Doctor suggests no contact lenses on smoggy days

(ECNS) – An ophthalmic center suggested people should not wear contact lenses on smoggy days, because it may harm the eyes, Hangzhou-based Urban Express reported, citing a post on the center's official Weibo account.

Also, lower pressure on smoggy days would aggravate the lack of oxygen where the lens covers the eye, and cause damage to the cornea, according to the Weibo post.

Ni Hailong, a department chief of the center at Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, said concentration of particulate matters is much higher on smoggy days, making it more likely to get into people's eyes.

Ni suggested people exposed to smog for long periods should not wear contact lenses, as they can cause inflammation and allergy once they're contaminated with the particles.

Hong Chaoyang, deputy president at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, suggested citizens stay indoors and keep eyes moist on smoggy days.

Eyes can do a self-cleaning job with tears, and if contact lens users don't feel discomfort in the smog, they can keep wearing them, Hong added.

Hangzhou has seen heavy fog and smog in recent days.