Contact Lens Safety

Contact lenses are thin lenses worn directly on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. They correct vision like glasses, and some are used only to change eye colour [1][2].

Main types [2]:

• Daily disposable soft lenses: worn once and thrown away each night. These need no cleaning and are often the safest choice.
• Two-weekly or monthly soft lenses: taken out, cleaned and stored every night, then replaced on schedule.
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: small, firm lenses that last longer. They are often used for keratoconus or high prescriptions.
• Extended wear lenses: approved for overnight wear, but sleeping in any lens raises the risk of infection.
• Coloured or cosmetic lenses: these are still medical devices and need a proper fitting.

Image to add

Drawing of a soft contact lens on a fingertip next to a clean lens case and a bottle of solution. Alt text: "Drawing of a contact lens balanced on a fingertip, with a lens case and a bottle of contact lens solution beside it."

The biggest risk is a corneal infection (microbial keratitis), which can cause a corneal ulcer [1][4]. It can scar the cornea and, in severe cases, cause permanent loss of vision.

Your risk is higher if you [1][3][4]:

• sleep or nap in your lenses
• swim, shower or use a hot tub with lenses in
• let lenses or the case touch tap water, or use saliva
• top up old solution instead of using fresh solution
• wear lenses longer than advised, or do not replace the lens case
• buy lenses without a prescription or proper fitting

Acanthamoeba is a tiny organism found in tap water, pools, the sea and soil. It can cause a very painful infection that is hard to treat, and it mostly affects contact lens wearers [5].

Follow these simple rules [1][2][3]:

• Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
• Never use tap water, bottled water or saliva to rinse or store lenses.
• Use fresh solution every time. Never top up old solution.
• Rub and rinse reusable lenses with solution, if your solution instructions say to.
• Do not sleep in your lenses unless your eye doctor says it is safe.
• Take them out before swimming or showering.
• Replace your lenses on time. Clean your case, leave it to air dry, and replace it at least every 3 months.
• Keep glasses as a backup, and have regular eye checks.
• If your eye becomes red or uncomfortable, take the lenses out and do not put them back.

Coloured, "costume" or "big eye" lenses look like a fashion item, but they carry the same risks as any contact lens [2][3].

• Do not buy them from beauty shops, markets or online sellers without a prescription.
• Lenses that are not fitted to your eye can scratch the cornea and let germs in.
• Never share lenses with friends, even once.

Have your eyes checked and your lenses fitted by a qualified optometrist or eye doctor.

A lens-related infection can get worse within hours. Do not "wait and see" [1][4].

Warning signs in a lens wearer:

• Eye pain or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye
• A red eye
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Watering or discharge
• A white spot on the clear part of the eye

Where to get help in Brunei

You can walk in to any Community Eye Clinic at your health centre. No referral is needed.