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.
