Are "ghost vessels" harmful to your eyes?

Question

I am notorious for not taking out my contacts like I should. About 5 or so years ago my eye doctor told me I had ghost vessels in my eye. He said this is where your blood vessels grow into the iris but no blood flows in them. I recently went to a different eye doctor and he didn't say anything about them and said my eyes where fine. Does anyone have a similar issue who can explain a little more to me? I can't seem to find too much on the net.

Answer 1

Ghost vessels aren't harmful so long as they remain ghost vessels.  If they have blood in them and are active, they can then become harmul.  If they are active, they continue to grow toward the center of the eye and eventually will interfere with your vision.  You should be replacint your lenses as directed to avoid these complications.