Ophthalmologists warn of ‘new’ infections

Pleasant wearing comfort should not conceal the fact that visual aids remain a foreign body in the eye, which increases the risk of sometimes serious infections of the cornea, the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) said at its annual conference in Berlin. Every healthy ocular surface harbors infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, and contact lens users should always be aware of this.

“However, an intact tear film and a dense superficial cell structure in the cornea ensure that germs cannot enter the eye,” explains DOG expert Gerd Geerling. But contact lenses are placed right on top of this protective tear film.

Entrance gate for infectious agents
The altered oxygen supply and wetting of the ocular surface with tear film can initially cause microscopic damage to the cornea. “As a rule, these injuries heal without any problems. “But they can also cause pain and be an entry point for infectious pathogens,” Geerling continues. Until now, ‘exotic’ pathogens pose an increasing danger.

Bacteria, amoebae and fungi on contact lenses
In addition to ‘common’ bacteria, rare infectious agents such as amoebae and fungi are also found, especially among soft contact lens wearers. “These pathogens are becoming increasingly common today – possibly due to climatic changes in our latitudes – and can sometimes cause very serious infectious diseases of the cornea and the inside of the eye, requiring months of treatment with eye drops and tablets,” Geerling explains. .

In particularly severe cases, a corneal transplant or, in the worst case, even the removal of an eye may be necessary.

Strict hygiene – washing hands before touching the visual aids – and following the maintenance instructions for self-adhesive trays are therefore essential. Daily disinfection with the prescribed fluid minimizes the risk of infection. If a contact lens is damaged or dirty, it should be thrown away immediately, the German ophthalmologist advises.

Do not swim with contact lenses!
Bacteria can also multiply in the contact lens storage case. Never clean with tap water, because it is not sterile. It is best to rinse the container with the disinfectant solution and allow it to air dry. In any case, the barrel must be replaced with a new one after three months. There is also a risk of infection with daily lenses, especially if you wear them longer than actually recommended.

Geerling strongly advises against swimming with contact lenses in natural water: “This reduces the risk of infection with Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious corneal inflammation.”