Contact lens is a great non-surgical way to see the world without glasses. It gives many the freedom to participate in an active lifestyle and the quality of vision is much better compared to glasses in users with high levels of short-sightedness.
However, it is important to remember that contact lens does “stress” the eye in several ways. One of which is to reduce the transfer of oxygen to the window of the eye or cornea. This oxygen deprivation has been associated with complications relating to severe eye infections as well as turning the cornea cloudy. Some of these complications may leave the eye permanently scarred and the patient blinded.
Another common outcome of contact overuse is that the surface of the eye becomes “intolerant” to contact lens resulting in a form of allergic reaction against either the contact lens material or its associated solutions. Allergic conjunctivitis may present with eye redness, tearing, itch or a foreign body sensation sometimes described as though there are fine grains of sand trapped under the upper eyelid.
Fortunately, most cases of contact lens overuse resolve with medications and a period of rest away from the contact lens. Patients may regain their tolerance after several weeks or months.
As a general rule, I advise patients to give contact lens a break of at least 2 days out of a week and not to persist wearing them beyond 6-8 hours per day. Definitely, avoid showering, swimming and sleeping with the contact lens on.
Most patients should be able to keep themselves out of trouble by moderating the use of contact lens and maintaining a high level of hygiene with contact lens use.
Should your symptoms of redness and irritation persist, first stop the use of contact lens then see your optometrist/ophthalmologist for an eye exam to determine the exact problem with your eyes. Hopefully, all you need will be a couple of weeks of anti-inflammtory eyedrops and rest from your contact lens.
Hope you will have many more years of happy contact lens use with the above advice.
