Disposable lenses have been around for quite some time and it seems like they are causing more problems than solutions. Most of them are made from Hydrogel, which is a water-absorbing polymer that uses water to transmit oxygen to the eye through the lens. These were even given the green flag by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be worn for days, but new research finds that users are misusing their contact lenses that is causing them a lot of problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of serious eye damage from misusing contact lenses; over the period of 10 years (2005-2015) the FDA received reports of 1,075 contact lens-related corneal infections that involved ulcers or keratitis, which is the inflammation of the cornea. About 20% of these cases involved serious eye damage, most of which could’ve been avoided if they used their contact lenses properly.
The most common contact lens abuse included wearing them for an extended period of time, followed by wearing contact lenses beyond their prescription, and occasional overnight wear or napping in lenses. Other patients also were using expired lenses, storing them in water or wearing them while swimming.
Even though there are contact lenses like Air Optix Aqua and Acuvue Oasys that have FDA approval to be worn 6 days, it’s recommended that users take them out when they sleep. The report found that this was the most common type of lens abuse–wearing them for an extended period of time when they were not even approved to be worn for long periods.
“Although contact lenses are a safe and effective form of vision correction if worn and cared for as directed, they pose an infection risk to wearers if not worn and cared for properly,” researchers wrote in the report, which was published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
An estimated 1 million patients end up at the clinic and emergency room annually reporting problems such as, central corneal scar, a decrease in vision, or the need of a corneal transplant. Other problems included eye infections such as, Pseudomonas, Acanthamoeba, Fusarium and Staphylococcus.
The CDC has a list of ways to protect your eyes when you wear contact lenses. This report is a reminder of how contact lenses should be worn and taken care. If you’re not sure, don’t leave the optometrist’s office without getting all of your questions answered.