Hypoxia and contact lenses
Hypoxia occurs when the cornea does not get enough oxygen. It is the most common complication of contact lens wear, especially extended-wear lenses.
The cornea has no blood supply of its own, so it gets oxygen only from tears and directly from the atmosphere. A contact lens reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea, making the cornea swell. Wearing contacts overnight further decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to the cornea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
There is nothing definite that will prevent a person from developing glaucoma, but you can slow it down with early treatment. Therefore, it is very important that you have regular eye exams. Your doctor will perform a series of painless tests -- eye pressure measurements, dilated eye exams, and sometimes visual field testing -- to check for any changes in your eye or in your vision. With early detection, glaucoma can often be controlled with medications, either eye drops or pills. If your glaucoma...
Read the Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma article > >
Gas-permeable hard contact lenses have almost eliminated some once-common problems, such as overwearing syndrome and corneal clouding; still-common problems include hazy vision caused by mild corneal swelling (edema) or warping. Over time, corneal hypoxia may cause serious problems with the cornea.
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