Today, contact lenses have become very common in people with low vision. Due to popularity, their manufacturing technologies began to improve.
Lenses have become an alternative and an ideal replacement for glasses. They can deal with a problem such as astigmatism.
Lenses are made of the following materials:
- Hydrogel is a very soft material.
- Polymer compositions are hard materials.
Their wearing is quite comfortable and convenient. But for some people, due to poor quality care or poor hygiene, unpleasant consequences of wearing lenses can occur, and they can be quite serious. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, properly clean and do not wear them longer than they should be.
What causes prolonged or improper lens wear? The consequences can be very different. In the article we will consider the main ones.
Corneal edema
If a small concentration of air enters the cornea when wearing contact lenses, edema may form. This is due to the irregular shape of the lenses or sleep in them.
Signs of corneal edema:
- Everything is blurry around.
- If you look at the light bulb, then a rainbow forms around it.
- The eyes are red.
Consequences of wearing lenses such as swelling can be easily eliminated if you immediately consult a doctor. Starting treatment on time, edema can be removed in a few days.
Protein deposits
These effects of wearing lenses are very popular, but harmless.
Fats, calcium and proteins that are on the lacrimal surface begin to come into contact with the surface of the contact lens. Subsequently, an uneven and rough film appears on it. It is almost invisible to the human eye, you can only pay attention to the oily surface structure. But under a microscope, everything is clearly visible.
Thus, these deposits accumulate and cause eye irritation. They begin to itch and blush. In this case, you need less time to wear lenses. If nothing is done, then the formation of infection is possible, which will lead to more serious consequences.
A multipurpose solution that contains enzymes can help in this situation. And in order to control the consequences of wearing contact lenses, such as protein deposits, it is recommended to use disposable devices for some time.
In cases where such problems appear very often and in large quantities, it is advised to use lenses that are made of a material using crofilcon A or netrafilcon A. They most endure such complications.
It is worth remembering that such protein deposits can be dangerous for the eyes, as they are potential carriers of germs and infections. In addition, the rough and uneven surface of the lens can scratch and injure the cornea.
Conjunctivitis
Considering the consequences of wearing contact lenses, conjunctivitis should be mentioned. It forms in the form of a tubercle on the inner upper part of the eyelid. This happens due to the large number of accumulated lymphocytes, eosinophils. Over time, the tissues begin to thicken, and the tubercle - increase in size.
The cause of conjunctivitis is considered to be an allergy to accumulated deposits or to a cleaning fluid. Such a disease is rare in cases where frequent lens replacement occurs.
Signs of capillary conjunctivitis:
- Itching
- Allocations.
- Irritation.
- Microorganisms.
- Sensation of a foreign object in the eye.
In order to cure giant capillary conjunctivitis, it is necessary to wear lenses less often, and it is better to stop wearing them at all. You can try to choose a different version of the lens, from a different material and a different shape. In addition, it is worth using drugs that will prevent the development of mast cells. And drops will help get rid of pain in the eyes.
If the treatment is carried out correctly, then the signs of the disease disappear quickly, but the tubercles themselves disappear after a few weeks.
Vascular proliferation on the cornea
The consequences of wearing lenses, such as proliferation of blood vessels on the cornea, can very badly affect a person’s vision. The reason for this is usually the use of soft lenses that do not allow air oxygen to pass to the cornea, and it begins to starve.
Microbial keratitis
There are other unpleasant consequences of wearing contact lenses, in particular microbial keratitis. This is the most serious and dangerous complication. This disease can lead to loss of vision.
Despite the fact that the eye independently prevents infection by cleaning its surface for centuries, the cornea is washed with tears, obsolete cells die, and new ones appear in their place, people who suffer from microbial keratitis are quite common. Most often these are those who wear lenses continuously for a month or more. During this time, microorganisms such as staphylococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are formed on the surface of the eye, which are the cause of the disease.
Signs of the disease:
- Burning in the eyes.
- Fear of the light.
- Tears periodically flow.
- Pus stands out.
- Vision drops sharply.
- Fast progression.
The consequences of wearing lenses longer than the prescribed time should begin to be treated as soon as possible, immediately after the first signs.
