Contact Lens Complications

Although millions of people all over the UK wear contact lenses without any problems, complications can arise.

Contact lens complications stem from the fact that contact lenses are foreign bodies and if they are not looked after properly they can cause infections. That’s why it is essential to follow your optometrist’s instructions about cleaning and looking after your lenses. Similarly, if you do have any contact lens complications, visit your optometrist immediately.

Contact lens complications are pretty uncommon and easily treated if they do occur. In this article we discuss the main complications that can be caused by wearing contact lenses.

1. Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion is a contact lens complication that can occur if a particle gets trapped under your lens and scratches your cornea. This complication is much more likely to happen with RGP lenses than with soft contact lenses.

Although corneal abrasion is unpleasant it is not normally necessary to receive medical treatment for it.

2. Corneal Ulcer

Corneal Ulcers are caused by not cleaning contact lenses properly. It is most likely to occur with soft lenses and extended wear contact lenses. This is one of the most unpleasant contact lens complications and triggers acute pain as well as redness and discharge.

If you suspect that you might have a corneal ulcer, stop wearing your contact lenses immediately and seek advice from your optometrist.

3. Corneal Oedema

Corneal Oedema is a contact lens complication that is caused by not enough oxygen getting to your cornea. In many cases, Corneal Oedema does not produce any physical symptoms. However, in some cases sufferers might experience eye pain when they remove their lenses and hazy vision.

Regular check ups can help detect if there is insufficient oxygen reaching your cornea before problems actually occur.

4. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is the most common contact lens complication and is caused by an immune reaction to the contact lens protein. It produces a number of small swellings on the inside of the eyelids and itchy, red eyes.

Although this complication won’t damage your sight, it will make wearing contact lenses so uncomfortable that you won’t be able to do so.

The way that this contact lens complication is treated is by discontinuing or limiting the amount of time that you wear your contact lenses for. In the majority of cases the temporary use of steroids is also prescribed.

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