Difficulties of contact lenses
Compared to glasses, contact lenses require more care, a higher rate of complications (corneal inflammation), greater stress on the eye (lack of oxygen and mechanical damage) and make more frequent ophthalmological checks necessary. This is especially true when working in dusty jobs and in environments that dry out (such as draughty environments, air conditioning, computer work).
Importance of regular checks
All types of contact lenses can cause damage to the surface of the eye. Especially with soft contact lenses, this can go on for a long time without any complaints. Permanent damage can best be prevented if problems are detected early.
For this reason, expert lens fitting by a trained optician is necessary and the lens material must also be adapted to the individual needs of the eye. It is also important that regular check-ups are carried out by the optician. In case of unclear symptoms, such as a red eye, deterioration of vision or pain, a checkup at the ophthalmologist is particularly urgent.
If one does not react in time in the case of a constant lack of oxygen under the contact lens, this can lead to an excessive ingrowth of veins into the cornea of the eye, which is normally free of vessels and is supplied with oxygen from outside via the tear fluid and oxygen supply. Such damage occurs not only as a cause of maladjusted contact lenses but also when the recommended wearing time of contact lenses is not observed. There is then the threat of permanent loss of visual acuity due to progressive corneal clouding.
Importance of corneal infections and hygiene
Approximately 50% of all corneal infections caused by bacteria occur in connection with contact lenses. Often this depends on the material of the contact lenses. Soft contact lenses, as well as overnight wearing, drastically increase the frequency of infections, whereby one must list hygiene problems as the main cause. In about 58% of wearers do not do the evening rinsing and contact lens discs (for hard lenses). In addition, sportsmen and smokers are increasingly affected by infection due to the glucose deficiency and anaerobic metabolism.
