Contact lens users could be disrupting eye’s natural bacteria, study says

A recent study published in the medical journal mBIO suggest the eyes of contact lens users could be host to different bacteria than those who don’t wear them.

Led by Maria Dominguez-Bello, an associate professor with the Human Microbiome Program at New York University, the study analyzed bacteria on the eye surface and on skin below the eye in 68 people. Bacteria on contact lenses was also analyzed if the subject wore contacts. Samples were collected at three points over six weeks.

The study found those who wear contact lenses have a similar bacterial makeup on their eyes and on the skin around their eyes. Those who don’t wear contacts showed a different bacterial makeup.

The study doesn’t determine exactly the cause of the bacteria (the act of putting in or taking out the contact, wearing the contact, etc.), but the researchers said it shows the importance of paying attention to contact lens hygiene.

Dr. Ryan Johnson, an optometrist at Pocatello Eye Care, said the biggest thing about contact lens hygiene is to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

As an optometrist for more than decade, Johnson has seen how hygiene carelessness can turn into irritable eye problems.

“We occasionally get patients who are at the beginning of getting an ulcer from contact over wear,” he said. “Those ulcers can be vision-threatening in the long term. They’ll often leave a scar we don’t want to deal with.”

If a contact is bothering your eyes, it’s best to take it out sooner rather than later to prevent a big problem from happening, Johnson suggests.

Johnson offers these tips for good contact lens hygiene:

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before putting them in or taking them out. Use approved contact lens solutions (a multipurpose one is a good go-to, but you can always ask your doctor to know which one is best for you.) Don’t sleep in them and don’t keep them in longer than prescribed. Replace contacts as prescribed.

Also, Johnson recommends going to see your doctor for regular follow-up visits to check the health of the cornea and the rest of the eye.

Here are some other resources for healthy contact lens practices:

American Academy of Ophthalmology Center for Disease Control and Prevention Contact Lens Safety