Study Finds Contact Wearers Insert Bacteria into Eyes Along With Lenses

Posted by: Caster Eye Center in eye health, good vision

A new study has documented the way contact lenses change the natural bacteria of the eye. Researchers at the New York University School of Medicine have found contact lenses make eye bacteria “more skin-like,” according toTime Magazine.

They found inserting contacts into the eyes introduces bacteria and may be the cause of increased eye infections in contact lens wearers. “Wearing contact lenses is known to increase the risk of microbial keratitis and other inflammatory eye conditions,” Maria Dominguez-Bello, one of the study authors, said.

The researchers compared people who wear contact lenses to those who don’t and found those with contacts “had a greater abundance of skin bacteria” in their eyes. They also stated contact wearers had fewer bacteria that is normally found in the eyes than non-wearers. However, more research is needed before they know for certain how this finding affects eye health.

Researchers have found contacts are proven to increase inflammatory conditions in the eye, which is avoidable through LASIK. LASIK eye surgery will help you avoid transferring bacteria into your eyes on a daily basis, and will also eliminate the need for glasses. Caster Eye Center puts your health and sight first and will work with you to meet your vision needs.