Are Contact Lenses a Breeding Ground for Bacteria?

OVERVIEW OF STORY: This story will position LASIK as the obvious solution to nasty contact lenses, which are susceptible to harmful bacteria and parasites if not rigorously maintained. The dangers include bacteria and amoeba, both of which can cause serious vision problems, including losing sight entirely. The story will explain the dangers and what users can do to mitigate risk while positioning LasikPlus as the remedy.

Afraid of LASIK? Wait Until You Know What Could Be Crawling on Your Contacts.

The decision to not get LASIK often boils down to one sentiment: people don’t want doctors operating on their eyes. No matter how proven the procedure, or how easy it is, some are still more willing to endure the annoyance of a daily contact lens routine.

But aside from the vast amount of success and even affordability of LASIK, there’s another reason people should kick their contacting lenses to the curb. Because if you aren’t rigorously maintaining them – or if you like to do fun things like swim in the summer – contacts can pose a pretty serious risk.

Contacts Get Gross

Your contact lenses are a breeding ground for bacteria. Per the American Society for Microbiology: Microorganisms, especially gram-negative bacteria, are considered to play a role in the etiology of certain corneal infiltrative events (CIEs) observed during soft contact lens wear.

Translation: if you wear contact lenses and get an eye infection, it’s most likely related to bacteria.

Additional research out of the University of Liverpool (ULIV) focuses primarily on the bacteria known to cause keratitis, which is the most common infection related to contact lenses. Keratitis – an infection of the cornea, the transparent covering of your eye – is marked by intense pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), red eye and a ‘gritty’ sensation. This infection can cause vision loss or blindness and should be taken very seriously.

Another dangerous bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can also cause a rapid infection of your cornea and leave a hole in your eye, which can threaten your vision permanently.

Of course, these dangers are associated with extended contact lens usage and user negligence. But the threat goes beyond negligence. For example, if you plan on swimming with your contacts in, you could end up with a problematic parasite.

Per a new study spearheaded by the University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) Scientia Fellow Dr. Nicole Carnt, all contact lens wearers should minimize mixing contact lenses with water and improve standards of personal hygiene, to mitigate the risk of contracting the Acanthamoeba parasite, known to cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

The Acanthamoeba parasite thrives in water sources such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. But it’s also found in domestic tap water, hot tubs, and swimming pools. Its symptoms are incredibly disruptive, causing your cornea to become inflamed and painful.

Protect Yourself With a Permanent Solution

Per WebMd.com, the most immediate thing you can do is to stop wearing your current pair of contact lenses should you experience any redness, swelling, pain and many more irritating symptoms.

But there’s a much more effective solution, one that offers permanent protection from all that nasty bacteria, without a daily routine: LASIK eye surgery.

The term “LASIK” actually stands for laser in situ keratomileusis, and it’s the most common form of laser eye surgery. It’s widely considered the best option for people living with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and even astigmatism.

Vision is arguably our most coveted sense, and people are right to be cautious of anyone performing surgery on their eyes. But consider this: since 1991, it’s estimated that some 40 million people have had LASIK corrective eye surgery.

Is LASIK Right For You?

Let’s just be honest: many may still opt for about with bacteria before laser corrective eye surgery. But when you weigh the common fear of LASIK – a procedure that takes just minutes, has an extremely high success rate and has lasting benefits – against a cumbersome time-suck like a contact lens routine, and the consequences for not adhering to it BRING BACTERIA – the decision seems clear.

For a better understanding of what happens to your eyes during a LASIK procedure, click here. Or if you’re ready to have a conversation with a LASIK expert, you can click to schedule your free consultation.

But the reality is, sticking with contacts lenses means either rigorous upkeep or the possibility of microscopic critters crawling on your eyes. LASIK solves for both.

Learn more about the lasting benefits of this simple procedure by clicking here.