You may have read that Tori Spelling has been wearing an eye patch after she developed an ulcer in her eye. She has spoken about the ulcer and its cause on a podcast.
She explained; “So I have contacts, but I have the daily ones, and at the end of the day, kids, whatever, I can make all the excuses I want, I don’t take them out, I sleep in them, and it’s not healthy.
“So I got an eye ulcer. I got an ulcer on my left eye.
“Everyone is asking if I scratched my cornea. It's actually an ulcer on my eye. Antibiotic drops and the doctor said it will hopefully heal in seven to ten days.”
Denise Voon MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College of Optometrists says; “As demonstrated by Tori Spelling, it is really important that you do not leave your lenses in for longer than advised by your optometrist. Although some contact lenses have been designed to wear overnight, research has shown that sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of infection, including corneal ulcers, it sounds like this is what has developed for Tori.
“Corneal ulcers, like the one that Tori has, are very serious and can be sight threatening. The first symptoms will be pain and redness in the eye. If you experience this, it is very important that you stop wearing your contact lenses immediately and see an optometrist or your local Accident and Emergency department.
“Our advice is to remove your lenses before you go to bed and always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Your optometrist will have recommended which contact lens solution to use and how to clean and store them properly. If you are not sure do ask, as they will be able to advise you.
“If your optometrist has told you that you can sleep in your contact lenses, it is important that you know what complications may develop and how to look out for them. You must also be able to take your lenses out in an emergency and we recommend you have some back-up glasses in case you cannot wear your contact lenses. Finally, always ensure that you see your optometrist regularly for sight tests and contact lens checks”