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Why does long-term contact lens wearing cause microvesicles in your eyes? What is the secret behind this?
Among today's vision correction options, contact lenses are widely used for their convenience and discreet appearance. However, the potential risks of long-term contact lens wear cannot be ignored, including the formation of microvesicles and a decline in visual function.
The use of contact lenses, especially continuous use, has a significant impact on the cornea. Studies have shown that long-term wear can induce multiple structural changes, including changes in corneal thickness, decreased cell density, and increased blood flow.
Structural changes and functional changes
Many studies have shown that long-term contact lens wear can affect the integrity of the cornea, specifically in terms of corneal thickness, sensitivity, and cell structure. When contact lenses are placed on the cornea for a long time, a hypoxic environment is formed, causing the production of microvesicles. These microvesicles are fluid pockets that form along the corneal epithelium and are often accompanied by cellular debris.
When the cornea is exposed to a hypoxic environment, epithelial metabolism is inhibited and the formation of microvesicles becomes a clear consequence.
The formation process of microvesicles
The formation of microvesicles usually begins to appear after one week of contact lens wear and increases with the wear time. These vesicles may peak after three months of contact lens wear and continue to increase in number with subsequent use. Studies have shown that long-term wearers have an average of five times more microvesicles than normal. These changes occur because the contact lenses restrict oxygen access to the cornea, causing persistent corneal hypoxia.
Reversible corneal changes
Although long-term contact lens wear can cause many changes, some of these changes are reversible. After you stop wearing contact lenses, usually within a month, oxygen uptake in the eye returns to normal levels and the microvesicles and other structures gradually decrease.
Studies have shown that both corneal thickness and epithelial oxygen uptake return to normal quickly after stopping contact lens wear.
Oxygen Transmittance of Contact Lenses
The materials used in contact lenses are critical to corneal health. Traditional hydrogel lenses are generally low in oxygen permeability, which means wearers are more likely to experience problems with long-term use. In comparison, silicone hydrogel lenses are four to six times more permeable to oxygen, making them one of the most popular choices today. In fact, large-scale application of this material has significantly reduced the problems caused by hypoxia, including the formation of microvesicles.
Risks of long-term wear
In addition to microvesicles, long-term wearing of contact lenses may also cause symptoms such as vision loss and glare, and even increase the risk of corneal neovascularization. These problems are not caused by a single factor, but are related to friction, mechanical stimulation and a persistent hypoxic environment of the eyes. In addition, excessive cleaning or random changes of contact lens brands can also cause damage to your eyes.
Future Outlook
Medical experts emphasize that regular checkups and good hygiene are crucial for long-term contact lens users. The science of contact lenses continues to advance, with new materials and designs promising to further reduce the risk of these problems. Then, are consumers paying enough attention to the health of their eyes?
These are important questions that we should continue to explore in future ophthalmology and contact lens technology. Contact lenses are certainly convenient, but the accompanying health risks force us to reflect on how much we protect and value our eyes. Are you ready to face these challenges?
