The unseen threat of contact lenses

James Ball, consultant ophthalmic surgeon with Spire Leeds Hospital and St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, has revealed one patient from Yorkshire loses their sight each year as a result of infections caused when misusing contact lenses.

A recent audit of consultations revealed Mr Ball is treating on average a person per day with a sight-threatening eye infection. There are two infections which are most dangerous. Pseudomonas is an aggressive bacteria which, if diagnosed early, can usually be effectively treated. Acanthamoeba is a protozoan infection which acts slowly but insidiously and is exceptionally difficult to treat.

Mr Ball said: “My concern is that contact lens suppliers have faced tougher competition as refractive eye surgery has improved. Patients are being advised that lenses can be worn continuously day and night for an entire month. This dramatically increases the risk of infection – ultimately it can cause loss of sight.

“Anyone suffering from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism now has a number of options to choose from. As well as improved contact lenses and glasses, refractive surgery has advanced rapidly in recent years. Procedures are safe and robust and complications are very rare. Anyone who is concerned about their sight should visit a qualified ophthalmic consultant who will advise on the very best treatment for them.”

Refractive surgery is a surgical treatment for correcting eyesight and may result in patients no longer needing to wear contact lenses or glasses. For those who are using contact lenses, Mr Ball’s message is that infections can be easily avoided.

Mr Ball added: “Anyone using contact lenses should always make sure they are prescribed by a qualified optician, and they should attend regular check ups. Modern silicone hydrogel lenses are fantastic, and if used correctly the risk of infection is almost zero. My advice is put them in in the morning, and always take them out at the end of each day. Never sleep, swim or shower in contact lenses and you should encounter no problems.”