Is Your Eye Infection Fully Treated? Discomfort with Contacts

Is the eye infected?

Dr.
Chen: Several years ago, I developed an infection due to wearing contact lenses, and I have been undergoing treatment for some time.
Now, whenever I occasionally wear disposable contact lenses, I feel a foreign body sensation in my left eye, which is very uncomfortable.
Could it be that the infection was not fully treated?

selina, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/08/18

Dr. Chen Mengde reply Ophthalmology

Wearing contact lenses can lead to corneal infections, often due to improper cleaning of the lenses combined with sleeping while wearing them, which reduces the cornea's defense capabilities.
Pathogens responsible for corneal infections from contact lenses include bacteria, fungi, and amoebas.
Among these, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen for contact lens users.
Corneal inflammation is a serious eye condition; if scarring exceeds 1.5 mm or involves the pupil area, it can lead to significant long-term complications, resulting in persistent vision impairment and discomfort.

When a bacterial infection occurs in the cornea, a scraping culture is performed to identify the specific bacteria involved.
Even before identifying the bacterial strain, intensive antibiotic eye drops are required, sometimes every thirty minutes, including during sleep.
Daily follow-ups may be necessary, and some hospitals may admit patients for observation to prevent rapid disease progression.
Once the bacteria and fungi are eliminated from the cornea, the infection is considered treated.
Doctors will make clinical judgments based on the appearance of the cornea under a slit lamp.
If you experienced an infection from wearing contact lenses years ago, it is difficult to assess without a personal examination.
However, it is rare for infections to persist for many years; most treatments are a race against time to eliminate the bacteria before they cause significant tissue damage.
Successfully treating the infection does not guarantee the absence of long-term effects.
The cornea is normally a clear, smooth tissue, but once infected and injured, it can scar.
In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision.
In milder cases, irregularities can lead to astigmatism and an uneven corneal surface, causing discomfort, especially when wearing contact lenses.
There are many reasons for the sensation of a foreign body when wearing contact lenses.
Disposable contact lenses often have a high water content (>50%), which can lead to dryness over time.
Disposable lenses are typically one-size-fits-all; if the curvature is too tight or too loose, it can also cause discomfort.
If you have a history of corneal ulcers, the issue of foreign body sensation with contact lenses becomes even more complex.
It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist with your contact lenses to select the most suitable ones for you.
There are many brands and types of contact lenses available, and they cannot be generalized.
However, disposable lenses generally reduce the hassle of cleaning and are less likely to cause corneal infections, although they can be expensive, leading some to reuse them.
Please do not do this.
Here are ten recommendations regarding the use of contact lenses:
1.
If possible, avoid wearing contact lenses.
2.
Limit daily wear to no more than eight hours.
3.
Do not sleep in contact lenses, including during naps.
4.
Clean contact lenses (non-disposable) daily with your fingers.
5.
Use single-use small packages for all cleaning solutions.
6.
Perform enzymatic cleaning weekly.
7.
If your eyes are too dry but you want to wear contact lenses, soak them in saline solution for about ten minutes to rehydrate before wearing.
8.
When outdoors, wear prescription glasses or sunglasses.
9.
Use artificial tears specifically designed for contact lenses to reduce dryness and discomfort.
10.
Once daily disposable contact lenses are removed from the eyes, do not reinsert them.
Thank you for your inquiry; Changhua Hospital is concerned about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2010/08/18

More Info

When it comes to eye infections, particularly those related to contact lens use, it's crucial to understand the underlying issues that may contribute to ongoing discomfort or complications. In your case, having experienced an eye infection several years ago due to contact lens use, it’s understandable to be concerned about whether the infection was fully treated or if there are lingering effects.

Firstly, infections caused by contact lenses can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers or scarring, which may result in long-term vision problems. The most common pathogens associated with contact lens-related infections include bacteria, fungi, and amoebas, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being a frequent culprit. If the infection was not completely resolved, it could lead to scarring or irregularities in the corneal surface, which might explain the sensation of having a foreign body in your eye when wearing contact lenses.

The discomfort you are experiencing when wearing disposable contact lenses could be attributed to several factors:
1. Corneal Surface Irregularities: If there was any scarring or irregularity on the cornea from the previous infection, it could lead to discomfort when wearing contact lenses. The lenses may not sit properly on the cornea, causing irritation.

2. Lens Fit and Material: Disposable contact lenses come in various materials and designs. If the curvature or size of the lens does not match your eye's shape, it can lead to discomfort. Additionally, high water content lenses can dry out quickly, especially in dry environments, leading to a feeling of discomfort.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome: If you have a tendency toward dry eyes, wearing contact lenses can exacerbate this condition, leading to discomfort. This is particularly common with extended wear of lenses or in environments with low humidity.

4. Allergic Reactions: Sometimes, the materials used in contact lenses or the solutions used for cleaning them can cause allergic reactions, leading to discomfort and irritation.

5. Residual Infection or Inflammation: If there was any residual infection or inflammation from your previous condition, it could be reactivated or exacerbated by wearing contact lenses.

Given these possibilities, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can perform a thorough examination to assess the health of your cornea and determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. They may also recommend specific types of lenses that are better suited for your eyes or suggest alternative vision correction methods if contact lenses continue to cause discomfort.

In the meantime, here are some recommendations to help manage your discomfort:
- Limit Wear Time: If you experience discomfort, try to limit the time you wear your contact lenses. Gradually increase wear time as tolerated.

- Use Artificial Tears: Consider using preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate your eyes while wearing lenses.

- Follow Proper Hygiene: Ensure you are following proper hygiene practices when handling your contact lenses, including washing your hands thoroughly and using the recommended cleaning solutions.

- Consult Your Eye Care Provider: If discomfort persists, seek professional advice. They may suggest a different lens type, a change in cleaning solutions, or additional treatments to address any underlying issues.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your previous infection may have left some lasting effects, it is equally possible that other factors are contributing to your current discomfort. A thorough evaluation by an eye care professional is the best way to determine the cause and find an appropriate solution.

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