Page 136 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2024
P. 136

  UV Rays: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays
             or reflections from snow or water can trigger
             corneal inflammation.

            Infections: Conditions like bacterial keratitis
             can lead to corneal inflammation.

            Genetic Diseases: Corneal dystrophy, where
             the cornea degenerates over time, and
             keratoconus, where the cornea bulges
             outward, are also significant causes.
           SYMPTOMS OF CORNEAL DAMAGE

             Common symptoms include pain, redness,
          blurred vision, light sensitivity, and tearing. It
          is crucial to seek immediate medical attention
          if these symptoms arise to prevent further           wearing glasses. Her condition worsened,
          damage.                                              necessitating an urgent hospital visit where
          TREATMENT OF CORNEAL DAMAGE                          doctors confirmed corneal damage. She
                                                               endured ten days of intense pain before
             Treatment depends on the severity and             recovering, supported by her boyfriend,
          cause of the damage. Basic measures include          Aly Goni.
          lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation and
          antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat          Jasmine shared her relief on Instagram,
          infections. For chemical injuries, immediate         expressing gratitude to her doctor for
          flushing of the eyes is necessary.                   her improved condition. She stressed the
                                                               importance of proper contact lens usage
          Other treatments include:                            and eye health. This incident highlights the
                                                               need for awareness and caution when using
            Antibiotics/Antifungals: Effective for            contact lenses.
             infectious keratitis.
                                                                PREVENTING CORNEAL DAMAGE
            Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Steroids and
             NSAIDs reduce inflammation and prevent               Jasmine Bhasin’s experience serves as a
             further damage.                                   crucial reminder for contact lens users and
                                                               opticians alike. Proper contact lens hygiene and
            Surgical Interventions: These range from
             removing damaged tissue to corneal                adherence to safety guidelines are paramount
             transplants. Procedures like corneal              in preventing corneal damage. By following
             cross-linking strengthen corneal tissue           these practices, individuals can ensure their
             in conditions like keratoconus, halting           eyes remain healthy and avoid the severe
             its progression. In severe cases, corneal         consequences of improper contact lens use.
             transplants, either full-thickness or partial,       Opticians must educate their patients
             might be necessary. Emerging treatments           about the dos and don’ts of contact lens
             involve stem cells and synthetic implants to      care, emphasising the importance of regular
             regenerate corneal tissue.                        check-ups with an ophthalmologist. By taking
          CASE STUDY OF JASMINE BHASIN’S                       these precautions, one can protect their
          EXPERIENCE                                           vision and maintain eye health effectively.
                                                               For those looking to delve deeper into the
             On 17  July 2024, Jasmine Bhasin                  best practices for contact lens use, care,
                  th
          experienced severe eye pain after using contact      and maintenance, another insightful article
          lenses for an event, leading to corneal damage.      compiled by Optom Pooja Singh for this issue
          Despite her discomfort, she attended the event       offers detailed guidelines.


      132 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | JULY-AUGUST 2024                                                 CONTACT LENSES
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