Contact Lens Problems

What are some problems that may occur with contact lenses?

Problems with contact lenses are rare, but they can occur. Wearing and cleaning your contacts as recommended by your eye care provider can decrease the risks associated with contact lens use. Knowing what to watch for may help you recognize problems and get them treated before they become serious. Some problems that may occur are:

• Corneal ulcer: This is an infection that can lead to loss of vision. It can occur with any type of contact lens. However, the biggest risk factor is wearing your contacts overnight (sleeping with your contacts in your eyes). If you have pain, redness, or tearing, take your contacts out and see your eye care provider right away. Early treatment can often cure the infection. If an infection is not treated, it could become severe and cause permanent scarring and loss of central vision. To help prevent corneal ulcers, sterilize and store your lenses properly, and do not wear them when you are sleeping.
• Tight lens syndrome: A soft contact can dry out on your eye and shrink a little, squeezing the front of your eye like a suction cup. Tight lenses may lead to redness, discomfort, or blurred vision. You may need wetting solution, a looser-fitting lens, or a different type of lens.
• Allergies: Problems caused by allergies are common among contact lens wearers. Contacts can make allergies worse when substances you are allergic to (pollen, for example) stick to your contacts. Even people with no other allergies sometimes become sensitive to the preservatives in contact lens solutions (especially one called thimerosal) or to protein deposits on their lenses. Bumps may form underneath the eyelids (a condition called giant papillary conjunctivitis). Different lens solutions, different contacts, or prescription eyedrops can often help problems related to allergies.
• Cornea problems: Wearing contacts can lead to scratching or swelling of the cornea and the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the cornea. (The cornea is the clear outer layer on the front of the eyeball.) You may feel like there is something in your eye besides your contacts. Cornea problems usually can be treated effectively if they are found early.

What are the symptoms of contact lens problems?

The most important symptoms are redness, discomfort or pain, and decreased vision. If you have any of these symptoms, take your lenses out and see your eye care provider right away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy by faculty at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Web site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/

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