US Pharm. 2014;39(12):7.
Atlanta, GA—The CDC has reported that about a million cases of eye infection are caused by improper use of contact lenses in the United States each year. Corneal infections, known as keratitis, cause pain and inflammation and may lead to blindness in severe cases. Poor hygiene practices such as failing to clean contact lens cases, not replacing lens solution regularly, and letting contacts get wet while showering or swimming are among the preventable risk factors. People who sleep overnight in their contact lenses are also 20 times more likely to get an infection. Episodes of keratitis cost an estimated $175 million in direct healthcare expenses annually.
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