Eyes and Escapes

If you are using contact lenses or planning to start using them – then answer these questions first before deciding to wear contact lenses or not!

Is it better to wear CL or glasses?

if at least one of it is yes

Then consult your ophthalmologist

A Wake-Up Call for Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lenses (CL) have revolutionised vision correction, offering freedom from glasses and a clearer world. But what if I told you that the lenses you trust might be silently harming your eyes?

As an ophthalmologist, I’ve witnessed the consequences of long-term CL use. Recently, two cases in my clinic highlighted how these tiny, convenient lenses can cause big problems if not handled with care. Their stories carry an important message for every contact lens wearer.

After all, contact lenses are foreign bodies

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Case #1: Infections From Neglected Hygiene and a Broken Barrier

The Patient: A woman in her late 30s, a long-time CL user for 10 years, wearing them 8-10 hours per day.
Symptoms: Frequent eye infections, redness, and discomfort.

She arrived at my clinic frustrated with recurring infections, which she said had been occurring frequently over the past year or two. Earlier, she didn’t face this problem.

Upon examination, I found her upper eyelids swollen, her eyelashes matted, discharge resting in her conjunctival fornices, and a red eye. It was clearly infective conjunctivitis. Her hygiene routine revealed the problem: her CL cases weren’t being cleaned properly. CL cases harbour germs.

What’s Happening:

• Breakdown of our eyes’ innate protective barrier against infections
• Unclean lens cases
• Unhygienic CL practices

What You Can Do:

1. Seek professional care: Schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist. This patient’s infection was properly treated, and she received essential advice for maintaining ongoing eye health.
2. Rest your eyes: Refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least three weeks to allow your eyes to heal.
3. Follow up: After the infection resolves, visit your eye doctor to assess for any underlying barrier deficits like dry eyes or allergic conjunctivitis.
4. Practice case hygiene: Clean and replace your CL case regularly to prevent infections.

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Case #2: The Price for Long-Term Contacts Use

The Patient: A young professional in her early 30s, wearing lenses daily for 10 hours for over a decade.
Symptoms: Drooping eyelids, redness, watering, and severe eye rubbing.

She had been experiencing constant irritation but didn’t realize her CLs were the culprit. Years of use had caused chronic mechanical friction, irritating her conjunctiva under her upper eyelid and triggering inflammation. Her habit of rubbing her eyes only worsened the situation.

What’s Happening:

• CLs, as foreign objects, irritate the delicate tissues of your eyes over time.
• Chronic irritation leads to redness, lid drooping, and even dry eye syndrome.

What You Can Do:

1. Take breaks: Switch to glasses for a couple of weeks.
2. Avoid eye rubbing: Consult your ophthalmologist for drops to treat itchiness.
3. Consider alternatives: Use daily disposable lenses and wear contacts only on certain occasions. Avoid CLs at home and opt for spectacles instead.

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Understanding CLARE: Contact Lens-Associated Red Eye

CLARE is caused by chronic irritation or infection linked to lens use.

Symptoms Include:

• Persistent redness
• Watery or sticky discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Burning or itching sensations

Pro Tip: If your eyes feel uncomfortable, take out your lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional.

Key Takeaways for Healthy Eyes:

• Replace lenses and cases regularly.
• Avoid wearing lenses while sleeping or swimming.
• Never ignore redness, discomfort, or unusual symptoms.

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General Tips for Contact Lens Care

Follow instructions:

• Stick to the wearing and replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor.
• Follow cleaning and storage directions from the lens and solution manufacturers.

Clean and rewet carefully:

• Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
• Use a “rub and rinse” cleaning method, even with “no-rub” solutions.
• Never put lenses in your mouth or rinse them with water.

Care for your contact case:

• Clean the case with sterile solution and let it air dry.
• Replace the case every three months or sooner if it gets damaged.

Here is a helpful video from the American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to Take Care of Your Contact Lenses

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Your Eyes Deserve the Best Care

Your eyes are precious and irreplaceable. Contact lenses are a fantastic tool, but they come with responsibilities. By practicing proper hygiene, giving your eyes a break, and being vigilant about warning signs, you can enjoy clear vision without compromising your eye health.

But this is just the beginning of the conversation. What about dry eye prevention? How do you choose the right sunglasses for UV protection? When should you consider LASIK?

Read my previous post on MYOPIA , Dilated Eye Examination and how to get relief from Computer Vision Syndrome.

Subscribe to my blog and join me as we explore more tips, insights, and personal stories about eye health and vision care. Don’t miss my upcoming post: “Are Your Eye Drops Doing More Harm Than Good?”

Because your eyes deserve nothing but the best. Let’s keep learning and caring for them—together!