Wearing contact lenses can have negative effects on the eyes. This warning has been issued by ophthalmologists for quite some time, but few people seem to pay attention. Now, no one can ignore this warning as doctors have confirmed that more and more people are suffering from fungal eye infections, primarily due to contact lens use.
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| Wearing contact lenses can have negative effects on the eyes (Image: hollywoodvision) |
In the United States, fungal eye infections are rapidly increasing. Since June of last year, relevant agencies have received 109 reports of this condition across 17 states. Meanwhile, Singapore has also reported an increase in eye fungal infections among contact lens wearers, with 39 cases identified from last year until February this year. Malaysia and Hong Kong have also reported similar cases.
Dr. Ben Teller stated: “These are infections caused by fungi or bacteria. The majority of infections commonly seen in frequent contact lens users are bacterial, and even if we apply antibiotics to those ulcerated lesions, we do not achieve significant results.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has initiated an investigation. Although only 30 patients have been interviewed so far, preliminary conclusions have been drawn. U.S. federal health officials suspect a link between the fungal eye infections and the Renu contact lens cleaning solution produced by Bausch and Lomb.
Individuals infected with fungi in the eye due to contact lens use often exhibit symptoms such as redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and reduced vision. If left untreated, within at least 2 weeks and up to 3 months, these individuals may suffer corneal scarring and temporary blindness. Eight Americans have already undergone corneal transplants due to this condition.
