“It’s just a little nap; I don’t have to take my lenses out. I can sleep with them on.”

“My lenses have expired; it’s okay to wear them for one more day.”

“I don’t have to take the lenses out to shower; I’m a regular user.”

If you wear contact lenses to avoid glasses, you have probably said something similar. Lenses not only provide clear vision and the freedom to remove glasses, but they also boost confidence and enhance appearance.

However, these tiny pieces of crystal and plastic can pose a serious threat to your eye health.

Recently TV actress Jasmin Bhasin suffered corneal damage after wearing contact lenses for an event. Corneal damage can be serious and should not be taken lightly. Let’s find out from experts if your favourite lenses can harm your eyes.

Understanding the Cornea

“The cornea is a dome-shaped tissue that forms the outermost transparent layer of the eye. It is an important protective layer as it works with the lens by focusing our vision. The dome shape refracts light entering the eye, focusing it on the retina and helping in the formation of images. Any damage to the cornea that results in tissue damage is considered a corneal injury/damage,” Dr. Neeraj Shah, Chief Medical Officer and Consultant in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Services, Shankar Eye Hospital, Jaipur, explained. india today,

Doctors say that there can be many reasons for damage to the cornea. Usually, it involves physical injury caused by an object, accident or surgery.

Infections, improper use of contact lenses, exposure to UV rays, damage due to diabetes or autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies are also some of the causes of corneal damage.

Dr. Shah explains, “Damage to the cornea can lead to vision loss. Though not all corneal damage leads to vision loss, it mainly depends on the severity, type of damage, initial treatment and post-treatment treatment of corneal damage.” He further adds, “Vision loss is likely in specific conditions such as corneal abrasions, ulcers, keratitis, edema, dystrophy and burns. Any damage left unchecked, especially if it is aggressive, can lead to vision loss.”

Can lenses cause damage?

Dr. Bhavya Reddy, Ophthalmologist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that contact lenses can be harmful to the cornea if not used properly.

These pose risks including infection due to poor hygiene, hypoxia due to reduced oxygen delivery to the cornea, and physical abrasions due to incorrect use of lenses.

Although it is quite rare, inadequate or delayed treatment can result in scarring of the cornea, leading to loss of vision.

Abrasion occurs due to poorly fitting lenses, incorrect method of removing or wearing lenses, and repeated use of dirty lenses. When the abrasion becomes infected and when dirty lenses are worn for a long period of time, along with the infection, it leads to damage.

Additionally, using lenses overnight can sometimes cause inflammation of the cornea.

Symptoms and Treatment

• Eye pain or discomfort, which may present as blurriness and distortion of vision
• Redness in the eye
• sensitivity to light
• excessive tearing or discharge
• feeling like there’s an object inside your eye

Talking about the treatment of corneal damage, Dr Vaibhav Kanse, Ophthalmologist, Apollo Clinic, Pune, explains:

• MedicineTreatment of corneal damage with antibiotics or antifungals depends on the type of infection.
• Soothing dropsWhen a person’s eyes become dry and have itching or scratching problems, these drops help in soothing the eyes.
• eye transplantCornea transplantation is performed when the patient’s eye is severely damaged and there is no hope.

Further, Dr Reddy explains that the treatment of corneal damage depends on the cause and severity. Minor injuries can be cured with appropriate eye drops and avoiding lens use for a short period of time. More severe cases may require special contact lenses (bandage lenses).

Does this mean it is not safe to wear lenses?

“Wearing contact lenses is safe as long as you follow proper hygiene rules and use them as intended. The risk increases in case of inadequate handling and ignoring recommended practices,” says Dr. Kanse.

Know what to do and what not to do

• Wash and dry your hands before touching the lenses
• Replace the lens and lens case as advised
• Always keep your lenses in a contact lens case
• To clean the lenses, soak them in the solution overnight and use fresh solution each time
• Be sure to wear protective clothing to prevent damage to the lenses.
• Get regular check-ups from your ophthalmologist
• Always remove lenses before sleeping
• Do not sleep with daily wear contact lenses
• Never share your used contacts with other people
• Do not ignore eye pain or discomfort
• Do not wash your face while wearing lenses
• Do not use expired lenses or solutions

Lens vs. laser correction

“Both options have their pros and cons,” says Dr Niraj Shah, adding that it is a personal decision based on individual preference.

Dr. Bhavya Reddy explained that the lenses are non-invasive, making them an attractive option before undergoing surgery. Laser correction provides a permanent solution to vision problems without the need for daily maintenance.

However, laser correction comes with a number of risks and can cause complications later on. There have been many such scary experiences of people who regretted having the surgery.

It is important to note that contact lenses are a reversible option, where depending on comfort, a person can go back to prescription glasses. Additionally, if a person is not willing to pay the upfront cost of surgery or, due to certain medical conditions, surgery cannot be performed, contact lenses are an immediate option.

In both cases, hygiene and preventive measures are essential to ensure that the cornea is not damaged.

Dr. Vaibhav Kanse concludes, “It completely depends on individual needs, lifestyle and eye health whether you should use lenses or undergo laser surgery. If you consult an eye care professional, they will help you choose the best option for you according to your condition and medical suitability.”