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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 3, 2009 - 7:37:28 PM |
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| Col. Robert Nye, an optometrist attached to the 206th Area Support Medical Company, conducts an eye exam on Spc. George B. Seibert, a combat medic with the unit. (photo by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte, 210th MPAD) |
Blackanthem Military News, LSA ANACONDA, Iraq -- Most people wear contacts to improve their vision – not lose it.
Those who wear contacts in Iraq are courting infection and permanent vision loss every time they put the lenses in, medical officials said. And even the simplest infections can lead to lost time.
Such infections are seen by optometrists on Logistical Support Area Anaconda at least five times a week, even though the Army forbids Soldiers to wear contacts in the combat theatre.
“Most people think they can get away with it, (but) the risks are so much greater here,” said Maj. Kristian L. Dugger, an optometrist attached to the 206th Area Support Medical Company. “It takes our attention from the true eye emergencies. It’s a self-inflicted injury that could have been prevented.”
The dust and dirt in Iraq often gets caught underneath the contacts, sometimes in circumstances that won’t allow the person to remove the lenses for several hours. In turn, that dirt can scratch the cornea of the eye and lead to infections.
“You can start an eye infection by doing something as simple as sweeping the floor,” said Col.
Robert Nyre, the other optometrist on post.
The environment makes it difficult to clean the contact lenses thoroughly, and infections tend to be worse, said Maj. David Hale, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) surgeon.
“You can’t get them as clean as you would back home,” he said.
Aside from disobeying a standing order, Soldiers wearing contacts can also place their comrades at risk during missions, Hale noted.
“If you … pop a lens and you’re driving in a convoy, it’s a big deal,” he said.
Infections, which are marked by pain and light sensitivity, can lead to corneal ulcers and the potential for permanent vision impairment. The medicine used to treat the infections has side effects such as blurred vision, which also takes away from unit readiness.
Nyre said that since there are only eight optometry locations in Iraq, many Soldiers who have infections can face lengthy travel situations. And because wearing contacts violates orders, such infections may not be eligible to be considered a Line of Duty medical problem, thereby jeopardizing future benefits, Dugger said.
Another risk taken by some servicemembers involves getting corrective eye surgery during their two-week leave – which is also a violation of orders. Hale said Soldiers have to get permission from the brigade surgeon, and they have to be checked 30 days after the operation for problems.
“There’s not enough time for your vision to heal up and make sure there are no complications,” Hale said.
Hale said when he sees someone with a contact lens case, he stops and talks to them. Usually, the person uses the excuse that they aren’t going off the Forward Operating Base.
“There are enough chances you are going to take – even on a FOB – why would you take the chance of having your vision impacted?”
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