Jacksonville Eye Infections & Treatments

Most contact lens-related complications that are treated by optometrists fall into two main groups: corneal inflammation or infection due to dirty or overworn lenses. Corneal inflammation, or a keratitis, occurs when a contact lens is worn too long or slept in, which irritates the cornea, or front surface of the eye. An infection occurs when bacteria, fungi, a virus or protozoa contaminates the eye by means of the contact lens or the case that it's stored in. The cornea requires oxygen to remain healthy and stay clear. When a contact lens is worn over the cornea, the amount of oxygen that gets to it is reduced. The material of a contact lens determines the breathability, the wettability, and the durability of that lens. Factors like reduced oxygen to the cornea and deposit buildup can increase the likelihood of getting a keratitis.

First we'll discuss sleeping in contact lenses. Not all contacts can be slept in and not all patients should sleep in contact lenses. This is to be determined by an eye doctor after a thorough evaluation of the cornea and ocular surface. Persons with allergies, dry eyes, or neovascularization should not sleep in contact lenses. Neovascularization is an abnormal growth of blood vessels from the white part of the eye into the cornea. These develop when the cornea can't breathe; either from the same lens being worn too much or being slept in. In severe cases, patients are prevented from continuing to wear contact lenses. Persons who sleep in their contacts need to make sure to remove them at least weekly, clean them thoroughly, and replace them as directed by their eye doctor.

All contact lens wearers should clean their lenses every time they are removed by rubbing them in order to most effectively remove protein and other deposit buildup. Contact lens solution should never be kept for another day's use, as this can invite bacteria and other organisms to populate within the case. It should be dumped daily and the case should be cleaned. The FDA recommends doing this with contact lens storage solution and turning the case over to air dry. Lens cases should also be replaced every few months to prevent contamination.

Replacing contact lenses can be a problem for many patients. Some patients will tell me honestly that they keep a contact lens until it starts to "feel old" and stretching contact lenses due to the cost of boxes is also common. The cost of medication and office visits to treat an infection usually negates this "savings". The main reason for replacing contact lenses should be your eye health and vision. Cleaning can make contact lenses comfortable for only so long and usually when discomfort begins, it is already too late. Glasses for back up are always recommended in addition to contact lenses to prevent overwear.

When a contact lens is worn past it's recommended replacement time, a patient may suffer from a feeling that something is in the eye or that it has been scratched. Stinging, burning, redness and tearing/discharge can also be experienced. A white spot may form on the eye where the inflammation or infection is forming. Most cases of keratitis can be treated easily with antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by an eye doctor. A person will usually be told they cannot wear their contact lenses in either eye until the keratitis is completely healed. This is when an updated pair of glasses is crucial. If a contact lens wearer gets water in their eyes from a non-sterile source such as a hot tub or lake, or if they use homemade saline solution, a more serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba may result. This is much harder to treat and can have permanently damaging effects on vision. This is why it is so important to follow your eye doctor's directions for proper wear and care of your contact lenses. They are not one size fits all and are not a cosmetic item or accessory. They are medical devices regulated by the FDA just like a drug.