5 Risks of Wearing Contact Lenses You Might Not Be Aware Of

Contact lenses were regarded as a game changer in optic improvement when they were introduced to the public. Since then, millions of individuals have worn them. If you have less-than-perfect vision, you might be looking at getting some.

Before you start looking at eye doctors in Utah, though, you should be aware of some possible risks that go along with wearing contact lenses. None of these should be cause for alarm, but you should know about them just the same. 

You Might Not Blink as Much

Individuals who wear contact lenses often have the tendency not to blink as much. You might not be clear on why that’s a problem, though.

The reason is that when you blink, it moisturizes the eye and protects it against irritants. Wearing contact lenses reduces corneal sensitivity, and that’s why you may blink less when you have them in. Accordingly, you should remember to blink regularly while wearing them.

Corneal Scarring is Possible

The cornea is delicate, and if you leave your contact lenses in for too long, you can damage it. You might cause inflammation and irritation. In time, scarring can be the result.

Soft contact lenses that you wear daily are the kinds most likely to lead to corneal damage. If you do wear them, limit the time you have them in each day. You can also check them for scratches and clean them in solution regularly.

Eye Infection Risks

If you wear contact lenses, eye infection risks can come into play. When you wear contact lenses, you put your fingers near your eyes more often to take them out or put them back in. 

Keratitis is the infection type most commonly associated with wearing contact lenses. Eye parasites can be the cause, but you can also get it from dust or bacteria. Scratches on the lenses can also scrape the cornea. 

You should remove the lenses before you sleep. You can also keep them clean and replace them frequently. All of this will make keratitis less likely.

Dry Eye Syndrome Risks

You also run the risk of developing dry eye syndrome if you wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can reduce the number of tears produced by your eye, and dry eye syndrome is usually the next stage.

At best, it’s an irritant, but at worst, it can cause corneal scarring. Again, the best way to avoid it is to reduce the amount of time you wear the lenses and to replace them regularly.

Drooping Upper Eyelids

Drooping upper eyelids are one more possible issue you might encounter if you wear contact lenses. Ptosis is the name given by doctors for this condition.

People who prefer hard contact lenses rather than soft ones are more likely to deal with droopy eyelids. Wearing them for shorter amounts of time is the best way to keep yourself safe from this condition.

While some of the possibilities sound scary, contact lenses can still benefit you, provided you engage in best practices as recommended by doctors.