Understanding Glaucoma and How It Relates to Contact Lens Use
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with high eye pressure. It is one of the leading causes of blindness. Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with treatment. Some research suggests wearing contact lenses may impact the progression of glaucoma. This article will explore the relationship between glaucoma and contact lens use.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases causing vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. This nerve connects the eye to the brain, allowing you to see. The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, developing slowly over time with no symptoms at first.
Glaucoma is often linked to abnormally high pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This added pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, disrupting communication with the brain.
Other risk factors include:
- Age over 40 years old
- Genetics and family history
- Severe near-sightedness
- Eye injury or trauma
- Certain medications like steroids
Glaucoma cannot be reversed once vision loss occurs. But early detection and treatment are key to preventing permanent damage.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly without any symptoms initially. As peripheral vision starts deteriorating, you may notice:
- Dark, blurry areas in your field of vision
- Halos around lights
- Vision loss
- Redness in the eye
- Eye pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Since symptoms appear late, regular eye exams are recommended to catch glaucoma early. Those at high risk may need more frequent screening.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam checking your:
- Visual acuity
- Eye pressure
- Cornea thickness
- Drainage angle of the eye
- Optic nerve damage
Finding higher than normal eye pressure along with optic nerve changes often indicates glaucoma. Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on lowering IOP to prevent further vision loss. This may involve:
- Prescription eye drops to decrease fluid production or increase drainage
- Oral medications to reduce fluid formation
- Laser therapy
- Surgery to improve drainage
Treatment can control glaucoma, but there is no cure. Lifelong monitoring and medication are required to preserve vision. Following your eye doctor's recommendations is key.
Can Contact Lens Wear Increase Your Risk of Glaucoma?
Some research has investigated a potential link between wearing contact lenses and developing glaucoma. Contact lens use comes with inherent risks like irritation and infection. Some studies have looked into whether it could also play a role in optic nerve damage from glaucoma progression.
Connection Between Contact Lens Use and Intraocular Pressure
Several studies have found that contact lens wear may be associated with slight increases in IOP, although findings are mixed:
- One study found daily soft contact lens wearers had higher mean IOP than non-lens wearers, by 1.1 to 1.6 mm Hg.
- Another found extended wear lenses to increase IOP by 1.5 mm Hg compared to no lenses.
- Research in adolescent wearers found contacts increased IOP by 1.4 mm Hg on average.
However, other studies found no significant difference or that various types of lenses have differential effects. How and when IOP is measured during lens wear also impacts results.
While more research is still needed, it appears contact lenses may increase eye pressure in some wearers. Over years, this could theoretically raise glaucoma risk if optic nerve damage occurs.
Contact Lens Hypoxia
Some research indicates contact lens-related hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) may also play a role. Soft lenses limit oxygen reaching the cornea:
- Overnight/extended wear lenses cause more hypoxia.
- Long-term hypoxia may impair regulation of eye blood flow.
- Impaired blood flow can increase IOP and affect the optic nerve.
However, modern contact lens materials and designs continue improving oxygen permeability. More research on newer lenses is still needed.
Increased Inflammation and Infection
Studies show contact lens wearers have more inflammation in the eye. Lens-related eye infections are also more common. Though unclear if directly related to glaucoma, inflammation and infection could theoretically contribute to optic nerve damage progression in susceptible individuals.
Can Contact Lens Use Impact Your Glaucoma Treatment?
For those already diagnosed with glaucoma, contact lens use can also impact your treatment plan. Ophthalmologists may recommend approaches like:
Avoiding Extended Wear Lenses
Overnight and extended wear lenses have higher risks of adverse effects like inflammation, irritation, and increased IOP. Your eye doctor may advise discontinuing extended wear if you have glaucoma.
Scheduling Lens Wear Around Eye Drops
Glaucoma medications typically come as topical eye drops. To maximize absorption, you may be advised not to wear lenses for a period (e.g. 20-30 minutes) after using drops.
Coordinating Follow-Up Testing
Accurately tracking glaucoma progression involves multiple tests like visual field analysis, optic nerve imaging, corneal thickness measurement, and tonometry to check inner eye pressure. Your eye doctor may schedule exams for days when you are not wearing lenses.
Using Daily Disposables
Compared to reusable lenses, daily disposables reduce irritation and infection risks that could worsen glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist may recommend switching to daily disposables if you have glaucoma.
Precautions for Contact Lens Wearers Concerned About Glaucoma
There are some precautions contact lens wearers can take to reduce any potential increased glaucoma risks:
- Have comprehensive eye exams yearly to evaluate eye health.
- Know your family history. Get early screening if glaucoma runs in your family.
- Have your eye pressure measured annually alongside vision checks.
- Discuss contact lens hygiene and care with your eye doctor.
- Use proper lens cleaning/disinfection and replace per your eye doctors guidelines.
- Avoid sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear.
- Lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation from lenses.
- See your eye care provider promptly for redness, pain or changes in vision.
Being proactive protects the long-term health of your eyes, whether you wear contact lenses or not. If diagnosed with glaucoma, work closely with your eye specialists for optimal management.
FAQs
Can contact lens wear directly cause glaucoma?
There is no definitive evidence that wearing contact lenses can directly cause glaucoma. However, some research suggests lenses may contribute to known glaucoma risk factors like increased eye pressure and inflammation.
Should I stop wearing contacts if I'm diagnosed with glaucoma?
You do not necessarily have to stop wearing contact lenses if you have glaucoma. But your ophthalmologist may recommend certain precautions like avoiding overnight wear, using daily disposables, and scheduling lens wear around medications.
Do rigid gas permeable lenses have less glaucoma risk than soft lenses?
Some research suggests rigid gas permeable lenses may provide better corneal oxygenation than soft lenses, which could hypothetically reduce glaucoma risks related to hypoxia. However, more research on modern soft lens materials is needed.
Can I still get LASIK surgery if I have glaucoma?
LASIK is not necessarily contraindicated if you have mild, stable glaucoma. But glaucoma patients have special considerations for LASIK candidacy regarding cornea thickness, optic nerve status, and eye pressure control. Discuss risks/benefits with your eye doctor.
Will cataract surgery help treat my glaucoma?
Cataract removal can lower eye pressure and medication needs for some glaucoma patients. But cataract surgery alone cannot cure glaucoma. You'll still need ongoing treatment to protect the optic nerve after cataract surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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