Why contact lenses are not suitable for everyone
Contact lenses provide a convenient alternative to glasses. Made from soft plastic, they sit directly on the surface of the cornea and correct a variety of vision problems. Some people also use coloured contact lenses as an accessory, enhancing the natural colour of their iris or changing it completely. While most people can wear lenses without issue, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain eye conditions can make them uncomfortable and even risky to wear. Here we investigate several reasons why they may not be for you.
Dry eye
Dry eye is a condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears, or your tears dry up very quickly. It can limit your ability to wear contact lenses because they reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the eye and make symptoms worse. Some lenses may also interfere with the function of the tear film and cause it to thin. If you have severe dry eye, you may not be able to wear lenses at all. If your symptoms are mild, however, you may be able to wear lenses occasionally and use artificial tears to help relieve discomfort.
Eye allergies
If you suffer from eye allergies, wearing contact lenses can make them worse. The allergens that cause the reaction can become stuck to the lenses, exacerbating symptoms. If you treat the allergies with medication this can cause dry eye, which again can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.
Anterior blepharitis
Anterior blepharitis is a condition that affects the outside of the eyelid, causing it to become inflamed. It’s often associated with either dandruff or bacteria, resulting in waxy scales or hard crusts forming around the eyelashes. Wearing contact lenses with this condition can put you at risk of an eye infection, as the bacteria from the eyelid can be transferred to the lens.
Unusual prescriptions
While contact lenses are used to correct all sorts of sight issues, including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, those with an unusual or strong prescription may find their vision is less clear with lenses than with glasses. In such cases contact lenses do not always provide the same clarity and sharpness as a pair of optical glasses and can therefore be an inferior solution for your needs.
Contact lens intolerance
There are some people for whom contact lenses are simply uncomfortable, regardless of the type of lens they use. Deposit buildups, lens material, humidity and the body’s immune system all play a part in how comfortable it is to wear lenses - and for some of us they cause irritation whatever we try.
Swimming
If you’re a keen swimmer, a swim instructor, or someone who spends a lot of time in and around water, contact lenses may not be a good option for you. Contact lenses should not be exposed to any type of water, be it from the tap or chlorinated water in a pool, as bacteria can get onto them and increase the risk of eye infections.
If you’re thinking of investing in contact lenses be sure to search ‘optometrist near me’ and get professional advice. At The Eye Establishment in Kensington, our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive sight check and eye health assessments and can advise on whether contact lenses are right for you. Contact us today to make an appointment.