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Wear Contact Lenses – Side Effects Risks and Symptoms

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There are different problems that can arise as a result of wearing contact lenses, some of which are mild and will resolve after discontinuing use. Other complications can be severe causing permanent damage to the eye or leading to long term impairment of vision. Rapid treatment and proper management of any of these side effects is essential and therefore it is important for the contact lens user to be able to identify these signs and symptoms at the earliest possible stage.

Problems Wearing Contact Lenses

Risk Factors

Many of the side effects associated with wearing contact lenses tend to arise as a result of a few contributing factors. This includes :

  • Wearing lenses overnight or for long periods of time without removing the lens or changing the lenses.
  • Improper storage, handling and use of lenses.
  • Use of incorrect contact lens accessories like the cleaning solution.
  • Incorrect prescription leading to a poor fit.
  • Poor quality composition materials in the manufacture of the lenses.
  • Sharing of contact lenses.
  • Allergies.
  • Dry eyes.
  • Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).
  • Other medical conditions that can affect the eye, eyelid, or tear secretion (lacrimation)

However, the factors above do not account for all the problems associated with contact lens use.

Side Effects of Contact Lenses

Signs and Symptoms

These signs or symptoms may always not be indicative of any complication. However, the presence of any of these signs and symptoms should warrant further investigation by an opthamologist.

  • Itchy or burning sensation of  eyes or eyelids.
  • Redness of the eyes – this may be due to inflammation, infection or hypervascularization (increased formation of capillaries supplying blood to the cornea and sclera of the eye).
  • Eye pain.
  • Swollen eyelids.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Mucus discharge.
  • Cloudy iris or pupil.
  • Constant or recurrent ‘gritty’ feel in the eye or when blinking.
  • Lump(s) on the inner part of the eyelid or on the cornea or sclera.
  • Spots or blemishes on the sclera (“white” of the eye).

Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on May 15, 2010