Do You Use Contact lenses? Then You Should Read About Contact Lens Solution Toxicity

What Causes Contact Lens Solution Toxicity?

The condition is mainly caused by contact lens solutions, such as the following [3]:

• Cleaning solutions
• Rinsing solutions
• Disinfecting solutions
• Multipurpose solutions
• Rewetting solutions
• Artificial tear products

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It can also develop due to contact lens overwear (often sleeping in contact lenses) leading to corneal hypoxia. If one develops eye irritation after months, a likely culprit is the contact lens solution they use.

What Are The Symptoms Of Contact Lens Solution Toxicity?

Doctors assert that although there will not be any sudden distinct changes in the eye that would point only to a toxic reaction, there can be certain signs and symptoms. Patients with contact lens solution toxicity can experience any or all of the following symptoms [4]:

• Pain
• Redness of the eye
• Discharge from the eyes
• Itching
• Inability to wear the contact lenses
• Tearing
• Decreased or blurred vision
• Foreign body sensation

Note: If the symptoms appear when you use a particular type of eye solution, take note. Also check if the solution has had any changes, such as the company changing the ingredients, or a new label that says ‘new and improved.’

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Who Is At The Risk Of Developing Contact Lens Solution Toxicity?

More than 20 per cent of contact lens wearers experience reactions to contact lens solutions at some time [5]. In most cases, this happens when the person switches to a new solution (brand or type).

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A change in the formulation of the solution used can also lead to the risk of developing contact lens solution toxicity [6]. People who also have problems with the fit and the comfort of their contact lenses are also at the risk of contact lens solution toxicity.

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Common allergies that affect the eyes, such as dust allergy can also increase the risk.

What Are The Complications Of Contact Lens Solution Toxicity?

• Corneal hypoxia, which can lead to a rapid decline in vision associated with ocular pain, redness, corneal scarring and light sensitivity [7]
• Reduced vision
• Severe pain in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Reduced vision

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When To See A Doctor

If you notice any or one of the following, it is important that you visit a doctor immediately.

• Progressive pain
• Progressive vision loss [8]
• Thick or pus-like discharge
• No improvement or worsening of your eye condition after 24 hours without the use of contact lenses or solution

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What Are The Treatments?

The doctor or the optometrist will check whether the contact lenses are ill-fitting. You may be prescribed both eye drops and ointments depending on how severe the reaction is. Further treatment options will be discussed if there are any other associated problems with eye irritation [9].

How To Manage Contact Lens Solution Toxicity?

The first and foremost step is to stop using the product immediately and remove the contact lenses that are causing the irritation [10]. In addition, the following steps may help provide some relief from the irritation and pain.

• Rinse your eyes gently with cool water
• Warm compresses for aching, pain or discharge
• Use cold compresses for itching and swelling
• Do not rub the eyes, so as to reduce the irritation caused by the reaction to the contact lens solution

Once your eyes are free from the irritation, discuss with your doctor and switch to other brands or formulations of contact lens solutions.

On A Final Note…

Always check expiration dates on your contact lens solutions and never use expired products. Handle the solutions carefully as per the instructions and be careful not to contaminate the tip of the bottle or can, as contamination can lead to eye-related complications.