Beware of contact lenses

Beware of contact lenses

A young man in Florida became partially blind after falling asleep in contact lenses. In details of the terrifying story, Michael, 21, a Miami student, told him that he had a 40-minute nap while wearing his daily sticky lenses. When he woke up, his eye was red, but he ignored it and removed the lens, and during the days, he slowly lost his sight.

Flesh-eating bacteria

A month later, doctors finally diagnosed him with a flesh-eating bacterial infection known as corneitis (AK), which can cause permanent and significant loss of sight.

Experts draw attention to a rare bacterial infection. Infectious bacteria are usually harmless and very common. It is found in lakes, oceans and soil. It also has access to tap water, heating and air conditioning units. But when you enter the eye through fine tears and scratches, you can cause an infection.

At higher risk

Experts point out that anyone wearing contact lenses is at risk. But people wearing contact lenses at night are at greater risk. It also deprives the cornea of oxygen at night - this is avoided during the day by flashing - which may reduce its ability to fight bacterial infection.

Contact lens companies tell users not to wear lenses at night to reduce risk. They also ask people to wash their hands when applying or removing lenses, and carry spare glasses.