The news is out. Contact lens wearers with busy, daylong activities can now enjoy finding new freedom and confidence with O2 Optix.
In the past, insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes--related to materials in the manufacture of many contact lenses--caused redness, irritation, and dryness before the day was done. Any enjoyment of lengthy activities was marred by having to switch out of contacts and/or wear glasses.
Recently, all that has changed thanks to the introduction of silicone hydrogels. These innovative materials have allowed contact lenses to be made with an amazing improvement in the rate of oxygen flow to the eyes. Among these lenses is Ciba Vision’s O2 Optix, rapidly becoming popular among soft contact wearers who have been looking for that safe ‘all-day’ lens.
Prescribed for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), O2 Optix is designed to provide the highest levels of moisture and oxygen permeability possible with a soft contact lens. Also, the surface of the O2 Optix is specially treated to resist protein and other deposits naturally produced by the eye or come from handling the lens. All this technology helps to minimize common symptoms associated with Corneal Oxygen Deficiency, e.g., irritation, blurred vision, dryness and redness. Since these complaints can shorten contact wear-time, the revolutionary features of O2 Optix are a welcome contribution to ongoing eye health for those wearing their lenses for longer periods during the day.
All-day activities become easier and can be enjoyed fully without having to remove contacts because of ‘tired’ eyes and dryness. So go ahead with that hike or excursion, the healthy and fresh feeling you have with O2 Optix will continue for hours.
Other features of the O2 Optix are the blue tint and tiny ‘Ciba Vision’ lettering applied to the lenses, as an assist in seeing the contacts better within solution (or if they’re dropped or lost and you need to retrieve them) and in orientation before insertion.
Satisfied wearers describe O2 Optix as “desirable”, “(of) high quality”, and “an easy choice”. They also suffer less from ‘eye fatigue’ and see their eyes maintain a ‘healthy whiteness’. As the popularity of these lenses grows, many patients are asking eye care professionals about them.
O2 Optix, a 1-2 week disposable lens, is FDA approved for daily and extended wear up to six nights.
As always, consult your eye doctor in determining what the best lens and care regimen is for you.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Contact Lens Cases
Contact lens wearers have always focused on the selection and fitting of their contact lenses. However, with the exception of perhaps selecting a ‘nifty’ color, less attention is paid by many to the lens case in which their contacts will be stored. This is an oversight that could lead to serious eye-health problems.
Currently, a large portion of research in the contact lens field centers on preventing and treating infections that result from contaminated lenses. The condition of contact lens cases must also be considered a factor; especially when a recent study* discovered that nearly one quarter of cases in use are never replaced. This is extremely alarming because when not properly cared for or discarded, these cases become reservoirs for dangerous bacteria that threaten the health of the wearer’s eyes. The implications are more serious when realizing that an increasing number of children are being fitted for contacts. If parents are lax in lens care, it is logical to assume that this behavior will be passed onto their kids.
One very serious condition that can stem from unclean contact lens cases is acanthamoeba keratitis. This is a microbial infection that in its advanced stages leads to ulceration of the cornea and the need for a corneal transplant. Symptoms include irritation, sensitivity to light, tearing, and the feeling that something is in the eye. At times diagnosis is not immediate, as these symptoms mirror other types of eye infections.
Whether it is due to neglect or lack of awareness, the negative trend in lens case care must be reversed. Nearly 80% of complications related to contact use are due to patients not applying proper care techniques. The important thing to remember is that contacts are not just fashionable accessories, but regulated medical devices that require the utmost diligence (and that includes cases) to safeguard your eyes.
Recommended contact lens case replacement is once a month, and during the time a case is kept the following steps should be taken:
· Always wash hands before handling contact lens or the lens case.
· Never use tap water (which may contain bacteria) to clean lens cases. Use a solution and air-dry with the lids open.
· Never ‘top-off’ old solution with new. Use fresh solution each time you store the lenses.
· Do not allow solution bottle tips to touch any surface, including your body, as this leads to contamination.
· Do not use solutions past their expiration date.
Also available are case-holders that keep track of replacement times for both lenses and cases. These are handy for those who do not want to rely on their memory alone.
Consult your eye care professional about contact lens and lens case care, types of solutions that are best suited for your needs, and any changes in care regimen that you plan to make. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions.
* Conducted by WatchDog Group LC, St. Louis, MO.
Currently, a large portion of research in the contact lens field centers on preventing and treating infections that result from contaminated lenses. The condition of contact lens cases must also be considered a factor; especially when a recent study* discovered that nearly one quarter of cases in use are never replaced. This is extremely alarming because when not properly cared for or discarded, these cases become reservoirs for dangerous bacteria that threaten the health of the wearer’s eyes. The implications are more serious when realizing that an increasing number of children are being fitted for contacts. If parents are lax in lens care, it is logical to assume that this behavior will be passed onto their kids.
One very serious condition that can stem from unclean contact lens cases is acanthamoeba keratitis. This is a microbial infection that in its advanced stages leads to ulceration of the cornea and the need for a corneal transplant. Symptoms include irritation, sensitivity to light, tearing, and the feeling that something is in the eye. At times diagnosis is not immediate, as these symptoms mirror other types of eye infections.
Whether it is due to neglect or lack of awareness, the negative trend in lens case care must be reversed. Nearly 80% of complications related to contact use are due to patients not applying proper care techniques. The important thing to remember is that contacts are not just fashionable accessories, but regulated medical devices that require the utmost diligence (and that includes cases) to safeguard your eyes.
Recommended contact lens case replacement is once a month, and during the time a case is kept the following steps should be taken:
· Always wash hands before handling contact lens or the lens case.
· Never use tap water (which may contain bacteria) to clean lens cases. Use a solution and air-dry with the lids open.
· Never ‘top-off’ old solution with new. Use fresh solution each time you store the lenses.
· Do not allow solution bottle tips to touch any surface, including your body, as this leads to contamination.
· Do not use solutions past their expiration date.
Also available are case-holders that keep track of replacement times for both lenses and cases. These are handy for those who do not want to rely on their memory alone.
Consult your eye care professional about contact lens and lens case care, types of solutions that are best suited for your needs, and any changes in care regimen that you plan to make. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions.
* Conducted by WatchDog Group LC, St. Louis, MO.
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