The Effects Contacts Have on Your Eyes

Many of us need contacts or glasses in order to function in everyday life. For some of us, it is completely impossible to even get around our own houses without some form of visual aid. You might suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or another refractive error.

One of the more popular solutions to vision deficiencies is contact lenses. Not just for their aid in seeing, but specifically for their cosmetic value. They are also convenient and easy to use. Maybe you have worn contacts for years, or maybe you just got your first pair. Have you ever considered the negative effects that contact lenses can have on your eyes over time? Read on to find out more!

How Contacts Affect Your Eyes

Approximately 45 million Americans wear contact lenses daily. However, not many people know that contacts can actually harm your eyes. Wearing your contacts for too long, not cleaning them properly, and not replacing them on schedule can all result in damage to your eyes.

Contacts are designed to cover the cornea of the eye. Because of this, they prevent the eyes from getting the amount of oxygen required. If you wear your contacts for too long, you are depriving your eyes of oxygen.

This can be very damaging in the long run!

Contacts also present a bacterial risk – a light film can build up on your lenses over time. This film is actually a buildup of protein and bacteria, both of which can cause major problems for your eyes. Extra care must be taken to ensure lenses are cleaned properly and that protein does not have the chance to build up.

If bacteria get in your eyes due to a buildup on your lenses, you can get some very nasty eye infections like Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).

GPC occurs when the eyelid becomes infected and many large bumps appear. These bumps irritate the cornea and can cause damage if not treated properly. Your eyes can become very itchy, irritated, and red if you have GPC. You may also feel as if you always have something in your eye  – this is known as “foreign body sensation.” In reality, there isn’t anything in your eye; the bumps are just scratching and damaging your eyes.

GPC can be hard to treat – you need to discontinue the use of contact lenses and use special eye drops that your doctor can prescribe. You also need to rest your eyes a lot. GPC is sometimes very difficult to get rid of. And if you resume wearing contact lenses, you may get GPC again!

Not changing your lenses on time can also result in this condition.

Long-term Effects of Contacts on Eyes

Long-term use of contact lenses can also lead to changes in the thickness of the cornea. It can change the shape of the cornea, cause the formation of micro cysts, vision loss, and decreased corneal sensitivity. While most of these changes are reversible if you discontinue the use of contacts, the conditions can always return.

Some other less serious conditions can result from wearing contact lenses. These include dry eye syndrome, swelling of the cornea, allergic reactions, eye inflammation, and infections. If you have any of these conditions, it is best to see your eye doctor for proper treatment. However, after your condition has been treated, you should consider if contact lenses are right for you.

You need to look at all the risks, even if you have never had a problem with contact lenses in the past. Most contact lens problems can occur at any time and can be brought on by years of repeated lens wear.

What Other Options Are Out There?

Besides contact lenses, glasses, and laser correction surgery, are there any other options for correcting your vision? There are a few very easy things you can do at home to improve and preserve your vision. And, they are natural and safe!

The first thing we recommend is bettering your diet to include more healthy options. You can improve your vision by eating cleaner over time. That means cutting out processed foods and sugars. Focus on eating lots of leafy greens, vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits. Opt for water whenever you can and limit your alcohol consumption to red wine only.

You should check out our list of 17 vitamins, minerals, and herbs that we recommend for healthy eyes. Nature always knows best when it comes to keeping our bodies healthy. So you should really consider supporting your eyes in this way. Of course, getting all these nutrients just from your diet can be a challenge.

Our Ocu-Plus Formula is filled with the best vision-enhancing vitamins and nutrients available. By incorporating a daily supplement into your regular routine, you cover all your eye nutrient bases. You can make sure your eyes are getting the vitamins they need to stay strong, sharp, and healthy.

Get Rid of Contacts with Vision Training

Your eyes are made up of muscles, and like any other muscle, they get stronger if you train them. Reduce eye strain when working at a computer for long periods of time by taking frequent breaks. When focusing on a digital screen, your eyes can quickly become tired. Computer use causes headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and dry eyes. You need to break up the near work by taking a moment to look at something in the distance and refocusing your eyes on that to keep them strong. Try the 10-10-10 Rule to give your eyes the rest they need.

Eating well and exercising regularly helps to keep your eyes healthy. Again, your eyes are made up of muscles, so you need to feed them well and keep them in great shape.

Remember, your eyes are your responsibility. You need to be aware of the risks of wearing contact lens and act accordingly.

This article has given you the necessary information for you to make your own decision about contact lenses. It has also hopefully illuminated some of the risks you face by opting for traditional contacts instead of a more natural treatment.