Contact lens-related keratitis

It is a range of pathologies caused by contact lenses. Its spectrum is varied and ranges from a pathology caused by lengthy exposure to the most serious cases of fungal, bacterial or amebian infections. 

Any pathology related to contact lenses should be examined by an ophthalmologist. 

Generally, with contact lens-related keratitis, the patient notices red eyes and a foreign body sensation, in cases of lengthy exposure or when tolerance decreases. On occasions, the symptoms can be more serious and we find an infection that usually manifests itself alongside the abovementioned symptoms, due to decreased vision and pain.

The first risk factor is overexposure, although we must mention that it varies depending on the individual as some people can tolerate contact lenses for many hours and others for very few. In any case, we all have a limit of use, and to avoid problems we should aim not to exceed this limit.

Another risk is a lack of hygiene. It is very important to keep your contact lens case clean and update it frquently. The reason being that, despite the fact that we use very effective anti-infection solutions, sometimes microorganisms are capable of surviving them. One of the most dangerous microorganisms is exposure to water when we are wearing contact lenses. Although using this corrective method helps in circumstances where we can't wear glasses, like in water, we do run the risk of them getting infected by Acanthamoeba. This is another hidden and painful microorganism, plus it is very resistent to the majority of treatments as when we try to eliminate it, it is capable of changing its shape to defend itself.

There are other, more simple pathologies related to contact lens use like losing them in the back of the eye, or the appearance of sterile infiltrates.

It is important that contact lens indication is undertaken by a professional. 

We must follow the instructions for use indicated by this correction. 

We must clean our hands properly before we handle our contact lenses. 

We must clean our contact lens case and change it frequently.

We must not use contact lenses in the water. 

If you have any symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist. 

The main treatments for contact lens-related keratitis is topical medication ranging from antibiotics, antifungals, bacteriostatic agents to bactericides but can also include surgical treatments like the use of lasers or even a transplant.