RISKS
1. Potential Adverse Health Effects - The most common eye problems encountered by contact lens users are excess tearing, itching, burning, sensitivity to light, dryness, and occasional blurred or distorted vision. These conditions may be worsened by improper care or cleaning of contact lenses and increase the risk of developing an eye infection. Clinical studies suggest that the extended use of contact lenses, particularly overnight, increases the risk of developing corneal ulcers. This condition is called ulcerative keratitis. An ulcer can perforate or scar the cornea in a day or two, leading to permanent scarring of the cornea or even blindness.
2. Risk of Ulcerative Keratitis - Contact lens wearers are at risk of sight threatening adverse events such as corneal ulceration, which may lead to scarring and visual loss. The risk of corneal ulceration is approximately 1 in 3000, 1 in 2000, and 1 in 500 patients per year for hard, soft daily wear, and soft continuous wear lenses, respectively.
3. Lifestyle Considerations -Anything that causes dry eyes, including antihistamines, birth control pills, alcohol and air travel, can make contact lenses uncomfortable, and can increase the risk of an eye infection. In addition, environmental contaminants, such as dust, smoke, sprays and pollen, can irritate the eyes when you wear contacts.
4. Smoking – Smokers are eight times more likely to develop corneal ulcers than non-smokers, no matter which type of contact lenses they wear.
5. Swimming – Swimming with contact lenses is NOT recommended. Bacteria and other organisms can travel from the water into the eye and contact lens. Because of reduced tear exchange with contact lenses your natural ability to “blink away” these contaminants are significantly reduced, allowing for susceptibility and increased risk of infection.
* The above risks may be reduced, but are still possible, with the use of RGP or hard lenses.