Dangers of Wearing Contact Lenses: Contact Lenses Increase Risk of Drooping Upper Eyelids

Acquired Ptosis Not Linked to Work Stress, Sleep, Sun Exposure or Body Mass Index

NEW YORK, June 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the official publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), showed both hard and soft contact lenses contributed to the drooping of the upper eyelids, a medical condition referred to as ptosis. The severity of the drooping eyelids was more evident in twins who wore hard contact lenses (1.84 mm – mean ptosis measurement) compared to those who wore soft lenses (1.41 mm – mean ptosis measurement). Twins who did not wear contact lenses had a mean ptosis measurement of 1.00 mm.

"The difference between one millimeter and two may not seem like much, but when it comes to eyelids, it is significant. Plastic surgeons who specialize in surgery of the lower and upper eyelids attest that even a ½ millimeter can make a world of difference when it comes to vision and overall appearance," explained lead senior, Dr. Bahman Guyuron, board-certified plastic surgeon based in Cleveland, Ohio.

The study was conducted on 96 sets of identical twins that had differing severity of drooping eyelids. Researchers also looked for links between drooping eyelids and body mass index (BMI), smoking, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, work-related stress, and sleep — none of which had a statistically significant impact on eyelid droopiness.

"Identical twins are genetically destined to have similar facial and eyelid features, so any difference in these structures is primarily related to environmental factors," explained Dr. Guyuron. "We assessed the correlations of many different environmental factors that could contribute to upper eyelid droopy eyelids and wearing contact lenses was the only external factor that was linked. This is attributed to the recurrent traction of the eyelid during placement and removal of the lens."

Source: TALK OF THE TOWN By Orikinla

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