Contact lenses are safe and easy to use and could be a practical choice for you. While most people can wear contact lenses with no problem, there is a chance of infection if you are not careful. Fortunately, it is not hard to prevent infections. Here is more information about the types, signs, treatment, and prevention of contact lens-related infection to help you be more informed when you see your eye doctor.
What Types of Infections Plague Contact Lens Wearers?
The most common types of eye infections are non-infectious and infectious keratitis, or corneal inflammation. Scratched corneas from improper contact lens use is a form of non-infectious keratitis. Viruses (such as herpes), bacteria, and parasites cause infectious keratitis. If not treated properly, both types of keratitis can damage your cornea so bad that you may need a transplant.
What are the Signs of Eye Infection?
If you have an eye infection, then you will likely notice pain or a pressure feeling in the eye area. Your eyes may look red and feel itchy, and your eyelids could feel swollen and stiff. Watery eyes and a pus-like discharge are also not uncommon. In severe cases, your vision will appear blurry and you could notice an increase in light sensitivity.
How Will the Eye Doctor Treat an Infection?
First, your eye doctor will give you an exam to rule out or diagnose more serious issues. For mild to moderate cases of infectious keratitis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic or anti-fungal eye drops. There is no treatment needed for non-infectious keratitis, but an eye patch can help protect your eye until it heals. You will have to stop wearing your contact lenses while your eyes are healing. More serious infections or permanent damage that affects your eyesight will require surgery.
How Can Eye Infections be Prevented?
Prevent eye infections by following your doctor's and the contact lens manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Use only commercially-made contact lens solution and never tap water or a homemade solution as these are ineffective. Tap water could contain bacteria or parasites that are resistant to cleaning, so remove your contact lenses before you shower or swim. Give your eyes a break and go without your contact lenses once in a while. Dispose and replace your contacts at the proper intervals.
There is no need to worry about eye infections if you decide to wear contacts, especially if you do everything right when it comes to cleaning them and keeping your eyes healthy. You should enjoy clear vision for as long as you wear your lenses. If you think contact lenses might be a good choice for you, then talk to your eye doctor about being fitted for them as well as caring for your eyes while you have them.
Get in touch with a business like Cripe Stephens & Stickel to learn more.
Share20 February 2019
Do you remember the last time you thought about the quality of your vision? Although it can be easy to write off vision problems as a simple frustration, taking the time to visit your eye doctor might help you to take care of important aspects of your day to day life. In addition to making your vision more comfortable with the right pair of frames or the right contact lenses, going to the eye doctor might also help you to keep up with your overall eye care. If you have an undetected disease or illness, your eye doctor might mention it before it affects your health. Read this blog for more information.
