What Are The Negatives of Contact Lenses?

Do you wear contact lenses every day? No doubt, they seem like the perfect solution for clear vision without glasses, but what if you get to know that constant lenses could be damaging your eyes? Do you feel dryness, irritation, or discomfort after wearing them too long? And what about the risks of infections or even permanent vision loss?

In this blog, we’ll uncover the side effects of wearing contact lenses and share how to protect your eyes from eye problems. So, let’s dive in and understand what’s really happening with your eyes when you wear contact lenses!

Problems of Wearing Contact Lenses

While contact lenses may seem like a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses, they come with their own set of risks and side effects, especially when worn long-term. Some of the most common problems people experience with contact lenses include:

• Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Cornea: Lenses can limit the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, which is vital for eye health.
• Dry Eyes and Irritation: Wearing contacts for long hours can lead to dryness, discomfort, and irritation, especially in dry environments or air-conditioned spaces.
• Increased Risk of Infections: If lenses are not cleaned properly or worn for too long, you’re at a higher risk for infections like keratitis, which can damage the eyes.
• Corneal Ulcers: Serious infections can lead to corneal ulcers, which can result in permanent vision loss if not treated properly.

Can I Sleep with Contact Lenses?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when wearing contact lenses is sleeping in them—and many people don’t realize the risks involved. While it may seem like an easy solution to avoid removing your lenses before bed, doing so can cause serious eye problems, such as:

• Sleeping in them for long periods of time deprives your cornea of oxygen, which can lead to swelling and irritation.
• Lenses can trap bacteria and other debris in your eyes, significantly increasing the likelihood of developing eye infections. This infection can cause pain, redness, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
• Prolonged contact lens wear can lead to the development of corneal ulcers, which can permanently impair vision if left untreated.
• While you sleep, your eyes naturally produce fewer tears, which means your contacts can dry out, causing discomfort and irritation when you wake up.

In short, sleeping in contact lenses is a risky habit that can lead to a variety of serious eye issues. It’s always best to remove your lenses before going to sleep and give your eyes the rest they need.

Mistakes That People Make With Their Contacts

Wearing contact lenses requires more than just popping them in every morning. Many people unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to discomfort, eye infections, and even long-term damage. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make with their contacts:

• Not cleaning them properly
• Wearing them for too long
• Sleeping in contacts
• Using expired lenses or solution
• Not washing hands before handling lenses
• Wearing contacts beyond their recommended usage period
• Not giving your eyes a break
• Ignoring eye irritation or discomfort

Tips to Use Contact Lenses Safely

Following the right practices ensures your contact lenses are safe and comfortable. Here are some important tips to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses:

• Before touching your lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid transferring dirt, oils, or bacteria to your eyes.
• Use the recommended cleaning solution to disinfect your lenses every day. Never use water or saliva to clean them.
• Avoid wearing your contact lenses for extended periods. Follow the recommended time limit for daily wear (usually 8-12 hours) to give your eyes a break.
• Give your eyes a break every few hours. Remove your lenses and wear glasses for a while, especially if you’re working in front of a screen for extended periods.
• Follow the replacement schedule for your lenses—whether they’re daily, weekly, or monthly lenses. Don’t extend their use beyond the recommended period.
• Never sleep with your contact lenses in, unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. 
• Always store your contact lenses in a clean lens case with fresh disinfecting solution. Never store them in water or use a dirty case.
• Always check the expiry dates of your contact lenses and solutions.b
• If your eyes become red, irritated, or uncomfortable, remove your contact lenses immediately and consult your doctor.

By following these tips, you can ensure safe and comfortable use of your contact lenses, keeping your eyes healthy and reducing the risk of infections or complications.

Get Permanent Relief From Contacts With LASIK

If you’re ready to free yourself from the daily maintenance of contact lenses and glasses, LASIK surgery can give you the freedom of clear, hassle-free vision for life!

Here’s why LASIK and TransPRK are ideal alternatives:

• Permanent Vision Correction: Both LASIK and TransPRK permanently reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, eliminating the need for contact lenses or glasses.
• No More Dry Eyes and Irritation: Unlike contacts, which can cause dry eyes and irritation, LASIK and TransPRK provide a comfortable, long-term solution with minimal post-surgery discomfort.
• Safe and Quick Procedure: LASIK and TransPRK are fast and safe procedures, typically completed in just 10-15 minutes. Most patients experience clear vision the very next day.
• Flapless Option Available: With flapless LASIK procedures like CustomEyes and TransPRK, there’s no risk of flap complications, and the procedure is undetectable during medical exams, making it ideal for military, aviation, or other specialized professions.
• Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While LASIK may have an initial cost, it’s a one-time investment that eliminates the ongoing costs of contact lenses and solutions. Over time, LASIK is more affordable than continually buying new contact lenses.

Conclusion

While contact lenses may seem like a convenient option, they come with a range of side effects like dry eyes, irritation, and the risk of infections. The hassle of cleaning, taking breaks, and dealing with discomfort can add up over time.

If you’re tired of the risks and complications, LASIK surgery offers a safe, permanent solution to correct your vision without the need for contacts or glasses. With flapless LASIK options like CustomEyes and TransPRK, you can enjoy clear vision with no downtime and minimal risk.

Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK Surgery at EyeMantra. Book your free appointment now at +91 9711116605!