Final answer:
Contact lens wearers can prevent eye infections through meticulous care such as proper disinfection, avoiding wearing lenses while swimming or sleeping, and treating any suspected infections promptly with antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
To help prevent eye infections, a contact lens wearer should adhere to strict hygiene and care practices. Due to the introduction of an artificial surface into the eye's anatomy, contact lenses can alter the natural microbiota of the conjunctiva, potentially leading to diseases. Risks are heightened with infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can thrive between the lens and the cornea, implying that proper contact lens care is essential. This includes disinfecting lenses correctly before use and not wearing them while swimming or in hot tubs.
Bacterial keratitis, often due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus epidermidis, presents a significant risk to contact lens users. These bacteria adhere well to lenses, especially if proper hygiene is not practiced or lenses are worn overnight. Timely treatment with antibiotics is crucial for any suspicion of infection, and contact lens care must be meticulous to avoid such complications.
Contact lenses also offer better peripheral vision and can correct corneal astigmatism, highlighting why care in their use is essential to reap the benefits while minimizing health risks. Protective eyewear with UV protection is recommended for activities involving UV exposure, as certain contact lenses can absorb some UV radiation, protecting the retina.