Effects of Prolonged Contact Lens Use

Contact lenses have been around for much longer than most people believe. Leonardo da Vinci thought of the concept of contact lenses in 1508, along with many other modern day conveniences. Renee Descartes developed the concept further by sketching a protruding contact lens in 1636. Later, in 1801, a scientist named Thomas Young became the first to wear a contact lens, which was secured to his eye with wax!

Contact lenses are also referred to as ‘small prescription lenses,’ worn in “contact” with the eye. They are made to correct refractive errors and promote clear eyesight by temporarily reshaping the cornea. Modern contact lenses are smaller eye glass lenses that fit onto the eyes.

They function much like regular eye glasses—refracting and focusing light so that objects appear clearly. Since the lenses stick to the tear fluid on the eye surface, they move naturally with the wearer. Contact lenses vary in forms to serve different purposes and are also custom-designed to fit different needs – such as astigmatism and nearsightedness.

Though contact lenses may be a GOOD SOLUTION to BLURRY VISION, there are disadvantages and harmful effects too.
Contact lenses may be inconvenient, as they give the wearer a hard time when applying make-up or getting their hair done because they should be removed each time. It is also a hassle to have contact lenses on when you are doing sports like swimming.

The most common effects are trauma on the eyes caused by stiff contact lenses, dry eyes due to insufficient eye lubrication, eye irritability due to rubbing of eyes, and sensitivity to light.

Moreover, prolonged contact lens wear especially when the lenses are NOT properly cleaned can harm the eyes. Persistent ‘haloes’ around light especially at night may be observed, since IMPROPERLY CLEANED contact lenses have particles that may have accumulated on them. Unhygienic contact lens care may also result to tearing or discharge from the eye. Furthermore, the lack of oxygen that reaches the cornea causes CORNEAL SWELLING which leads to BLURRY VISION.
Extreme eye pain is also typically experienced by a person suffering from contact lens overwear. The patient first notices the symptoms a few hours after removing contact lens or may even awaken from sleep with severe pain. This may lead to overwear syndrome.

Aside from minor problems, there are greater risks: Keratitis and Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis are just some of the conditions caused by bacterial infections.

KERATITIS is a condition in which the cornea, the front part of the eye, becomes inflamed. It is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves any of the following symptoms: pain, impaired eyesight, photophobia, red eye and a ‘gritty’ sensation. Keratitis occurs when protein and bacteria build up on your lenses over time.
On the other hand, Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is caused by a repeated occurrence of bacteria due to a buildup on your lenses over time. The eyelid becomes infected and many large bumps that irritate the cornea appear. This results to itch, irritation and redness. Foreign body sensation may also be felt like bumps are just scratching and damaging your eyes.

Because of the disadvantages and risks of contact lens wear, more and more people nowadays are choosing LASIK- a PERMANENT SOLUTION to vision problems. It is a bladeless, painless, and safe procedure that uses laser beams to reshape the cornea precisely and efficiently, thus, restoring vision to 20/20.

Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics Center, the World’s No.1 in Lasik guarantees to give you the BEST RESULTS at the most affordable price.

Value your health. Take GOOD CARE of your eyes. Have them SCREENED at Shinagawa, and experience SUPERIOR EYE CARE!

For more details, you may visit the website at www.shinagawa.ph or call +632 491 000 for Makati Main Branch or +632 3685240 for Ortigas Branch.