See clearly, stay sharp: Practice lens care to prevent eye damage

Actor Jasmine Bhasin recently revealed, to an entertainment portal, that her cornea was damaged due to her contact lenses. Bhasin, who was in Delhi for an event, couldn’t attend to her surging eye pain due to work commitments and reportedly went ahead with her schedule while wearing sunglasses.

But later in the night, as her pain got worse, the 34-year-old actor reached a point where she had to consult a doctor since she wasn’t able to see anything. After being rushed to the hospital, she was diagnosed with corneal damage and had her eyes bandaged. Although the actor is now recovering, this brings to light the crucial precautionary measures that one should undertake while dealing with contact lenses.

When do contact lenses become risky?

Dr Samir Sud, co-founder and director, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals in Delhi, explains that a large number of people use lenses on a routine basis. However, a lack of precautionary measures can turn out to be risky. “Improper care of contact lenses, poor hygiene practices or wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome due to reduced tear production. Wearing contact lenses can also reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea,

leading to corneal swelling (hypoxia),” shares Dr Sud.

He further elaborates, “Inadequately-fitting contacts or trauma while inserting or removing contacts may cause a painful scratch on the cornea.”

To avoid such risks, it is important to pay attention. “If you suffer vision loss after putting on your lenses or red eyes accompanied by mild discomfort, it could suggest that the lenses have started affecting the cornea negatively. At this point, you must take them out and wash your eyes,” shares Dr Vandana Khullar, consultant, Ophthalmology, PSRI Hospital.