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Colored Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

Discussion in 'Ophthalmology' started by Egyptian Doctor, Jan 17, 2014.

  1. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    It is fun to change your eye color from a staid, loyal brown to an exciting shade of hazel or amethyst – but you wouldn’t want to cause lasting damage to your eyes.

    Colored contact lenses are used for cosmetic purposes’ – to enhance and change your appearance with a more glamorous look – but the bottom line is they are still medical devices and need to be treated as such.

    They cannot be bought at a salon, flea market or store without a prescription. The dye or paint on colored lenses can be very dangerous to eyes as they are very sensitive. When you wear lenses not prescribed for you they can cause permanent damage to your cornea.

    Keratitis is a corneal infection which occurs when a person uses colored contact lenses without proper care. Sometimes the lenses are not cleaned properly or kept for a long period. Swimming with lenses will damage them and cause eye infection as they are exposed to bacteria in the water. Tap water is also harmful. You can also lose a lens in water. Corneal infections can be of many types – viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic.

    When you wear colored lenses, it would be wise to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist at the slightest sign of discomfort or redness and irritation, blurriness or pain as keratitis increases very quickly. At times the infection or scratches from the lens or nails while wearing them can cause corneal ulcers which are extremely painful.

    The density of nerves on the surface of the eye is higher than any other part of the body, so an abrasion or scratch on the surface of the cornea opens the barrier to bacteria and infection which can multiply speedily. When the scratch heals it sometimes forms a scar which can block vision and the person will require a corneal transplant.

    Don’t sleep without removing your colored lenses as the eyes don’t receive enough oxygen - or even keep them on for more than 7-8 hours at a stretch as the corneas can get inflamed.

    Always keep lens in the case dipped in lens solution. Don’t rub colored lenses as the color will get damaged. Use a solution that needs no rubbing.

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  2. sakshi supehia

    sakshi supehia Famous Member

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    Never use saliva to clean your lenses, this can cause an eye infection through cross contamination and cause eye irritation.

    2. Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses, even before removing them from your eyes, avoid using soaps.

    3.Do not let you contact lens multipurpose solution tip come into contact with other items, this can passes germs to the solution which would then be passed on to your lenses and then your eyes.

    4. Never share contact lenses with anyone, different germs can be passed around from sharing lenses. 6.Always insert your contact lenses before applying make up, and always take them out before removing make up, this will stop your lenses from becoming damaged and will also stop any cross contamination.

    5.Never wear 2 lenses on one eye, as silly as this sound many people do try this when they cannot find prescription lenses in a certain colour or style they want, this is very dangerous.
     

  3. Egyptian Doctor

    Egyptian Doctor Moderator Verified Doctor

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    Thanks sakshi for z tips
     

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  4. sakshi supehia

    sakshi supehia Famous Member

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    1. Always follow any guidelines supplied with you lenses or seek to read guidelines if none are supplied.. Soft contact lenses are not recommended whilst participating in water sports and can cause dryness of the eye.

    2. Always have your eyes checked by a qualified eye practitioner at least once every 12 months.

    3. Do not attempt to add your own painted colours or dyes to contact lenses, this can cause toxic shock if the paints or dyes have not been clinically tested.

    4. Always ensure that your protective contact lens cases are sealed when cleaning your lenses, this will prevent dirt and germs from the atmosphere contaminating your lenses.

    5. Even though many people do wear their contact lenses passed the prescribed wear date this is not advised, irritation can be caused to the eyes as the lenses begin to collect debris.

    6. Never wear contact lenses which have passed their expiry date.

    7. Always check your contact lenses before opening them, opened contact lenses are not accepted for refunds or returns by the majority of companies as damage is usually caused by incorrect handling, if they are opened you accept responsibility of the lenses.

    8.If your lenses have been in storage for more than 7 days, replace the multipurpose solution and continue with this pattern.

    9.Replace your contact lens case at least once every 2 years. Any contact lens, prescription or non-prescription, has the potential to cause allergic reactions, bacterial infections, corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers, particularly when they are improperly fitted and cared for. Keep your eyes safe by following all the guidelines, good practice makes perfect.
     

  5. sakshi supehia

    sakshi supehia Famous Member

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    1. Always follow any guidelines supplied with you lenses or seek to read guidelines if none are supplied.. Soft contact lenses are not recommended whilst participating in water sports and can cause dryness of the eye.

    2. Always have your eyes checked by a qualified eye practitioner at least once every 12 months.

    3. Do not attempt to add your own painted colours or dyes to contact lenses, this can cause toxic shock if the paints or dyes have not been clinically tested.

    4. Always ensure that your protective contact lens cases are sealed when cleaning your lenses, this will prevent dirt and germs from the atmosphere contaminating your lenses.

    5. Even though many people do wear their contact lenses passed the prescribed wear date this is not advised, irritation can be caused to the eyes as the lenses begin to collect debris.

    6. Never wear contact lenses which have passed their expiry date.

    7. Always check your contact lenses before opening them, opened contact lenses are not accepted for refunds or returns by the majority of companies as damage is usually caused by incorrect handling, if they are opened you accept responsibility of the lenses.

    8.If your lenses have been in storage for more than 7 days, replace the multipurpose solution and continue with this pattern.

    9.Replace your contact lens case at least once every 2 years. Any contact lens, prescription or non-prescription, has the potential to cause allergic reactions, bacterial infections, corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers, particularly when they are improperly fitted and cared for. Keep your eyes safe by following all the guidelines, good practice makes perfect.
     

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  6. Pia Mater

    Pia Mater Famous Member

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    Ok , in my opinion ..
    Wearing contact lenses for reasons other than medical ones is useless ..
    Natural color of iris is by far more beautiful .. When I look into girls' eyes with this abnormal color , I just feel uncomfortable !!
     

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