Contents:
- Medical Video: Corneal ulcer, cornea infection from contact lens, red eye - A State of Sight #60
- Types of infections caused by the use of contact lenses
- 1. Bacterial keratitis
- 2. Fungal keratitis
- 3. Parasitic keratitis
- 4. Viral keratitis
- Symptoms of eye infections due to contact lenses
- How to avoid infection from contact lenses in the eye
Medical Video: Corneal ulcer, cornea infection from contact lens, red eye - A State of Sight #60
Being able to see well is the most important thing for daily activities. Therefore, various efforts were made to support the ability to see, one of which was by using contact lenses. Many people who choose contact lenses as a viewing aid for reasons of appearance and use are relatively easy, but inappropriate use is very risky for transmitting disease to the eye.
The use of contact lenses is done by attaching the lens surface to the front of the eye. The very close distance allows the transfer of germs from the surface of the lens to the surface of the eye fluid, the presence of germs is usually characterized by inflammation of the eye. Infection does not show serious symptoms at first but over time can cause permanent eye damage to blindness.
Contact lenses can be the main source of transmission of eye infections both those caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. The infectious agent on the lens surface is caused by inappropriate use such as leaving the contact lens exposed to water, using inappropriate cleaning fluids, and not changing contact lenses regularly.
Types of infections caused by the use of contact lenses
Infection caused by the use of contact lenses can occur on the part of the cornea or known as keratitis. This disease can be caused by a variety of germs that trigger inflammation and damage, but damage to the cornea can be persistent so that it requires transplantation in cases of severe infection. Based on the type of cause, this infection can be divided into four types, including:
1. Bacterial keratitis
This infection is caused by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Both of these bacteria can be easily found on the surface of land and water, even the human body. Wearing contact lenses exposed to the surface of the body or objects without cleaning can easily trigger bacterial keratitis infection. Bacterial keratitis in general quickly causes irritation, immediately stop using if you experience discomfort when wearing contact lenses to prevent the keratitis from getting worse.
2. Fungal keratitis
The type of fungus that causes infection in the cornea is a variety of fungi Fusarium, Aspergillus and Candida. As with bacterial agents, fungi that can infect the eye are found in the human body. This fungus can also be found easily in open environments with tropical climates such as in Indonesia. The nature of the fungus can easily spread to other parts of the eye, so you need to use an anti-fungal drug in a few months to prevent the keratitis from getting worse.
3. Parasitic keratitis
Although rare, parasitic infections of the cornea may occur and this is a serious infection. Parasitic keratitis is caused by parasitic microorganisms Acanthamoeba. Like a parasite in general, Acanthamoeba not only damaging but also the lives of the individuals they occupy.
These parasites can be easily found on the soil surface and body of water including tap water and damp air conditioning units. Infection Acanthamoeba in the eye may only be caused by the use of contact lenses, because these parasites must contact directly with the surface of an organ to infect it.
In addition to discomfort, infection Acanthamoeba also causes discoloration such as vaginal discharge in the cornea. Early diagnosis and treatment is very necessary because when it gets worse it requires serious medical action and eye surgery.
4. Viral keratitis
This type of keratitis is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This type of virus can only be found in humans and can only be transmitted through direct contact with individuals infected with HSV. Unlike other types of keratitis, keratitis caused by HSV can be transmitted. Viral keratitis also allows for recurrent infections, and this may occur in people with HSV infection. Viral infections depend on a person's immunity, therefore handling viral keratitis requires anti-viral drugs and eye drops. Viral keratitis also tends to rarely require eye surgery to treat it.
Symptoms of eye infections due to contact lenses
Whatever the cause of the infection, keratitis causes almost similar symptoms. If you are actively using contact lenses, here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Irritation or red eyes for no apparent reason.
- There is pain that comes from the inside or around the eyes.
- The eyes are more sensitive to light.
- Sudden blurry vision.
- Eyes runny unnaturally.
Sometimes keratitis causes no symptoms at all so you may not experience the above symptoms. However, keratitis can also trigger other effects on the eye, including:
- Allergic reactions in the eye.
- Eye membrane infection (conjunctivitis).
- Dry eyes.
- Ulceration or injury to the cornea.
- The appearance of new eye vessels so that the eyes appear redder.
How to avoid infection from contact lenses in the eye
To prevent infection in the eye, users or prospective contact lens users must understand the eye conditions and risks of using contact lenses that are not appropriate. Here are some things to consider in the use of contact lenses:
- Regular eye examination to determine the presence of infection and the suitability of contact lenses with the eyes.
- Prioritizing personal hygiene, especially hands when going to use and remove contact lenses.
- Clean contact lenses with lens cleaning fluid regularly and be careful. Avoid adding new liquid to the old liquid that is still on the lens surface.
- Do the appropriate contact lens storage, avoid putting the lens in the open space for too long, and replace the lens every three months.
- Consult your eye doctor about the duration of use and when contact lenses need to be replaced.
- Avoid sleeping with contact lenses because it can cause the transfer of germs and increase the risk of infection.
- Avoid activities that allow contact lenses to be exposed to water such as bathing or swimming. Use swimming goggles if you need contact lenses when swimming.
- If the lens is exposed to water, you should immediately replace it with a new one to prevent infection.
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