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Contact lenses can lead to vision loss
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Vision is one of the most important human senses. We see the world around us, and it is good if we see it clearly, noticing all the colors and details. However, all the surrounding beauty can fade in an instant if we do not take care of our vision and treat this gift carelessly.
If there are problems with vision, people choose means that will help correct it. Usually these are glasses or contact lenses. Everyone is guided by personal preferences, taking into account various nuances: someone likes glasses in a beautiful frame, which in addition to their main function will act as a fashion accessory. And someone prefers not to burden themselves with wearing glasses or simply wants to hide vision problems - contact lenses are suitable for them.
But scientists warn of the dangers that these seemingly convenient and small lenses may pose.
Millions of people who wear contact lenses are exposed to danger every day.
The causative agent of a dangerous disease called amoebic keratitis is the single-celled organism Acanthamoeba, which has been found in tap water, swimming pools, showers and even dust.
There are 3.7 million contact lens wearers in the UK. The number of contact lens wearers who contract the infection is relatively small, but experts warn that treating the condition can be time-consuming and difficult.
The disease progression is very painful and can ultimately lead to blindness. At the initial stage, patients are prescribed drops, but in the worst case, the patient may be faced with a corneal transplant.
The experts presented the results of the report at the British Science Festival in Aberdeen: "When the Acanthamoeba bacteria come into contact with the eyes, the pathogens pass through the cornea and the outer layer of the eyeball. The person experiences profuse tear secretion, severe itching and pain, as well as sensitivity to light."
"This could be a problem for anyone who wears contact lenses, especially those who don't follow the care instructions," said Dr Fiona Henriques, from the University of the West of Scotland.
During the study, the scientists examined 153 contact lens storage containers of owners who were not infected with the dangerous pathogen. It turned out that 65.9% of the containers were contaminated with Acanthamoeba, and another 30% with other types of pathogenic amoeba. Bacteria were not found only in containers whose owners wore lenses daily. “Often, those who wear lenses rinse them under running water, which is where dangerous bacteria live. In addition, people do not remove their lenses while visiting a swimming pool or taking a shower. This only increases the risk of infection with pathogens,” says Graham Stevenson, an employee of the optician’s salon. “Millions of people use lenses – they are convenient and practical. We do not want to scare them or force them to give up lenses altogether. Our mission is to warn and advise them to follow safety rules and be careful,” added Tara Beattie, a researcher from the University of Strathclyde.
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