Wearing contact lenses for too long, i.e. beyond 10 to 12 hours, reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea, which is a major contributor to infections. Therefore, contact lenses should always be removed in time, and sleeping in them is strictly forbidden. In such cases, the tear film covering the surface of the eye cannot renew itself because we do not blink, so the self-cleaning process of the eye is interrupted. Serious damage to the eye can also occur if the lens folds or if it scratches the surface of the eye, causing corneal epithelial defects.
Usually, contact lens wearers do not notice the symptoms until later, but if they develop burning pain, redness, itching, tearing, eye pain, or loss of visual acuity, contacts should not be put back in and patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible. “In the initial stage, treatment with antibiotics supplemented with eye drops is sufficient for most patients, but full recovery can still take several weeks,” the expert said. He noted that by maintaining good hygiene and inserting and removing lenses with care, serious problems could be avoided.
9 tips for wearing contact lenses
(1) Do not wear contact lenses for more than 8 to 10 hours.
(2) Clean your lenses and the lens case as prescribed.
(3) Always use a contact lens solution for storage instead of tap water.
(4) Always wash your hands before handling lenses.
(5) Never use damaged lenses.
(6) Prefer daily contact lenses to permanent contacts.
(7) Do not sleep in lenses.
(8) Consult a doctor even with mild symptoms.
(9) Wear dioptric goggles rather than contact lenses in the swimming pool. Keep your head out of the water to avoid getting water in your eyes.
Eszter Csatári-Földváry
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photo by Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University; cover: iStock
