#193: The Worst Thing you can do while Wearing your Contact Lenses

When you wear contact lenses there is always an increased risk of eye infections. In this blog, I'd like to explore the biggest risk factor for eye infections related to contact lenses.

When bacteria gets trapped under contact lenses it leads to infections called ulcers. An ulcer occurs when bacteria begin to create a crater in the front surface of the eye. When they are trapped underneath a contact lens it provides a nice, warm, safe home for them to burrow in and make a big infection.

The bacteria creates a hole in the front surface of your eye, and if you don't see an eye doctor quickly enough and get treated, it could lead to a sight threatening scar. These are very serious infections.  They differ significantly from pink eye.

The symptoms of a contact lens related ulcer include:

Redness, pain, watering, light sensitivity, swelling of the eye lids.

If you notice these symptoms, always remove your contact lenses right away. Contact your eye doctor for a same day appointment. Do not wait. The symptoms won't go away on their own. You will need antibiotic drops to kill the infection. Often this type of infection is not accompanied by mucus coming out of your eyes.

The biggest risk factor to this type of infection is showering in your contact lenses.

When you get up in the morning and take a shower, you should put your contact lenses in afterwards. That's the appropriate sequence.  Then, at the end of the day, you could take your contact lenses out before getting into the shower.

No showering in contact lenses. Little particles of water can be getting into the eyes, even if you're not leaving your eyes open under the water. There is a mist of water flying all around in the shower and getting onto your contact lenses which can lead to infections.

Please take out your contact lenses before you shower or bathe. That's the safest way to wear them.

CONCLUSION

 When you wear contact lenses you increase your risk of eye infections over non-contact lens wearers. However, following a few simple rules of contact lens wear can keep your eyes healthy for the long run.

I like to tell patients about the 3 S's of contact lens wear. These are to never wear your contact lenses when you are: swimming, sleeping or showering. Each of these carries a risk of infection. And, having an infection on the front of your eye is incredibly painful. It can lead to sight threatening scars as well.

Contact lenses are medical devices. They should be used with the utmost of precaution. Remember to take care of your eyes like it's the only pair you will ever have. Stay tuned for more tips.