7 Frightening Facts About Contact Lens Misuse

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on October 3, 2023

October is “Contact Lens Safety Month,” so don’t let your contact lenses become one of the scary parts of the Halloween reverie. Here are 7 frightful facts about contact lenses and how you can lower all the spookiest risks.

1. Contact lenses can cause eye ulcers when not cleaned and handled properly.

This is a painful infection of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of your eye, and can lead to scarring and even blindness if not treated promptly. The bacteria that cause eye ulcers can come from your own skin, your hands or your contact lens solution. This is why it’s so important to clean and store your contact lenses properly.

2. Your contact lenses can give you an eye infection.

Even disposable contact lenses can harbor bacteria that can cause an eye infection. This can happen if:

• You don’t clean and store contacts properly.
• You don’t wash your hands before handling your lenses.
• You don’t replace your contact lens solution regularly.
• You sleep in your contact lenses.

3. Contact lens use can lead to complications, such as corneal scarring.

This is rare, but it can happen. It’s important to keep your cornea healthy because it helps you see clearly. If your cornea becomes scarred, it can cause blurry vision or even blindness.

4. Some people are allergic to contact lenses.

Lens allergies or contact lens intolerance (CLI) can cause symptoms like redness, itching, and burning. If you think you might be allergic to contact lenses, see your eye doctor immediately. They can help you find a type of contact lens you’re not allergic to or offer alternatives, like LASIK, to get you out of contacts entirely.

5. Wearing contact lenses can dry out your eyes.

Dry eye syndrome can lead to discomfort and blurry vision. Contact lenses can block the tear film that keeps your eyes moist. If your eyes are dry, you may need to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.

6. Your contact lenses can get stuck in your eye.

It happens and it’s painful. If a contact lens gets stuck, don’t try to remove it yourself. See your eye doctor right away.

7. Contact lenses can get lost or damaged.

Handle your contacts carefully with clean hands to avoid damage and contamination. If you lose or damage a contact lens, see your eye doctor for a new one. Never put a damaged contact lens in your eye.

Quick tips for safe contact lens use

• Always consult with your eye doctor before wearing contact lenses. They’ll make sure you’re a good candidate and instruct you on how to handle them. 
• NEVER wear contact lenses not prescribed to you by an eye doctor. Resist the urge to include costume lenses with your costume: Low-quality, non-prescription lenses could be dangerous.
• Clean and store your contact lenses properly according to your eye doctor’s instructions. This includes using the correct contact lens solution and cleaning your lenses every time you take them out.
• Never sleep in contact lenses. This can increase your risk of eye infections.
• Replace your contact lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants on your lenses.
• See your eye doctor regularly for eye exams and contact lens fittings. This is important for maintaining the health of your eyes and your contact lenses.
• Consider ditching contact lenses altogether. If you are a candidate for LASIK vision correction or a LASIK alternative, you can say goodbye to contacts and all the risks that come with them.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of complications from contact lens use.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough eye exam or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.