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The Benefits
Contact lenses are medical devices that millions of people wear safely every single day. Many people enjoy the freedom from glasses that contact lenses allow.
Contact lenses are also great options for:
- Sports
- Changing eye color
- People who have irregularities to the front of the eye, cornea, or are not able to see with glasses.
Contact lenses make it possible to see and function in everyday life.
The Dangers
Contact lenses can be dangerous if they are abused.
Contact lenses are medical devices and can only be prescribed and dispensed by a licensed eye doctor. If they are sold without being evaluated on the eye by a doctor it can lead to:
- Eye infections
- Eye inflammation
- Eye injuries
Proper care is key
Proper contact lens care and handling are important components of the contact lens fitting process. Contact lens solution used incorrectly or “topping off contact lens solution” (adding more without disposing of the current solution) can lead to multiple complications. It is important to use sterile contact lens solution and not tap water due to bacteria in water. Never, ever put contact lenses in your mouth or spit on them to try to clean them.
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It is also important to replace contact lenses at the recommended frequency. For example, daily disposable contact lenses should be replaced each day. Contact lenses that are overused and abused can lead to serious problems.
Certain contact lenses are approved for sleeping or extended wear. However, if your contact lenses are not approved for extended wear, this can lead to complications on the cornea, or front of the eye.
If you are interested in contact lenses, schedule an appointment with a doctor of optometry today.
~Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO
