corneal ulcer

[Hammie]

I used the acuvue 2 contact lenses for years with no problems.  About a month ago my doctor told me about the acuve oasys lenses.  They sounded good so I switched.  I was fine until last week.  All the sudden my eye was bright red and very painful.  I go to see the doctor and he says that I have an ulcer from not switching them after two weeks.  I thought about it and realised that I have never been good at remembering to change them every two weeks and had never had this problem with my old contacts.  So I am assuming that there is a link between this and the new contacts and/or solution.  Do you think it could be from that? I have to back to the doctor tomorrow and I am telling him that I want to switch back to my old contacts.  I do not want to risk going through this again!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Sorry Hammie,  as long as you don't switch your disposable contact lens out "on time" you are at risk of serious ulcerations on the cornea. It doesn't make any difference whether it's the new or old type.

Anyone reading this that wears disposable contact lens. CHange them exactly when you're suppose to. I see 3 to 5 patients/week with corneal ulcers some infected or other serious eye problem related to improper wearing. It's just not woth the risk. We have had several young people have to have corneal transplants due to their cornea being totally scarred due to infections.

NEVER SWIM IN YOUR CONTACT LENS AND DON'T USE TAP WATER ON THEM.

JCH III MD     EYE MD