You wake up one morning to find your vision slightly blurred, the colours a bit dull, and daily tasks increasingly difficult. For many, this is the subtle beginnings of glaucoma—a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP).

If you’re planning to purchase contacts online or in a store and you just found out that you had this condition, you might ask yourself: "Can I still wear contact lenses?"

A Quick 101 on Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often dubbed the "silent thief of sight" because it usually progresses undetected until full-blown vision loss occurs. Elevated IOP is a primary risk factor, but other factors such as genetics and age are also involved. Thus, early detection and proper treatment are crucial to the preservation of sight.

Contact Lenses and Glaucoma: A Complex Relationship

Wearing contact lenses for glaucoma is not necessarily harmful, but they do carry risks that need to be addressed. 

Medication Interactions

Most people with glaucoma take pharmaceutical eye drops to regulate IOP. Some of these medications leave the eyes dry and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Moreover, eye drops preservatives, like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can adhere to contact lenses and create eye surface toxicity. This can be prevented by waiting at least 15 minutes after you put eye drops in before wearing contact lenses.

Post-Surgical Considerations

If you have undergone glaucoma surgery, especially procedures like trabeculectomy that create a drainage bleb, wearing contact lenses should be done with care. Contact lenses can clog or irritate the bleb, and even interfere with surgical results. In such cases, scleral lenses, which vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, may be a better choice. 

Types of Contact Lenses: Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the right type of contact lens is vital for glaucoma patients.

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses offer clear vision and high oxygen permeability which are important for eye health. But they are not a good option for people with certain surgical histories as they can cause clogging of drainage sites.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are usually more comfortable, but may absorb medications and additives from eye drops, which can irritate the eyes. By using daily disposable lenses, you can help prevent this from happening.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger lenses that vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera. They can be beneficial for patients with irregular corneas or post-surgical eyes, as they limit contact with sensitive tissue.

Hygiene and Compliance: Non-Negotiable Factors

Maintaining impeccable hygiene is paramount. Bad lens handling can cause infections that can make glaucoma worse or harder to manage. You should clean and replace lenses as directed by your eye care professional. 

Innovations on the Horizon: Drug-Eluting Contact Lenses

New technologies are making contact lenses that deliver glaucoma medications directly to the eye. These drug-eluting lenses promise better drug compliance and stable delivery, potentially reshaping glaucoma care. But there is more work needed to guarantee they are safe and effective before they are made widely available.

Practical Tips for Glaucoma Patients Considering Contact Lenses

Glaucoma patients often face a different set of problems when considering contact lenses due to their specific eye care needs. By following these simple tips, people can keep their eyes healthy without sacrificing the ease of wearing contact lenses. 

1. Consult Your Eye Care Professional

Before making any decisions, talk to your ophthalmologist or optometrist about your condition and treatment options. They can assess if you need contacts to manage your glaucoma, and suggest the right type for your eyes.

2. Adhere to Medication Schedules

If using eye drops, apply them as directed and wait long enough before inserting lenses to ensure no reactions occur. This will make sure the medication gets absorbed properly and that there is less chance of contamination or diminished effectiveness.

3. Prioritize Hygiene

Follow strict handwashing and lens-cleaning routines to prevent infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses, use appropriate cleaning products, and do not expose lenses to water to avoid serious eye infections.

4. Monitor Comfort Levels

Stay alert to any pain or changes in vision, and report them immediately to your optometrist. Consistent monitoring will also allow you to identify problems in advance, making the appropriate adjustments to your contact lenses or glaucoma treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wearing contact lenses worsen glaucoma?

Wearing contact lenses does not necessarily make glaucoma worse, but improper use or poor hygiene can have complications that affect vision. 

Are there contact lenses that can help treat glaucoma?

There are currently studies on drug-eluting contact lenses to deliver glaucoma drugs  directly to the eye, but these are not yet widely available.

How long should I wait after using glaucoma eye drops before inserting contact lenses?

You should wait at least 15 minutes after putting in eye drops before you put in contact lenses to avoid interference. 

Can I wear contact lenses after glaucoma surgery?

It depends on the type of surgery and individual circumstances. Consult your eye surgeon for individualized recommendations.

What should I do if my contact lenses cause discomfort?

Remove the lenses immediately and see your eye doctor to rule out any complications.

A Tailored Approach is Needed

Contact lenses are usually safe for most patients with glaucoma, but must be specifically tailored to the individual’s health conditions, lenses, and treatment regimens. Work closely with your eye doctor and follow their recommendations, so you can make informed decisions to support your vision correction and glaucoma treatment.