Contact lens acute red eye may be caused by several factors, including, contact lens over wear, sleeping in contact lenses, or poor hygiene, noted Tami Hagemeyer, ABOC, lead optician at Premier Vision Group in Bowling Green, OH, during the American Optometric Association’s 2018 annual meeting in Denver. Be aware of the following when addressing contact lens issues with patients:
- The acanthamoeba parasite is a living organism that can enter the eye through tiny abrasions on the cornea. It is commonly found in dirt, dust, showers and swimming pools, lakes, rivers, hot springs, hot tubs, and drinking water. The parasite, which lodges itself between the contact lens and cornea, will cause permanent blindness if not treated immediately.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis are uncomfortable red bumps in the upper eye lid. Eyes feel itchy, usually with a gritty or foreign body sensation.
- Dry eye syndrome can go undiagnosed but ends up being the source of blurred vision. Computer vision syndrome and digital eyestrain is also linked with dry eye syndrome.
- Daily disposable contact lenses offer many advantages over monthly or bi-weekly contact lenses.
“It is important for eye care providers to remember we have an obligation to provide the necessary education to every patient contemplating contact lenses,” said Ms. Hagemeyer. It is necessary “to be honest and realistic about the consequences of non-compliance; and help [patients] understand following contact lens instructions will ultimately be reflected in their ocular health.”
Hagemeyer T. My eyes are red…can’t be my contact lenses!Talk presented at: 2018 AOA Annual Meeting; June 20-24, Denver.
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