Overuse, over wear of contact lenses

Without proper education, you could be unwittingly putting your eyesight under threat.

Most complications arise through the overuse and over wear of contact lenses i.e. patients wearing contact lenses over the stipulated period of time. This, coupled with poor hygiene and often times wrong fit, can lead to serious disasters.{{more}} Regular checkups with your eye- care practitioner are very important because the practitioner can check if the contact lenses fit properly and if there is enough oxygen feeding the eye.

One of the most sight- threatening complications suffered by contact lens wearers is the corneal ulcer. This condition can be caused by a microscopic parasite that breeds in water-based conditions. This parasite has an affinity for the cornea of the eye. Ulcers can also be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Those who are mostly at risk are people who practice unsatisfactory hygiene methods. People who use swimming pools or natural water pools are also highly at risk.

Other conditions worth mentioning are:

1. GPC otherwise known as Giants Papillary Conjunctivitis -this is an allergic swelling of the mucous tissues of the eye. It is a reaction to the over wear of contact lenses.

2. Contact lens solution: some contact lens solutions are known to irritate the eyes. This happens often when patients switch solutions.

I would like to urge the general public and especially contact lens wearers [younger generation in particular] to do the following

1. Practice good hygiene – This includes:

-Avoiding the rubbing of one’s eyes

-Washing one’s hands frequently before inserting or removing the lenses

-Using the right solutions

2. Visit your eye care practitioner to schedule your regular contact lens checkups [at least once a year]

3. Also contact your eye care practitioner immediately:

-If your eyes gets very red

-if you experience pain

-if your vision becomes blurry

-if there is discharge

Contact lenses can enhance one’s looks immensely. They are generally safe when used properly. When abused, they can cause loss of vision or even blindness. So please handle them with care.

Let us pray that the young lady I spoke of last week recovers.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210