The Effects Contacts Have on Your Eyes | Rebuild Your Vision

Many of us need contacts or glasses in order to function in everyday life. For some of us, it is completely impossible to even get around our own houses without some form of vision aid.

One of the more popular solutions to vision deficiencies is contact lenses, specifically for their cosmetic value. They are also convenient and easy to use. Maybe you have worn contacts for years, or maybe you just got your first pair – but have you ever considered the negative effects that contact lenses can have on your eyes over time? Read on to find out more!

How Contacts Affect Your Eyes

The Effects Contacts Have on Your EyesAlthough many people wear all kinds of contact lenses on a daily basis, not many people know that contacts can actually harm your eyes. Wearing your contacts for too long, not cleaning them properly, and not replacing them on schedule can all result in damage to your eyes.

Contacts are designed to cover the cornea of the eye, and because of this they prevent the eyes from getting the amount of oxygen required for healthy eyes. If you wear your contacts for too long, you are depriving your eyes of oxygen.

This can be very damaging in the long run!

Contacts also present a bacterial risk – a light film can build up on your lenses over time. This film is actually a buildup of protein and bacteria, both of which can cause major problems for your eyes. Extra care must be taken to ensure the lenses are cleansed properly and that protein does not have the chance to build up on the lens.

If bacteria get into your eyes repeatedly over time due to a buildup on your lenses, you can get some very nasty eye infections like Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).

GPC occurs when the eyelid becomes infected and many large bumps appear. These bumps irritate the cornea and can cause damage if not treated properly. Your eyes can become very itchy, irritated, and red if you have GPC. You may also feel as if you have something in your eye at all times – this is known as “foreign body sensation.” In reality, there isn’t anything in your eye; the bumps are just scratching and damaging your eyes.

GPC can be hard to treat – you need to discontinue the use of contact lenses and use special eye drops that your doctor can prescribe. You also need to rest your eyes a lot. GPC is sometimes very difficult to get rid of, and if you resume wearing contact lenses, you may get GPC again!

Not changing your lenses on time can also result in this condition.

Long term use of contact lenses can also lead to changes in the thickness of the cornea, changes in the shape of the cornea, the formation of micro cysts, vision loss, and decreased corneal sensitivity. While most of these changes are reversible if you discontinue the use of contacts for a period of time, the conditions can always return.

Some other less serious conditions can result from wearing contact lenses. These include dry eye syndrome, swelling of the cornea, allergic reactions, eye inflammation, and infections. If you have any of these conditions, it is best to see your eye doctor for proper treatment. However, after your condition has been treated, you should consider if contact lenses are really right for you.

You need to look at all of the risks, even if you have never had a problem with contact lenses in the past. Most contact lens problems can occur at any time, and many can be brought on by years and years of repeated lens wear.

What Other Options Are Out There?

Besides contact lenses, glasses, and laser correction surgery, are there any other options for correcting your vision? Actually, there are two other great ways to improve and preserve your vision – and both of these techniques are natural and safe!

The first technique we recommend is the use of eye exercises. Eye exercises are a safe, great way to maintain and improve your eyesight. We highly recommend the regular use of eye exercises over contacts, glasses, or laser surgery.

Eye exercises can’t damage your eyes, and they are very simple once you get used to them. Your eyes are made up of muscles, and like any other muscle, they get stronger and better if you train them. Give your eye muscles the workout they need to stay strong and healthy by participating in a daily eye exercise regimen.

If you are not sure where to start, we have a beginner eye exercise that will provide you with more information. Consider trying this eye exercise first, and then work on your own eye exercise regimen. You can also check out our Rebuild Your Vision Program which will guide you through some eye exercises and help you work towards better vision without needing contacts. Your eyes will thank you in the long run!

The second technique we recommend is supporting your eye health with vitamins, minerals, and herbs. You should check out our list of 17 vitamins, minerals, and herbs that we recommend for healthy eyes. Nature always knows best when it comes to keeping our bodies healthy, so you should really consider supporting your eyes in this way. 

Remember, your eyes are your responsibility. You need to be aware of the risks of long term contact lens wear, and it is up to you to act accordingly.

This article has given you the necessary information in order for you to make your own decision about contact lenses. It has also hopefully illuminated some of the risks you face by opting for traditional contacts instead of a more natural treatment.

We hope you will consider forgoing contacts for a safer alternative!