The reasons why microbial keratitis can occur:
- Wearing lenses for a very long time without interruption.
- Lens replacement is very rare.
- Diabetes mellitus or eye injuries.
- "Dry eye."
Acanthamoebic keratitis
This disease can be found quite rarely, but it is most dangerous, since if you do not start treatment on time, you can lose not only vision, but also your eye.
The cause of this disease is Akantameba, which lives and moves easily in soil, water, even drinking. It can appear on the surface of any type of contact lens.
Therefore, when wearing lenses, you should not swim in the pool, in water, or even in the bath. In addition, do not wash or rinse the lens containers in tap water.
Corneal ulcer
Corneal ulcer should also be described, considering the consequences of wearing lenses longer than the term and non-observance of personal hygiene. Also, this disease can occur in case of damage to the surface of the eye.
Corneal ulcer can be in the form of two forms:
The infectious form is usually accompanied by severe pain, profuse discharge of pus, often after the disease, a hole remains in the corneal epithelium. The type of microorganism that lives on the surface of the eye determines the speed of development of the ulcer. Antibiotics here will be the most effective treatment.
The sterile method proceeds very gently, without the appearance of an opening in the cornea and without pain syndromes.
Allergy
The negative effects of wearing lenses can occur in the form of an allergic reaction that occurs on the material from which the lens itself is made, as well as on the components of the solution in which it is processed.
In the latter case, ophthalmologists recommend replacing this solution with one that is made without the use of preservatives.
Deposits that form on the surface of the lens can also cause eye allergies. In this case, a transition from allergy to conjunctivitis is often found.
If you are allergic to the material from which the lens is made, then you just need to replace them with another look.
The effects of long lens wear can manifest in the form of allergic conjunctivitis. It is accompanied by itching, lacrimation, a fear of light, swelling and general discomfort. In this case, it is necessary to use antiallergenic drugs in the form of drops that are injected onto the cornea of the eye before placing the lens in it.
Conjunctiva cracks
A few years ago, another negative consequence of wearing lenses was diagnosed - conjunctival fissure. It can occur if the lenses are made of silicone hydrogel. Cracks mainly occur in places where the edge of the lens comes into contact with the conjunctiva. Usually this consequence proceeds without pain and any symptoms.
Mucin balls
These balls can be found on the inner surface of the contact lens in the form of small round formations. More often this negative consequence occurs during prolonged continuous wearing of lenses made of silicone-hydrogel material. Usually this goes away without pain and serious consequences, but there are cases when rounded formations are pressed on the cornea of the eye.
Refraction disorder
When lenses made of silicone-hydrogel material are worn for a long time, a refractive error may occur . This occurs when the material is very elastic compared to the surface of the eye. When in contact, the lens will compress and compact the cornea in its center. Sometimes things can happen the other way around, leading to the formation of myopia.
Corneal staining
Contact lens enthusiasts may, in rare cases, experience staining of the cornea in the form of an arc. Most often it appears due to the pressure of the upper eyelid on the lens. Due to the friction force, an arc of lens displacement on the cornea begins to form.
Endothelial vesicles
Endothelial vesicles are parts of a dark color that appear after putting on the lens. The appearance of these vesicles does not indicate pathology, but can be the cause of hypoxia on this part of the cornea.
The Consequences of Wearing Night Wear Lenses
The risk of infectious diseases when wearing lenses at night increases, so you should give your eyes a rest from them. If you use special, then such consequences occur much less often, but these adaptations are quite expensive and do not always justify themselves. It should be remembered that any lenses must be properly looked after and periodically changed.
Sleeping in conventional lenses not intended for night rest is, of course, not recommended. Due to the release of proteins and lipids, plaque can form on their inner surface, which can damage the cornea.
Conclusion
The most serious consequences of prolonged use of contact lenses arise due to an untimely visit to an ophthalmologist.
Therefore, in order to warn yourself against such unpleasant complications, it is necessary to properly care for the lenses, do not wear them for a very long time. And if any of the above symptoms occur, then you should immediately contact a specialist who can find out the cause and prescribe a course of treatment. Be healthy!