Did you know wearing contact lens can lead to eye infections? Studies show that there are at least five types of contact-lens related eye infections which can lead to eye damage. You are vulnerable at the risk of developing several eye infections which makes it imperative to schedule regular appointments with your eye doctor for proper examination and treatment.
What Causes Eye Infections?
The common cause of eye infection is the harmful bacteria, virus, and fungi which enter our eye and affect the area around the eye ball which includes the cornea and conjunctiva.
Some common causes of eye infections are:
- Shingles
- Herpes Simplex
- Ocular Histoplasmosis syndrome
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Lack of contact lens care
- Bacterial Keratitis
Symptoms of an Eye Infection
- Swelling on eyelids
- Rusting of eyelid
- Tears
- Redness in eye
- Discharge
- Pain in eye
- Itching in eye
- Involuntary blinking
Complications Associated with Eye Infections
- Uveitis- inflammation of Uvea
- Chalazion- bump inside upper and lower eyelid
- Dacryocystitis- inflammation in the tear sac
- Orbital Cellulitis- infection in tissues surrounding your eye
- Corneal Ulcer- red eye with pain and hampered vision
- Endophthalmitis- inflammation in the interior of your eye
- Stye- red bump near edge of the eyelid
- Dacryostenosis- blocking of tear duct
Eye Infection Treatment
- Wash eyes with clean hands. Rinse hands with warm water using a non-cosmetic soap.
- Clean the contacts with the help of a cleaning solution but avoid using water as it contains microorganism which can cause infection.
- Clean the lens case with hot water and replace the case every 3 months. In case of an eye infection, replace it immediately.
- Use cleaners, or drops that are suggested by eye doctor for cleaning your lenses.
- Don’t contaminate your solution bottles by preventing the tips to touch your lens, fingers, or eyes.
- Never wash other’s contact lenses.
- Wear lens only till the time your doctor recommends.
- Avoid sleeping wearing contact lens.
