Final answer:
Patients often stop wearing contact lenses due to discomfort from poor fit or changes in eye microbiota, and the risk of infections like bacterial keratitis, which requires correct fit and care to prevent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common reason patients stop wearing contact lenses is discomfort due to various causes, with poor fit being a significant factor. Discomfort can also arise from changes in the eye's microbiota introduced by the contact lens surface. Moreover, contact lens wearers are at increased risk of developing eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis, particularly if they do not practice proper lens care or wear lenses overnight.
Contact lens discomfort can be connected to inadequate tear production or the lens not matching the natural curvature of the cornea, leading to an uncomfortable fit. Contact lens-related infections like bacterial keratitis can lead to severe complications, including potential blindness, if not treated promptly with antibiotics. To prevent these problems, optometrists must ensure a correct fit and educate patients on proper lens care to maintain the health of the eye's microbiota.