Are New Contact Lens Designs Safer?
Contact lenses are a good alternative to eyeglasses, but are not entirely risk free. Even with today’s improved designs, some contact lens wearers develop painful infections that can cause vision loss. In the largest studies of this problem to date, Australian and United Kingdom researchers looked at whether the new silicone hydrogel lenses would reduce infection risk. These lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea (the front surface of the eye), which it needs to stay healthy.  

Both research groups agreed that the new lens types, including silicone hydrogel “soft” lenses and daily disposables, did not reduce the infection risk. Overnight wear of any contact lens, including “extended use” types, was found to be the strongest risk factor for permanent vision loss resulting from infections. Daily disposable users had less severe infections, probably related to the fact that this lens type does not require lens cases where infectious bacteria can grow.

Users of overnight wear contact lenses have an increased risk for infection in the first several months of using the lenses, the researchers said. Other risk factors included improper hand washing and lens case care, and using the lenses beyond the recommended dates. Eye care specialists and contact lens wearers will be able to make better choices based on these new findings.

Find Eye M.D.s in your area or ask an Eye M.D. a question by visiting www.GetEyeSmart.org. Consumers can submit questions about eye health to an ophthalmologist at www.geteyesmart.org/askaneyemd