Contact Lens Related Problems

The great majority of complaints coming from contact lens wearers involve relatively minor, easily treated problems. But some common eye diseases, disorders and contacts-related complications can lead to more significant problems. Symptoms of serious problems include pain, irritation, sensitivity to light, redness, discharge or blurred vision. Any of these symptoms, if persistent, should prompt a visit to your eye doctor. Here are some of the main problems:

Corneal Abrasion
This most common problem occurs when a particle of abrasive material gets under the lens (which happens far more often with RGP lenses than with soft lenses). It also may result from wearing an RGP lens with an edge defect or a soft lens with an edge tear. If pain persists, medical treatment may be required. Infection of a corneal abrasion may lead to a vision-threatening corneal ulcer.

Dry Eye Syndrome
Also called “tight lens syndrome,” this is another very common malady in which people cannot produce tears in enough quantity or quality to maintain lens performance and corneal health. Dehydration can lead to reduced oxygen transmission and increased risk of infection. Intermittent dry eye can be induced by a variety of factors, including heavy alcohol consumption, use of an oral contraceptive, or just dry, windy weather. When it is a chronic problem, wearing time has to be reduced and a preservative-free “artificial tear” solution should be used often. Consult an eye doctor for recommendations.

Conjunctivitis
An infection of the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and connected to the sclera. Usually bacterial but sometimes viral, it is caused primarily by the wearer’s failure to disinfect the lenses or to wash his or her hands. Symptoms include red eyes, often some discharge that causes the eyes to be “stuck together” upon wakening, and sometimes a burning sensation. Warm compresses can be an effective therapy, but medical treatment may be required if it persists. Lenses should not be worn if there is discharge that sticks the lids together.

Keratitis
An infection or inflammation of the cornea, having potentially vision-threatening complications if not properly treated. Symptoms include pain and sensitivity to light. It is most common with soft lenses that are not properly disinfected, or that have been stored or rinsed with contaminated water or solutions. It requires medical treatment—on an emergency basis when severe.

Corneal Edema
A swelling of the cornea, caused by insufficient oxygen supply. It is most often brought on by improper use of extended wear lenses. Symptoms include hazy vision, halos around lights and pain upon removal of lenses. Allowing the condition to continue could result in permanent scarring and infection. It might be necessary to replace lenses or to limit or eliminate sleeping with lenses in.Many people wearing contacts experience halos around lights at night, and sometimes “ghost images.” This is mostly normal—occurring when the pupil is dilated to a size larger than the optical area of a soft lens or the lens itself in the case of an RGP. But seeing a rainbow around lights indicates corneal swelling, meaning that the lenses have been worn too long and should be removed.Blurred vision in one eye or the other with a lens that was previously clear could indicate a more serious eye problem and should be checked. Again, any persistent symptom should get the attention of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Blepharitis
A backup of the oil glands on the lid margins, often accompanied by overgrowth of normal skin bacteria around the lashes. Lack of oil in the tears produces poor quality tears and “dry eyes,” and also increases contact lens deposits. Daily hot packing of the lids with a hot washcloth, followed by side-to-side scrubbing of the lashes with the cloth is often recommended to eliminate or alleviate this condition.