Eye Pressure and Contact Lenses: What You Need to Know

Understanding Eye Pressure and Its Importance

Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is the pressure inside our eyes that helps maintain its shape and overall health. When we talk about eye pressure, it's important to differentiate between normal eye pressure and high eye pressure, which can lead to serious conditions such as glaucoma.
As a contact lens wearer, it's essential to be aware of how your lenses can affect your eye pressure and to understand the potential consequences of wearing them for extended periods of time.

Factors that Affect Eye Pressure

There are several factors that can affect your eye pressure, including age, genetics, and overall eye health. However, some external factors can also play a role in influencing your eye pressure. These include:

• Use of certain medications
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• High levels of stress
• Lack of physical activity
• Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time

In this article, we will focus on the relationship between eye pressure and contact lenses, and how to maintain healthy eye pressure while wearing your contacts.

How Contact Lenses Can Impact Eye Pressure

Wearing contact lenses can sometimes cause an increase in eye pressure, especially if they are worn for extended periods of time. This is mainly due to the fact that contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, which can in turn cause an increase in eye pressure.
Additionally, ill-fitting contact lenses or lenses that are not properly cleaned can cause irritation, inflammation, and an increase in eye pressure. It's crucial to follow your eye care professional's recommendations for wearing and maintaining your contact lenses to minimize any potential risks.

Soft Contact Lenses and Eye Pressure

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly used type of contact lens, and they tend to have a minimal impact on eye pressure. However, it's still important to follow proper lens care guidelines and to replace your lenses as recommended by your eye care professional. This will help maintain healthy eye pressure and reduce the risk of infection or irritation.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses and Eye Pressure

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are less commonly used, but they can have a greater impact on eye pressure. Because they are made from a less flexible material, RGP lenses can sometimes cause an increase in eye pressure if they are not properly fitted or if they are worn for too long. As with soft lenses, it's essential to follow your eye care professional's recommendations for wearing and maintaining your RGP lenses to minimize any potential risks.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eye Pressure While Wearing Contact Lenses

To help maintain healthy eye pressure while wearing contact lenses, consider the following tips:

1. Follow your eye care professional's recommendations for wearing and replacing your contact lenses.
2. Clean and disinfect your lenses properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Do not wear your contact lenses for longer than recommended, and give your eyes a break by wearing glasses occasionally.
4. Stay hydrated, as dehydration can increase eye pressure.
5. Practice stress-relief techniques, as high stress levels can also impact eye pressure.
6. Exercise regularly to promote overall eye health and maintain healthy eye pressure.
7. Attend regular eye exams to monitor your eye pressure and ensure that your contact lenses are still fitting properly.

When to See Your Eye Care Professional

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms while wearing contact lenses, it's important to consult your eye care professional as soon as possible:

• Redness, itching, or irritation in your eyes
• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Swelling or pain in your eyes
• Any sudden changes in your vision or eye pressure

Your eye care professional can assess your eye pressure, determine if your contact lenses are causing any issues, and recommend any necessary changes to your lens wear or maintenance routine.

In conclusion, it's crucial for contact lens wearers to be aware of the potential impact lenses can have on eye pressure, and to follow proper lens care and wear guidelines to maintain healthy eye pressure. By following these tips and consulting with your eye care professional as needed, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing any potential risks to your eye health.