Using Contact Lenses & Potential Risks | Dr. Jeff Goldberg & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, offering an alternative to traditional glasses. Although it may seem unusual to place a lens directly on the eye, this practice has notable advantages.

Contact lenses are designed to provide better vision quality by correcting various eye shapes that glasses cannot. They are especially effective for addressing higher order aberrations that cause distortions.

  • Enhanced vision compared to glasses
  • Better adaptability for different eye shapes

While beneficial, contact lenses alter the tear dynamics and reduce the natural oxygen diffusion that eyes receive. For many individuals, particularly younger ones, sufficient tear film supplies and oxygen reserves prevent issues, but this can change with age.

With any lens-wearing regimen, there is a risk of complications such as infections, which can be severe.

  • Bacteria and fungus buildup risk if not cleaned properly
  • Potential for corneal scarring post-infection
  • Less tear production and comfort as eyes age
"Even if you successfully treat the infection, you can be left with some corneal scarring."

To mitigate risks, daily disposable lenses are highly recommended. While they contribute to environmental waste, they significantly lessen the chance of hygiene mistakes.

Moreover, avoiding contact lens usage overnight can safeguard against infections. Low-oxygen environments favor the growth of harmful bacteria that could potentially lead to eye infections.

As individuals age, they should remain responsive to their eye comfort levels and adjust lens wear accordingly. If contact lenses increasingly cause discomfort, reducing wearing times or exploring alternative solutions may be necessary.

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