Contact lenses and crohns?

[kimmidwife]

This is probably an odd question. Caitlyn wants to get contacts. I know crohns can have eye involvement and also these kids are at higher risk for infection. DOes anyone know if contacts are safe for them? Does anyone's kids have contacts? I told Caitlyn I would ask you all.

 

[Farmwife]

:ywow:Oh, that's a great question.
I don't know but it's still a great question.
I look forward to the answers of the others.


Farmwife

 

[Tesscorm]

Hi Kim,

I don't know whether there are any crohn's related issues but something to consider re contacts...

I've worn contacts for 20+ years, years ago I somehow developed an ulcer in my eye which, if my memory is correct, may have been caused by bacteria. Since then, I have used disposable contacts. You put in a pair in the morning and throw them out that evening. There is much less chance of bacteria as you really only touch them twice (and, of course, way more convenient!). It is more expensive (believe it costs me approx $500 per year) but, after having that ulcer, it's well worth the cost to me.

 

[momoftwinboys]

I do not know the answer as to how it relates to crohns. I have a friend who is prone to eye infections and she changed to the daily disposable ones to avoid them. Hope it ends up ok for her to get her wish.

 

[EthanPSU]

I have contacts and have wore them for 10 years now. I have zero problem with them and crohns. I would def let her get them. No one likes glasses in school years

 

[LittleChloe]

Hey Kim, Chloe has contacs and hasn't had any problems with them. I don't let her sleep in them. It's kind of good because it means she gets a yearly eye exam to get a refill. Good handwashing, keeping the containers cleaned and disinfecting every night should keep infections away.

 

[crohnsinct]

Haha! Yes! Get the committee's opinion about anything before you proceed.

FWIW, hubby had an ulcerated cornea years ago..was in a hospital for eyes and ears only...there are 2 of them in NYC (that's right Farmwife...NYC...see? cities are good for something...like specialized hospitals). Anyway, doc said 80% of all cases coming through were due to contacts. Apparently, he had a scratch on his cornea and put the contact on over it. The contact had bacteria in it and it fed into the scratch. He lost his vision in that eye and is waiting for a corneal transplant (you have to be older for these). The doc asked me if I wore contacts, I said yes but I am crazy neurotic about cleaning them. He said it doesn't matter, passing them through the air to put them in will let them gather bacteria. He took my contacts and threw them in the garbage. He says the ONLY contacts to get are the ones you break open brand new, put in and dispose of that day. Also said to alternate contact day...glasses day.

So far all my girls wear glasses. They are a fashion accessory. They have two different pairs for their different moods. Worked for my older ones but O is bound to want contacts.

 

[rygon]

Ive had contacts for about 10 years, used to be monthlys but now gone to 2weekly (same price and more comfortable). No problems with my eyes and they are checked every year with the package I bought

 

[EthanPSU]

Anyway, doc said 80% of all cases coming through were due to contacts. Apparently, he had a scratch on his cornea and put the contact on over it. The contact had bacteria in it and it fed into the scratch. He lost his vision in that eye and is waiting for a corneal transplant (you have to be older for these).

QUOTE]

Your doctor sounds like hes against contacts lol. But I also have a scratch on my cornea from an accident ahwile ago. But I still use contacts and have with no problems. I think that there could be the same risk of random bacteria landing in your eye without contacts then with.

 

[kimmidwife]

Thanks all for the answers. I think I will look into the daily disposable ones.