How to Avoid Eye infections In Contact Lens Wearers
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Whitby & Co. - Fleet Street Clinic

How to Avoid Eye infections In Contact Lens Wearers

According to the Association of Optometrists, approximately, 9% of UK adults wear contact lenses. It’s no wonder they are popular as they provide a convenient and comfortable alternative to spectacles. 

But while there are many positives to contact lenses, contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of eye infections if they do not clean and care for them correctly.

Eye infections caused by contact lenses have been known to cause long-term damage to the eye if not treated promptly. Some serious infections will likely need emergency care for immediate treatment which would lead to long-term complications such as corneal scarring, reduction in vision, and in some rare cases even necessitate a corneal transplant.

 Even when infections are minor and do not lead to lasting damage, they will often be very painful and disrupt your daily routines – in some cases requiring daily visits to an ophthalmologist, or hourly administration of eyedrops to treat infections and reduce complications. In many cases, there was clear evidence that infection could have been prevented with more careful behaviour, such as not sleeping in contact lenses, and not being worn for longer than recommended.

TOP TIPS FOR CONTACT LENS CARE:

  • The most important: One shouldn’t overwear contact lenses.
  • Do not sleep in contact lenses without first discussing this with your optometrist. Sleeping in contact lenses increases the chance of contact lens-related eye infections by 6 to 8 times.
  • Always use fresh contact lens solution. Adding new solution to the old solution already in your contact lens case can lower its ability to kill germs.
  • Replace your contact lenses as often as recommended by your optometrist. People who do not replace their lenses as often as recommended have more complications and more eye problems than those who follow replacement recommendations carefully.
  • See your optometrist for a check up as often as they advise. During these contact lens appointments, your optometrist will not only assess the general health of your eye but it is also a good opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns you may have regarding your contact lenses. Remember, there are several different options available and it is important to find the right kind based on your individual needs.

If your eyes: 

  • hurt
  • look red
  • or do not see clearly

Remove your contact lenses and do not use them again. Make an appointment with your optician so they can investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Seek urgent care if you see:

  • Flashes
  • Floaters
  • zig zag lines
  • Aura’s
  • or have double vision

 

For a routine eye check up, or if you have any eye problems or concerns about the health of your eyes or your contact lenses, you can book an appointment online here, by calling 020 7353 4455 or by emailing us at info@whitbyonline.com.

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