Contact lenses are very popular: more than 30 million Americans wear them. Contact lenses are a safe alternative to glasses when they're worn properly, but when they're not worn properly, they can lead to complications such as contact lens overwear syndrome, also known as contact lens-associated red eye. Here are four things you need to know about contact lens overwear syndrome.
1. What are the signs of contact lens overwear syndrome?
The prevalence of cataracts, a condition where the lens inside the eyes becomes cloudy, is relatively high amongst senior American citizens. According to the National Eye Institution (NEI), approximately 68.3% of Americans over the age of 80 had cataracts in 2010. Fortunately, modern day cataract surgery is generally quite safe and effective, as the procedure produces excellent outcomes and can almost completely restore one's visual acuity. Once the clouded lenses are removed, the surgeon will replace it with an artificial intraocular lens.
