thursday , aug. 18 , 2016 ( healthday news ) -- unsafe use of contact lenses -- such as sleeping with them in place or using the same pair for too long -- is triggering serious eye injuries for many americans , a new report finds .
these contact lens - related infections included patients who had a scarred cornea , needed a corneal transplant , or otherwise suffered a reduction in vision .
“ contact lenses are a safe and effective form of vision correction when worn and cared for as recommended , ” said michael beach , ph.d. , director of cdc ’s healthy water program , in a statement .
et contact : eye wise : contact lens - related eye infections reported to a federal database involved a patient who experienced eye damage .
about 41 million americans wear contact lenses .
“ contact lenses are a safe and effective form of vision correction when worn and cared for as recommended , ” said michael beach , ph.d. , director of cdc ’s healthy water program .
improper wear and care of contact lenses can cause eye infections that sometimes lead to serious , long - term damage .
in fact , eye damage occurred in nearly 20 percent of contact lenses can lead to serious problems if not handled properly .
“ however , improper wear and care of contact lenses can cause eye infections that sometimes lead to serious , long - term damage .