[Risks and complications of contact lens use]

Hard and soft contact lenses are not always well tolerated--a certain percentage of lens wearers develop eye complications, which may be either mechanical toxic, metabolic, or allergic in nature and are caused by sensitization of the anterior part of the eye by cleaning/disinfecting media or the material of the lens. Inadequate cleaning or disinfection of the lens can also lead to eye injury, as can leaving the lens in the eye for too long. Only thorough patient instruction on the handling and care of the lenses, coupled with regular visits to the ophthalmologist can avoid the development of complications in contact lens wearers.