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Can old contacts cause permanent damage to my eyes?

I broke my glasses last week and wore a pair of contacts I have had for a little while. Now my eyes are blood shot and I look like death. Did I cause permanent damage to my eyes and is there something I should be doing besides mainlining eye drops?

Julia Wayne asked in Aches, Pains & Illness about 1 year ago | Report

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4 Answers

  • Photo_on_2012-01-03_at_17
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    If you can, I would go and see your eye doctor. One time I had a bad reaction with my eyes to contacts and I had to get special prescription drops to clear it up. My eyes were all red and it just looked terrible! Plus they were scratchy.

    Most likely you didn't cause permanent damage, but I would really suggest going to the eye doctor.

    Like RM, I have done all sorts of terrible things to my eyes, like sleeping with my contacts in and stuff. My poor eyes! Luckily, they still work, but you can do permanent damage with contacts.

    Kristin Bell answered in Aches, Pains & Illness about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Qlandav2ex_small
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    Your condition is probably only minor irritation and/or a reaction to the contacts that will heal fairly quickly as long as you don't use them again.

    Obtain new contacts or get your glasses repaired and have your eyes checked to be sure your prescription for lenses is appropriate if it has been long since your last check up. See an opthamologist if the condition persists for more than a few days of taking it easy.

    Don't treat your eyes or your eyesight cavalierly. Using contacts past the expiration dates, wearing them longer than the recommended schedule, or using solutions and cleaning methods out of the described procedures are risky practices. People think that when they are able to do this on a few occasions that they don't need to heed the recommendations. Please don't do this. Damage to your eyes and eyesight can occur without prior warning and present as conditions where complete recovery is not typical.

    Don't play around with your eyesight.

    Russ Campbell, NWEBS answered in Aches, Pains & Illness about 1 year ago | Report
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  • P1000515_small
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    One of the main problems with old contacts is bacteria. If the redness continues, see your doctor (not necessarily eye doctor). He/she may give you antibiotic cream for your eyes.

    I've been using the daily disposable lenses and they are really a dream. If you had a box of those, they would be great for future specatcle emergencies.

    basmatic answered in Aches, Pains & Illness about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Img_3380_small
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    Morning sunshine.

    I'm notorious for wearing old contacts, as well as sleeping in them. I've done all kinds of shit to my poor eyeballs and my eye Dr. always yells at me.

    You're probably fine unless you notice sensitivity to light or any weird little bumps on your eyeballs. Then you may have an infection and it'd be a good time to worry.

    RM answered in Aches, Pains & Illness about 1 year ago | Report
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