Study by the Centre for Disease Control and prevention found that nearly a million visits to the doctor relate to eye infections from lenses.
Studies suggest that infections occur because people ignore their opticians’ advice. Considering that eyes are so precious, it is surprising that 45% of people dont wash their hands before putting in or taking out their lenses. Other studies show that monthly contact lenses are used for one and a half times longer than recommended.
The biggest cause of infection, however, is overnight wear, says Professor Roger Buckley, associate director of the Vision and Eye Research Unit at Anglia Ruskin University. Sleeping with your lenses in raises the risk of corneal infection twenty times. The cornea is starved of oxygen when lenses are in and eyelids closed, making it less effective as a barrier for keeping out germs.
To ensure your eyes stay healthy with continued contact lens use, you should have your eyes checked regularly, as recommended by your Optometrist. For more information about contact lens hygiene, please contact us.