Contact Wearers Are Susceptible to These Eye Infections

When contact lenses became available more than 50 years ago, they were a hit with people who disliked wearing eyeglasses. But as with other medical devices, contact lenses need to be properly cleaned, cared for and used. Doing otherwise could result in eye infections. 

The office of Island Vision provides a warm and welcoming experience for each patient. When you visit our office, you receive the finest and most advanced optometry care. We also offer eye checkups, vision prescriptions and a wide range of stylish eyeglass frames.

These are some “invaders” that can attack the eyes of lens wearers.

Bacteria. The microorganisms that normally inhabit your mouth, skin and nose can become a hazardous combination if they’ve gathered on a contact lens and you have any kind of small scratch on your eye. Staphylococcus aureus is a germ that about 30 percent of people have in their noses. This stubborn and tough-to-treat ailment can easily get in your eyes via your hands, so it’s imperative that you wash your hands often and keep them away from your eyes. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It’s a common cause of bacterial keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea. You could lose your vision permanently, so it’s vital that you properly and religiously clean and disinfect your contacts and their cases. 

Viruses. Herpes simplex—the type that creates cold sores and sexually transmitted diseases—can spur viral keratitis. It can easily be transmitted to your eye from one of your hands that’s touched an active herpes sore. A cornea can also become inflamed by a viral upper respiratory infection and the chickenpox virus. 

These tips will lower your risk of infections.

• Keep your lenses case meticulously clean, and replace it every few months. 
• Never reuse cleaning solution. 
• Remove your lenses—even the kinds made for extended wear—before you turn in for the night. 
• Remove your contacts before napping, showering, bathing, swimming or soaking in a hot tub. 
• The average person touches his face about 23 times an hour. That’s 23 opportunities for bacteria and other bad stuff to get into your eyes! Wash your hands often.

Your eyesight is precious. You must take every measure possible to protect it. Island Vision’s main mission is to bring you back to your best well-being. We pride ourselves on our ability to fulfill our mission to deliver superior patient care. To find out how we can help you, please come by or call us to schedule an appointment.