Table of contents:
- This type of infection is caused by wearing contact lenses
- 1. Bacterial keratitis
- 2. Fungal keratitis
- 3. Parasitic keratitis
- 4. Viral keratitis
- Symptoms of eye infection due to contact lenses
- How to avoid infection of the contact lenses on the eyes
Being able to see well is the most important thing for daily activities. Therefore, various efforts have been made to support the ability to see, one of which is by using contact lenses. Many people choose contact lenses as a viewing aid for reasons of their appearance and their relatively easy use, however, improper use has a very high risk of transmitting the disease to the eye.
The use of contact lenses is done by attaching the surface of the lens to the front of the eye. A very close distance allows the transfer of germs from the surface of the lens to around the surface of the eye fluid, the presence of germs is usually indicated by inflammation of the eye. The infection does not show very serious symptoms at first but over time it can cause permanent eye damage to blindness.
Contact lenses can be the main source of infection for eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The ingestion of infectious agents on the surface of the lens is caused by improper use such as exposing the contact lens to water, using inappropriate cleaning fluids, and not changing contact lenses periodically.
This type of infection is caused by wearing contact lenses
Infections caused by wearing contact lenses can occur in the cornea, known as keratitis. This disease can be caused by a variety of germs that lead to inflammation and damage, but corneal damage can be permanent, requiring 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 soil and water, even the human body. Wearing contact lenses that are exposed to body surfaces or objects without cleaning them first can easily lead to bacterial keratitis infection. Bacterial keratitis in general quickly becomes irritated, so stop wearing it immediately if you experience discomfort when wearing contact lenses to prevent the keratitis from getting worse.
2. Fungal keratitis
The types of fungi that cause infection of the cornea are various fungi Fusarium, Aspergillus and Candida . As with bacterial agents, fungi that can infect the eye are present 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 will need to use an anti-fungal medication within a few months to prevent the keratitis from getting worse.
3. Parasitic keratitis
Although rare, parasitic infection of the cornea of the eye is possible and it is a serious infection. Parasitic keratitis is caused by parasitic microorganisms Acanthamoeba . Like most parasites, Acanthamoeba not only damaging but also the lives of the individuals they live in.
This parasite can easily be found on the surface of the soil and water bodies including tap water and humid air conditioning units. Infection Acanthamoeba in the eye can only be caused by wearing contact lenses, because these parasites must be in direct contact with the surface of an organ to infect it.
Apart from discomfort, infection Acanthamoeba also causes discoloration such as vaginal discharge in the cornea of the eye. Early diagnosis and treatment is needed 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 an individual who is 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 treatment of viral keratitis requires anti-viral drugs and eye drops. Viral keratitis also tends to rarely require eye surgery to treat it.
Symptoms of eye infection due to contact lenses
Regardless of the cause of the infection, keratitis causes almost similar symptoms. If you actively wear 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 eye.
- The eye is more sensitive to light.
- Sudden blurred vision.
- The eyes water unnaturally.
Sometimes keratitis doesn't cause any symptoms at all so you may not experience the symptoms listed above. However, keratitis can also trigger other effects on the eye, including:
- Allergic reactions to eyes.
- Infection of the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis).
- Dry eyes.
- Ulceration or injury to the cornea.
- The appearance of new eye vessels so that the eyes look redder.
How to avoid infection of the contact lenses on the eyes
To prevent infection of the eye, users or potential contact lens wearers must fully understand the eye condition and the risks of wearing inappropriate contact lenses. Here are some things to consider when using contact lenses:
- Regular eye examinations for infection and the compatibility of the contact lens with the eye.
- Prioritize personal hygiene, especially hands when wearing and removing contact lenses.
- Clean contact lenses with lens cleaning fluid regularly and carefully. Avoid adding new liquid to the old liquid that is still on the surface of the lens.
- Keep contact lenses properly stored, avoid putting the lenses in an open space for too long, and change the lens holder every three months or so.
- Consult your ophthalmologist about the duration of use and when contact lenses need to be replaced.
- Avoid sleeping with contact lenses as this 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 while swimming.
- If the lens is exposed to water, you should immediately replace it with a new one to prevent infection.
