Eye Health Issues Caused by Contact Lens Wear

Q: Eye Health Issues Caused by Contact Lens Wear

Subject： Response to Hypoxia Caused by Contact Lenses (C.L.)<br>Explanation： Contact lenses can cause redness and pain in the eyes, which may be due to improper fitting—either too loose or too tight. <br>When properly fitted, soft contact lenses should have a slight movement of a

Diseases Caused by Wearing Contact Lenses

I used to wear contact lenses when I was in the ninth grade.
After about one or two months, I noticed that my eyes were painful, red, swollen, and filled with blood vessels.
I consulted an ophthalmologist, who told me that it was due to lack of oxygen.
Even now, as a senior in high school, I still feel that my eyes have not fully recovered.
My right eye seems different from my left eye; the right eye easily becomes bloodshot and feels very dry, unlike the left eye, which feels moist.
Two days ago, I got a new pair of contact lenses, the best available.
They had me try them on, but after removing the lenses, my eyes started to feel slightly painful and showed signs of redness about half an hour later.
However, they felt better the next day.
I would like to ask the doctor if my eyes can recover from the lack of oxygen caused by wearing contact lenses.
Can I wear contact lenses now? Is there a way to improve the redness in my eyes? Thank you.

Xiaozi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/10/29

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology

Subject: Response to Hypoxia Caused by Contact Lenses (C.L.)
Explanation: Contact lenses can cause redness and pain in the eyes, which may be due to improper fitting—either too loose or too tight.
When properly fitted, soft contact lenses should have a slight movement of about 1mm on the surface of the cornea.
Based on your medical history, it is possible that your lenses are too tight.
Switching to lenses with a larger curvature can improve this issue, and of course, the hypoxia problem can also be resolved.

Reply Date: 2000/10/29

More Info

When it comes to eye health issues related to contact lens wear, your experience highlights several important factors that can affect the comfort and health of your eyes. Contact lenses can provide excellent vision correction, but they also come with risks, especially if they are not used properly or if the eyes are sensitive to them.

Firstly, the symptoms you described—pain, redness, and dryness—are common indicators of contact lens-related complications. These symptoms can arise from several factors, including hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the cornea), dryness, and even allergic reactions to the lens material or cleaning solutions. When contact lenses are worn, they can limit the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, especially if they are not designed for extended wear. This can lead to corneal swelling, redness, and discomfort.

In your case, the fact that your right eye feels different from your left eye could suggest a few possibilities. It may indicate that your right eye is more sensitive or that there is a difference in how each eye responds to the contact lenses. This could be due to anatomical differences, such as the shape of the cornea or the presence of any underlying conditions like dry eye syndrome, which can exacerbate discomfort when wearing lenses.

To address your concerns about the recovery of your eyes after experiencing hypoxia, it is important to understand that the cornea has a remarkable ability to heal. If you have experienced hypoxia due to contact lens wear, the cornea can recover once you discontinue wearing the lenses for a period of time. However, the duration of recovery can vary based on the severity of the condition and individual factors. It is crucial to give your eyes a break from contact lenses and allow them to heal properly.

Regarding your question about whether you can continue to wear contact lenses, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess the health of your eyes and determine if it is safe for you to wear lenses again. If you do decide to wear contact lenses, consider the following tips to improve your comfort and eye health:
1. Choose the Right Lens: Opt for lenses that are designed for your specific needs. For example, if you have dry eyes, consider lenses that are made from materials that retain moisture or are designed for sensitive eyes.

2. Follow Proper Hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling your lenses, and ensure that you clean and store them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Limit Wear Time: Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods, especially if you experience discomfort. Give your eyes regular breaks by wearing glasses instead.

4. Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness, using preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable while wearing lenses.

5. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye care provider to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure that your lenses are fitting properly.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain overall eye moisture.

7. Consider Daily Disposables: If you are prone to discomfort, daily disposable lenses may be a good option as they reduce the risk of buildup and irritation.

In conclusion, while contact lenses can be a convenient option for vision correction, they require careful management to avoid complications. If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort, it is crucial to seek professional advice to ensure the health of your eyes and to discuss the best options for your vision needs. Your eye health is paramount, and taking the necessary steps to protect it will help you maintain clear and comfortable vision in the long run.

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