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The first pair of contact lenses is rumored to have been created in 1887. It is said that they were clumsy, ill-fitting, and painful to wear. Since then, the science of contact lenses has come a very long way. Thin, lightweight, and breathable materials have replaced hard, non-porous glass, and they can be worn for longer periods of time than their predecessors. At Magruder Laser Vision, we recognize the importance contact lenses play in the lives of many patients in the Central Florida area. More importantly, though, we want to alert you to the top 10 reasons why the improper use and handling of contact lenses can do more harm than good.

  • Failure to keep your contact lenses appropriately cleaned and sterilized can significantly increase the chance of developing eye infections. Be sure to use recognized brand solutions to be assured of the ingredients.
  • Most lens wearers do not keep their lens cases clean and sterilized, resulting in the inability of the cleaning solution to effectively remove protein buildup on the lenses. This can cause infections and discomfort.
  • Wearing contact lenses past the suggested wear time can cause a lack of adequate lubrication as the “pores” in the lenses that allow for oxygenation become obstructed by protein and debris. Once again, this increases the risk of developing eye infections.
  • Contact lenses slow down, and some actually completely inhibit, the flow of oxygen to your eyes.
  • Even the slightest tear in a contact lens can cause abrasions and tears to the cornea which are painful and negatively impact your vision.
  • Sleeping in your contact lenses can cause irrevocable damage to your eyes.
  • Prolonged contact lens wear can result in inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), which is usually incurable and will eliminate your ability to wear contacts without pain, redness, and additional swelling.
  • Here in warm moist Florida, contact wearers are at increased risk of contamination with acanthamoeba, which is a parasitic organism that lives in water and other surfaces. It can ultimately cause blindness. NEVER rinse your contacts with tap water! That’s where these nasty little creatures live.
  • Contact lens wear and microbial keratitis, which is an inflammation and ulceration of the cornea, can ultimately lead to vision loss if left untreated. Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk since bacteria can easily get trapped and will remain in the lenses if not properly cleaned.
  • Frequently people who wear contact lenses try to save money by reusing disinfecting solutions. This is the equivalent of trying to wash dirty breakfast dishes in the water in the sink left from last night’s dinner dishes. Eye infections are sure to follow.

Contact lenses are a great way to enjoy corrected vision if you are sure to follow the directions for safe use. If any of the above reasons that contacts can cause more harm than good concern you, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss options that might better correct your vision and minimize exposure to certain eye injuries and infections that result from contact lens wear.

Call us at 407-843-5665 to learn more.

Magruder Laser Vision – Correcting Eyes – Changing Lives.