Yes and No. FDA approved contact lenses are manufactured in state-of-art laboratories following stringent regulations. They may rarely scratch a cornea provided they are handled carefully. However, contact lenses may increase the risk of eye injuries and minor scratches if they are used in environment & surroundings that call for preventive measures. Human eye is the most resilient organ of the body that heals on its own in no time therefore minor abrasions will eventually go. However, if you feel sudden pain, blood shots & piercing sensation you must immediately seek medical attention.
Preventive Measures with Contact Lenses
There are infinite causes of ocular abrasions. Metal & wood shavings, pet fur, hair, finer nails, sand, dirt & debris may all contribute to abrasions. It is recommended to wear safety glasses when working with wood shavings, under the sea or high up in the sky for a dive.
Irritants suspended in the air such as pollen and other pollutants may also scratch your cornea. Contact lenses do not provide any cushion or protection from abrasions. The natural response against fighting an irritant is rubbing your eyes and unfortunately this increases the risk of corneal abrasions. It is suggested to remove them immediately upon feeling a sensation of external agent in the eye. Rinsing your eyes with sterile saline solution helps alleviate the discomfort. Disinfect your contact lenses afterwards with a multipurpose solution to rid of the possible pathogenic accumulation.
Contact Lenses: Be considerate about Dry Eyes
Some people’s eyes just do not make enough tears. If you have a condition medically known as dry eye syndrome, your eyes may run dry every now & then. Carry rewetting drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. If your eyes get dry while you sleep your eyelids may stuck to your eye ball tearing the delicate top layer of your eyes when you try opening them upon waking up. Consult your eye care practitioner if you are a right candidate of wearing contact lenses in this situation.
Consider the size of Contact Lenses
Normal size of a human iris ranges from 10.2 mm to 13.00 mm. Contact lenses are available in diameters from 14.00 mm to 20mm. If they have a very steep BC or they are too small in size, they may leave your eyes bruised. Scientifically, this is why contact lenses are made slightly bigger in diameter so the edges don’t exactly sit on the rim of your iris.
Also read: What is Base Curve?
Inspect your Contact Lenses Every time you wear
It is very common of lenses to develop tear and notches. Wearing contacts that are damaged may scratch cornea. If your contacts sting or burn, remove immediately and inspect closely for damage. Sometimes it could merely be a pet hair so make sure nothing latches to the surface of lenses when you wear them.
Never compromise on the quality of contacts. Flea shops and beauty salons may have cheaper options but counterfeit lenses may cost your eyes. Get FDA approved and CE certified contact lenses today.