Synonyms in a broader sense
Adhesive lenses, adhesive shells, adhesive lenses, glasses engl. : contact lenses
Risks and side effects
The most common side effects are intolerance and infections, but if used correctly and not too long wearing time, contact lenses are usually well tolerated and harmless to the eyes.
Infections
Infections can only be prevented by meticulous hygiene, as described in the paragraph on contact lens care. Bacterial or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) is the most common, itching, burning and foreign body sensation. Also increased eye tears, sticky deposits on the eyelids and even purulent secretions are possible.
If an inflammation of the conjunctiva is suspected, a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist, should be consulted immediately. Infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi can also spread to other parts of the eye, e.g. to the cornea (keratitis) or the iris (iritis). In both cases, the same symptoms are present as in conjunctivitis, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and moderate to severe pain.
The eye looks red and inflamed. These symptoms also require immediate medical attention. If the contact lenses are forgotten once overnight and remain in the eye, this can lead to swelling of the cornea.
This can manifest itself as light sensitivity and blurred vision, as if you were looking through fog or smoke. Contact lenses should not be worn for a few days to protect the cornea. If there is no improvement in vision after six to 12 hours, an eye doctor should be consulted.
Foreign body sensation in the eye
If the contact lenses are not handled gently or if foreign bodies are present in the eye, irritation and, in the worst case, injury to the cornea may occur. This is extremely painful, the eye is watery and irritated and a foreign body sensation may persist. If corneal injury is suspected, an ophthalmologist should also be consulted for clarification and further treatment.
Contact lens cannot be removed
If a contact lens is not easy to remove, or even slips and seems undetectable at first sight, it is important to stay calm. Often it helps to wet the eyes of soft contact lenses with saline solution or artificial tears to moisten the contact lens. If the lens is too dry, it can easily stick to the cornea and cannot be removed.
Some time after moistening, you can try to remove the lens again. If it has slipped, it is usually located in the eyelid fold. It cannot slip behind the eye, because the conjunctiva in the eyelid fold forms a natural border. By carefully rinsing the eye with saline solution, it can be removed from the eyelid crease.
All articles in this series:
