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Despite many warnings and recommendations on the use of contact lenses, many people, especially young people, still carelessly use this item as a fashion accessory instead of a medical product to treat refractive errors in the eyes. This can lead to unpredictable harm.
Trend never goes out of style
As a high school student, Nguyen Dieu Anh in Hai Duong City has just discovered that she is nearsighted, but she already owns a collection of contact lenses of many different types. As someone who cares and pays attention to her beauty and appearance, when she became nearsighted, Dieu Anh felt self-conscious and pressured because she had to wear glasses. Therefore, she chose contact lenses as a lifesaver.
At first, Dieu Anh only wore contact lenses to see better, but after learning more, she saw the versatility of this type of lens. Dieu Anh boasted: “I have many types of contact lenses. In addition to curing myopia, contact lenses can also adjust eye size and change iris color. More importantly, contact lenses help me feel confident and comfortable in my daily life.”
In fact, contact lenses are not only popular now, but have been around for more than 10 years. Many people with refractive eye defects seek contact lenses not only to improve their vision but also for aesthetics. Currently, contact lenses have a variety of designs and affordable prices, from only 50,000-500,000 VND/pair (except for hard lenses for treatment), so they are popular. Therefore, although it has been a beauty trend for a long time, contact lenses are still not out of fashion.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Chi, 33 years old, in Thanh Binh ward (Hai Duong city) has been using contact lenses for nearly 10 years. She was nearsighted quite early, but when she learned about contact lenses, Ms. Chi gave up her glasses to use this type. Ms. Chi said that glasses are not only unaesthetic but also very inconvenient. Playing outdoors or doing sports, wearing glasses is uncomfortable, always having to be careful because of the fear of dropping the glasses. When walking in the rain, the glasses get foggy, making it difficult to see. “When I first started using contact lenses, I was also clumsy because I found them complicated. But after a while, I got used to them, and then became addicted. Now I use glasses as a fashion accessory. I change a type every day, and change my eye color to match my outfit,” Ms. Chi shared.
Not only women need to use contact lenses, but men are also interested in this type of glasses. Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, 23 years old, in Hung Dao commune (Tu Ky) has quite severe myopia. Therefore, Mr. Manh feels uncomfortable wearing thick glasses. Contact lenses have solved the disadvantages of glasses, so he really likes them. Before using contact lenses, Mr. Manh also consulted the method of curing myopia by surgery. However, when reading information that myopia surgery can cause many complications and is easy to relapse, he chose to wear contact lenses. Mr. Manh said that at first, he was shy and reserved when using contact lenses because he always had to clean them. Later, when he mastered the steps of putting on and taking off the lenses, he found them simple to use.
It is worth mentioning that some people, although not nearsighted, have the habit of using contact lenses as a beauty accessory. Previously, Ms. Nguyen Bich Hanh, 30 years old, in Thanh Hai commune (Thanh Ha) was always self-conscious about her monolid eyes and brown eyes. 5 years ago, while taking a commemorative photo with friends, the makeup artist suggested that she use contact lenses to make her eyes bigger, brighter, and more beautiful. After that, she used contact lenses more often to feel more confident in communicating and working with partners.
Danger is forewarned
Although it is a trend and a beauty trend, contact lenses cause a lot of trouble for users during use. From the initial discomfort, in the long run, it can cause unpredictable dangers to the eyes.
When using contact lenses, Ms. Hanh sometimes feels her eyes are irritated and watery. However, because of the advantages that this type of lens brings, she is willing to make the trade-off. In early 2023, when her eyes were red, swollen, and uncomfortable, she went to a specialized hospital and was diagnosed with keratitis. The cause was due to frequent use of contact lenses. “After being cured, I limited my contact lens wearing. However, when there is an important event, I still use this type of lens to cover up the defect but I am more careful in using it,” Ms. Hanh said.
Mr. Pham Van Duong, the owner of an eyeglass store on Tran Hung Dao Street (Hai Duong City) has experience and knowledge about eyeglass products. Mr. Duong said that his store is distributing and selling many types of contact lenses from white lenses, colored lenses, dilated lenses, etc. Customers who choose this type of lens are mainly young people. However, he always advises to only use contact lenses when absolutely necessary, and not to abuse them. To protect the eyes, glasses are still the optimal solution. On the other hand, the origin of contact lenses is also worth discussing. Currently, many souvenir and cosmetic stores also sell contact lenses at cheap prices, suitable for students' budgets. Contact lenses that are not quality tested increase the risk of harm to the eyes when used.
Hai Duong Eye and Dermatology Hospital receives many people for eye treatment in cases of inflammation, ulcers, and corneal perforation due to contact lens use. Most cases seek advice and treatment at the hospital when the condition is severe. Therefore, treatment is more complicated and recovery time is longer. More dangerous is the case of corneal amoeba infection due to contact lens use. This disease can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
According to Dr. Tran Thi Tuyen, Head of the Emergency Examination Department (Hai Duong Eye and Dermatology Hospital), contact lenses are currently used for two purposes: to treat myopia and to increase aesthetics. Myopia-treating glasses must be recommended for use according to a schedule, under the supervision and guidance of a specialist. In cases of reduced vision, contact lenses cannot be worn because they can cause allergies and infections. This type of glasses is prescribed for people with healthy eyes, without inflammation or dry eyes. Doctors also recommend that if you have a refractive error, glasses are still the optimal solution, except in cases where glasses are absolutely not possible.
Contact lenses used for cosmetic purposes are often made of poor quality materials, so when in direct contact with the eyes, they can cause corneal scratches or more serious diseases. On the other hand, if you use contact lenses for a long time, it will cause a lack of oxygen to the cornea. The time to use contact lenses is 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years... With fashion contact lenses, they are usually only used for 1 day. However, many young people are reluctant to spend money and keep them for many uses. Some people even forget to remove their lenses and wear them overnight. This is very dangerous.
Contact lenses provided by medical facilities and trusted addresses cannot guarantee eye safety because it depends on the user. Careless lens installation and removal will scratch the eyes, and more seriously, cause scarring and corneal ulcers. In addition, if lenses are not cleaned according to instructions, the possibility of the eyes being infected with fungi, bacteria, and viruses from the lens cleaning solution is very high. Therefore, even if the contact lenses are of guaranteed quality, there is still a risk of eye damage.
Contact lenses (also known as lenses, contact lenses) are glasses that fit the cornea, are pan-shaped, have a curvature that fits the cornea and do not require a frame. If worn incorrectly, the cornea can be scratched, inflamed or infected. Glasses are difficult to wear, especially for first-time users. They need to be cleaned daily, which is inconvenient for busy people who do not have much time. Do not use expired glasses; clean your hands before wearing glasses.
