Editing Refractive error (section)

=== Contact lenses ===
Alternatively, many people choose to wear contact lenses. One style is hard contact lenses, which can distort the shape of the cornea to a desired shape. Another style, soft contact lenses, are made of silicone or hydrogel. Depending on the duration they are designed for, they may be worn daily or may be worn for an extended period of time, such as for weeks.<ref name="Cochrane c1711"/>

There are a number of complication associated with contact lenses. Typically the ones that are used daily.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! Complications of contact lens wear
! Description
|-
| Conjunctivitis (giant papillary form)
| Caused in response to the allergen present in the material from which the contact lens is made from. There is often discomfort in the eye after wearing and vision may be affected. Choosing the right lens material and changing it regularly might prevent conjunctivitis.
|-
| Corneal abrasion
| Caused by a foreign body, dust, sand, or grit trapped under the lens.
|-
| Corneal edema
| Caused by decreased oxygen delivery to the tissue compressed by the lens. Usually resolved after the removal of the lenses. Discomfort upon lens removal may be seen.
|-
| Neovascularization
| New blood vessels may form in the iris region and the limbus. This may impair vision.
|-
| Infections
| Various viral, bacterial, and fungal infection may be seen in the eye post-contact-lens wear, if proper lens hygiene is not maintained. Acanthamoeba are the most common infections in the people using contact lenses.
|}

If redness, itching, and difficulty in vision develops, the use of the lenses should be stopped immediately and the consultation of ophthalmologists may be sought.