News from Middle East Politics, Business, Economy and More

Got a virus? Avoid wearing contact lenses


Published: Dec. 26, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Print story
Email to a friend
Font size:
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. experts in optometry advise those who catch a virus to avoid wearing contact lenses.

"Many people don't realize that their eyes function differently when they're sick," William "Joe" Benjamin, professor of optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says in a statement.

"Tear production is altered, and eyes tend to get very dry. People may develop pink eye, conjunctivitis or other eye infections. The cornea can swell. Contacts can aggravate these symptoms."

If sick, Benjamin advises to stick to glasses. For those who must wear contacts, they should make sure to clean them thoroughly or, if possible, switch to daily wear lenses to avoid infection.

Taking contacts out to let eyes recuperate during the day can be beneficial, Benjamin says.



© 2007 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
Print story
Order reprints
Email to a friend
Post comment
See Also:
» Next in Health: Certain brain injuries reduce PTSD risk