Contact Lens Infections
She
was back in the emergency room. Her eye was acting up, again. The world
was blurry. It was all because of the contact lenses she had worn - a
year before.
A pair zombie white eyes, a set of yellow slit snake eyes, a unique
turquoise lens - all seem like harmless Halloween fun. It was just a bit
of dress up. Contact lenses, however, are medical devices; if used
improperly, they can be dangerous.
Not washing contact lenses properly and then inserting them can place infections right onto the eye.
Contact Lenses can cause a serious infection if not cared for properly.
They can increase the risk of keratitis. This is an inflammation of the
cornea, which is the dome above the iris (the colored part of the eye).
The warning signs for Keratitis (a serious eye inflammation) with Contact Lenses are:
- Decreased, Blurry, or Lost Vision
- Red or pink eye
- Pain in or around eyes, even after taking out contacts
- Pain when looking at lights (light sensitivity)
- New discharge from eyes or watery eyes
- Sensation of something in the eye
See your doctor or an Eye Doctor if any worrisome symptoms like these develop with Contacts.
To avoid ill-fitted or dangerous contacts, the FDA reminds us that
these are medical devices that require a prescription. This involves
having an eye exam with eye measurements for prescription lenses. A
prescription should be obtained and the contact lens seller should
require this prescription. Contacts should not be lent, borrowed, or
shared.
They should be cared for properly and the prescriber should explain their proper care.
They are not cosmetics or over-the counter purchases. They are not "one
size fits all". A poor fitting contact or one that isn't hygienic can
damage the eye. Colorful contacts sold at Halloween without a
prescription are sold illegally