Can wearing cosmetic contact lenses long-term cause cataracts?
Disease description:
I'm nearsighted, but I think glasses aren't attractive, so I use cosmetic contact lenses (colored contacts) and wear them all the time. Can long-term use of cosmetic contact lenses lead to cataracts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen You
Wearing cosmetic contact lenses does not cause cataracts. However, long-term use may lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, and can interfere with corneal cell respiration, causing corneal hypoxia. Prolonged corneal hypoxia affects the metabolism of corneal cells, making the corneal epithelial cells prone to shedding, erosion, or inflammation. Prior to wearing cosmetic contact lenses, maintain good eye hygiene to prevent infection. Remove them before bedtime, clean them thoroughly, and avoid wearing them frequently.
