Study: Contact Lenses May Cause Potentially Blinding Eye Infections
DENVER (CBS4)- A new study shows that nearly one million Americans went to the emergency room last year because of a potentially blinding eye infection that may be caused by contact lenses.
The infection, called keratitis, is a severe inflammation of the cornea, the clear protective dome that sits over the colored part of the eye.
The report published on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, shows that as more Americans use contacts, more take unhealthy shortcuts.
In severe cases, keratitis can scar the cornea and can even result in loss of vision.
There are a lot of reasons for keratitis including dirty fingers, poor handling of contacts, improper cleaning, improper storage, using a pair of contacts for more than the recommended shelf life, even too much time on the computer or smartphone.
The best way to keep keratitis at bay:
- Wash your hands before touching the lenses
- Don't lick, use saliva or tap water to moisturize dry lenses
- Don't sleep with contacts in because your corneas need air
- Take them out before showering
- Don't just clean the contacts with cleaning solution, also clean the case
- Replace the cases at least every three months.
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