Everyone skimps on hygiene now and then – contact lenses included. People are too lazy to buy new contact solution, too busy to clean them properly or too forgetful to take them out before bed.
But each time these cleaning steps are skipped or forgotten, it exposes eyes to bacteria that could lead to keratitis, the inflammation of the cornea.
The cornea is the eye’s clear, dome-shaped, outermost layer, which protects the eyes and acts as the primary focusing power in vision. It’s also one of the most sensitive parts of the body, said Sara Downes, O.D., an instructor of ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota and provider at the Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic.
“The main risk factor for keratitis is wearing contact lenses and having poor contact lens hygiene,” Downes said.
It’s especially concerning following a CDC report last month showing Americans make nearly one million doctor visits annually for eye infections. The trend amounts to $175 million in direct health care costs.
Downes noted four major causes of keratitis linked to contact lenses and how to reduce those risks.
People don’t properly sanitize their contact lenses. Without a full cleaning, bacteria can be left behind on lenses. Downes recommends rubbing the lenses to fully clean them and replacing the solution in the case daily. “Biofilms can develop on the case too,” Downes said. “Throw it away every few months and get a new one.”
Contacts weren’t meant for water. Contact lenses shouldn’t be worn in lakes, pools, hot tubs or even showers. “The microbes in the water can cling to the lenses and invade your cornea,” Downes said. Rinsing in tap water can add to this risk – another reason to stick with the proper solution.
Eyes become vulnerable when you sleep with contacts. Keeping lenses in overnight can deprive the eye of oxygen and dries out the cornea, making the eye more susceptible to damage and infection.
Hands spread germs. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses. Any bacteria on the fingers could go straight to the eyes when putting contacts in or taking them out.
When left untreated, keratitis poses many risks. If bacteria break into the cornea’s inner layer, the stroma, it can cause scarring and impact vision. Keratitis can also cause irregular astigmatism or, in very rare cases, complete loss of eye.
“It can escalate quickly,” Downes said. “Sometimes serious changes in the eye can occur within 24-48 hours. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take proper care of contact lenses.”
The post U of M expert: The importance of contact lens care appeared first on Health Talk.