Those who wear contact lenses have to deal with their problems initially till they get used to wearing them. There are several problems associated with these lenses, from minor to potentially harmful. Go through the following article to know more about them.
Contact lenses became a rage and an instant hit with people who had to wear glasses and in general for those who wanted a temporary change of their eye color. They are convenient, though need a bit of meticulousness and care on the part of the person who wears them. But the sad part is that these lenses might not suit some people. Or in some cases, there can be initial hiccups causing these problems. Also, if they are not used properly, it can create problems for your eyes. Take a look at some of these common problems that may arise due to the use of these lenses.
What are the common problems with Contact Lens?
The most common problem is redness of the eyes. This is because of irritation caused to the eyes due to the contact lenses. This can happen when you are not used to wearing lenses or wear them for too long. If the contacts are old or have tears, that too can lead to irritation and redness of the eyes. In that case, you may need to get a fresh pair. Dry eyes too can be experienced by some users. In that case, reducing the usage or using contacts which permit air to permeate the lens surface and reach the eye is advisable.
An overall increase in the sensitivity of the eyes and eyelids is also observed as being a common problem. Slippage is another problem which is frequently experienced by people. Excessive wear can lead the lens to slide out of place or even a tear may cause the it to slide. Lenses can even dry up sometimes, leading to tight lens syndrome.
Problems with Bifocal Contact Lenses
These are a bit tough to get used to whatever the type it may be. Those who were previously using monovision lenses can have problems with depth perception, leading to a problem in different activities such as driving. In addition to that, these can be expensive than glasses if you use disposable lenses or lose or damage them frequently.
Problems with Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Gas permeable lenses can be pretty much uncomfortable in the beginning. Moreover, if you, say, do not wear them for a week, even then when you wear them back, you would again need some time to get used to it. Spectacle blur, meaning a blurriness in the vision is often experienced by those using this lens. This is even while they use glasses. The effect, though temporary, may entail a full-time use of these lenses, which can be a make or break proposition for some.
Problems with Implantable Contact Lenses
Implantable contact lenses are those which are implanted in the eye’s posterior chamber behind the iris and in front of the lens. These are also called intra occular lenses. The most potent risk of these is that they can cause glaucoma or cataract.
Other General Problems Associated With Lenses
To start off, there can be corneal problems or corneal ulcers. These can be even due to simple scratching or swelling caused by the lens. This develops into abnormal growth of blood vessels. Corneal ulcers are an outcome of damage to the surface of the cornea. These are most common when it comes to usage of soft contact lenses. Not taking proper care of your lenses and keeping them overnight are important factors which cause this problem. Allergy is another culprit for contact lens problems. This can happen when an allergen is stuck to the lens and it is not cleaned off.
Preventive Measures
Following these precautions will help you in adapting and using contact lenses better.
- Before you handle your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Check out what is the best lens cleaner for the lenses you have with your doctor.
- Make sure that you store your lenses in a clean case, not letting it air dry.
- Use enzymatic lens cleaner once a week.
- Avoid buying big bottles or containers of lens care products.
- If you want to apply make up, do it after you put on the lenses.
- It would be a good idea to check your eyes first thing in the morning to see if there is any abnormality – redness, swelling, pain, watering or vision and sensitivity problem. If there is, get a doctor’s help. If your eyes become red due to even a slight irritation, remove the lenses and wear your glasses.
The best way to deal with these problems, is to use the lens properly and keep them as clean as possible. This is where I sign off! Keep a close eye on those contact lens!