When you start wearing contact lenses again after a long break—such as the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—you may experience sensations that are quite different from what you’re used to.
A client mentioned during a teleconsultation that, after wearing her lenses for a few hours, she began to see through a haze. She added that this blurriness persisted constantly, even when blinking, and whether she was wearing her glasses or not. Since she had just put in new lenses, the possibility that they were dirty—and therefore causing this blurriness—was immediately ruled out. The symptoms described are consistent with corneal edema. Edema is a morphological change in an organ caused by abnormal fluid retention. When it occurs in contact lens wearers, it is commonly associated with trauma to the corneal epithelium , which may have a mechanical or chemical origin. Another likely symptom of edema is seeing halos of various colors around points of light. Given these symptoms, a specialist should examine you to assess the condition of your eyes.
Many users took a break from wearing contact lenses during the lockdown. This break was important for giving the eyes a rest and allowed the cornea’s metabolic function to recover. Recent years have been fruitful for innovation in this industry, and we are witnessing a revolution in the materials used to make contact lenses. However, lenses continue to act as a barrier to oxygen absorption by the cornea.
When resuming use, you should always take a few extra precautions:
1 – If using disposable lenses, always start over with a new pair;
2.1. The day before you plan to use it, you should replace the disinfectant solution in the case;
2.2. Ideally, cleaning should be done with a solution
3 – Aim for a gradual readjustment;
Disinfectant solutions placed in the case, when exposed to lens dirt for extended periods, tend to lose their chemical stability and become less effective. In addition to potentially causing allergic reactions, they lose their pH stability and antimicrobial action. They can become a breeding ground for the growth of microorganisms that are dangerous to the body. In fact, this is one of the main arguments used to recommend daily disposable lenses.
The technology used in modern contact lenses has dramatically improved safety and biocompatibility. But safety always begins with prevention and responsible use by all wearers.
Be a responsible contact lens wearer.
