that my contact lenses may be harmful to my eyes.
Can contact lenses actually cause eye problems? What possible effects can they have? Are there specific risks I should be aware of? Should I perhaps take a break from wearing my contact lenses to give my eyes some relief?
I would like to learn more about the potential risks and side effects of contact lenses and what measures I can take to keep my eyes healthy. Perhaps there are alternative vision aids I should consider.
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Sincerely,
David Hering
Dear David Hering,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. It is important to pay attention to changes in your vision and any potential discomfort, especially when wearing contact lenses. Your concerns are understandable, so I would like to explain more about the potential risks and side effects of contact lenses, as well as possible measures to maintain the health of your eyes.
Contact lenses are a popular vision aid that provide clear, corrected vision to many people. However, they can also cause various eye problems, especially if not used or maintained properly. Potential effects of contact lenses include irritation, dryness, redness, infections, and even corneal damage. These problems can occur if the contact lenses are not regularly cleaned and disinfected, if they are worn for too long, or if they do not fit properly.
It is important to have regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist to ensure that your contact lenses still provide the correct vision correction and that your eyes are healthy. Your ophthalmologist can also help determine if your contact lenses fit properly and if there may be another vision aid that is better suited for your eyes. In some cases, it may be advisable to take a break from wearing your contact lenses to give your eyes time to regenerate.
To keep your eyes healthy and minimize potential issues with contact lenses, you should follow some important tips. Clean your contact lenses daily and use only the recommended care products. Do not wear your contact lenses longer than recommended and make sure to replace them regularly. Avoid wearing your contact lenses while sleeping or swimming, as this can increase the risk of infections.
If you continue to have problems with your contact lenses or have concerns about your eye health, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist can provide you with individual advice and treatment to ensure that your eyes are optimally cared for.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can keep your eyes healthy. If you have any further questions or need additional information, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Ammelie Niemeyer
