Can wearing contact lenses cause retinal detachment?
Can wearing contact lenses cause retinal detachment?
The retina is a very thin layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Once it falls off, it can lead to blindness, which is a very serious eye disease and is more common in people with high myopia, the elderly and those who have suffered eye trauma. So, does wearing contact lenses cause retinal detachment?
Generally speaking, wearing contact lenses does not cause retinal detachment. Contact lenses are positioned at the front of the eye, while the retina, located at the back of the eye, is responsible for light perception and image formation. Retinal detachment only occurs when there is a lesion in the retina, which is far from the front of the eye. Therefore, the two are not closely related. Under normal conditions, the inside of the eye is enclosed and isolated from the outside, so contact lenses do not enter the back of the eye. Thus, neither the lenses nor the process of putting them on or taking them off can affect the retina.
However, even if it does not cause retinal detachment, improper use of contact lenses can still increase the risk of eye problems. For example, long-term use of low-quality contact lenses or neglecting eye hygiene can lead to issues such as abnormal eye pressure, eye infections, conjunctivitis, and dry eyes. It can also cause discomfort like corneal hypoxia and a strong sensation of foreign objects. Some wearers may experience eye allergies due to the materials of the contact lenses or the care solutions, leading to redness and patches. Therefore, if you plan to wear contact lenses for an extended period, it is essential to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness and strictly follow the correct disinfection procedures. When people wear contact lenses, they should pay attention to the environmental hygiene around the eyes and prevent inflammation and infection of the ocular surface. Scientific use can make most risks controllable. For the prevention of retinal diseases, it mainly depends on fundus screening and enhanced monitoring.