Improper care of contact lenses can lead to serious eye infections. It’s crucial to follow your ophthalmologist’s recommendations for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them with precision.

Contact lenses are delicate, transparent lenses that rest on the surface of your eyes, enhancing vision by correcting refractive errors including:

• Myopia, or Nearsightedness: This prevalent refractive error affects children and young people, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
• Hyperopia, or Farsightedness: Nearby objects appear blurry while distant objects are seen clearly.
• Astigmatism: Results from irregularities in the curvature of the cornea or the eye’s internal lens, causing blurred or distorted vision.

Contact lenses are primarily used to correct vision problems, but there are also cosmetic lenses available to change your eye color.

Exploring Different Types of Contact Lenses

A wide range of contact lenses is available today, each offering unique benefits and limitations.

• Soft Contact Lenses: Known for their comfort, simplicity in handling, and excellent vision correction.
• Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses: Offer superior vision correction but may require an adjustment period.
• Scleral Contact Lenses: Larger lenses that sit on the sclera, beneficial for individuals with dry eye disease.
• Daily Disposable vs. Planned Replacement: Daily disposables are discarded each day, while planned replacements can last up to 30 days.
• Cosmetic Contact Lenses: Designed to change the appearance of your eyes, requiring a prescription for safe use.

Who Should Avoid Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses may not be suitable if you:

• Suffer from dry eye disease
• Experience frequent eye infections
• Have severe allergies
• Spend time in dusty or smoky environments
• Struggle to maintain proper lens hygiene

Complications of Wearing Contact Lenses

Using contact lenses can increase the chance of developing complications, including:

• Microbial Keratitis: A serious infection targeting the cornea.
• Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the surface of your cornea that may lead to infections.
• Contact-Lens-Induced Acute Red Eye (CLARE): Occurs due to irritation from contact lenses.
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): Characterized by redness and irritation, requiring a break from contact lens wear.

How to Wear Contacts Safely

For tailored advice, consult your eye care specialist. To reduce the risk of complications, follow these key practices:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts.
• Clean your contacts and case according to your ophthalmologist’s instructions.
• Avoid water exposure to your contacts.
• Remove contacts before bed unless approved for overnight wear.
• Follow the recommended replacement schedule.
• Schedule regular eye check-ups.

Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lens

Selecting the appropriate contact lens depends on your individual needs. For personalized guidance, consult your ophthalmologist.

For expert care, visit ASG Eye Hospital, Asia’s largest eye care network and a pioneer in advanced eye care.