The use of contact lenses has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering convenience and clear vision without the need for traditional eyeglasses. However, improper use or neglect of contact lenses can lead to serious eye health issues, particularly damage to the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Here’s everything you should know about cornea damage due to lenses and essential tips to ensure safe usage: What Is Corneal Damage That Affected Jasmine Bhasin? Know Proper Guidelines for Contact Lens Wear and Care Practices.

Understanding Cornea Damage

The cornea is a crucial part of the eye responsible for refracting light to help us see clearly. When contact lenses are worn incorrectly or for extended periods without proper care, they can cause various types of damage to the cornea:

Corneal Abrasions: These are small scratches on the surface of the cornea, often caused by debris trapped under the lens or by improper handling during insertion or removal.

Corneal Ulcers: These are more serious infections of the cornea, typically caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal agents. Improper lens hygiene, extended wear, or sleeping in lenses can increase the risk of corneal ulcers.

Corneal Neovascularization: Prolonged use of contact lenses can reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea, leading to the growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization). This condition can compromise vision and increase the risk of other complications.

Things to Keep in Mind While Wearing Lenses:

To minimize the risk of cornea damage and ensure safe contact lens use, consider the following guidelines:

Consultation with an Eye Care Professional: Before starting to wear contact lenses, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will determine the correct type of lenses for your eyes and provide instructions on proper wear and care.

Follow Proper Hygiene Practices: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses. Use lint-free towels to dry your hands to avoid transferring lint or other debris to the lenses.

Use Recommended Solutions: Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses. Never use saliva, tap water, or homemade solutions, as they can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes.

Replace Lenses as Directed: Different types of contact lenses have varying lifespans—daily disposables, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. Follow the prescribed replacement schedule strictly to prevent buildup of deposits on the lenses and reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid Extended Wear and Sleeping in Lenses: Unless prescribed otherwise by your eye care professional, avoid wearing lenses overnight or for extended periods beyond the recommended wear time. Extended wear reduces oxygen supply to the cornea and increases the risk of infections.

Handle Lenses Carefully: Avoid touching the tip of the solution bottle to any surface to prevent contamination. Additionally, do not transfer lenses to another storage case without first cleaning and disinfecting it thoroughly.

Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your eye care professional to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure that your lenses fit properly and comfortably.

By adhering to these guidelines and being mindful of proper lens care and hygiene practices, you can enjoy clear vision with minimal risk to your eye health. Remember, your eyes are precious—taking good care of them ensures long-term vision health and comfort while wearing contact lenses.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2024 10:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).