Did you know that our eyes breathe? In a sense they do, as they take oxygen from the air, diffuse it via our tears over the cornea, and even dispatches carbon dioxide into the air—much the same way as our normal inhaling/exhaling process. Corneas (the clear window at the front of the eye) have no blood vessels to feed them, so they require adequate amounts of oxygen to remain healthy and stave off infections and complications that threaten vision.
When not enough oxygen reaches the cornea, symptoms such as discomfort, redness, dry eyes, and blurred vision occur. Extreme oxygen deficiency may result in permanent dry eye, clouding of the cornea (corneal dystrophy) and, in the most severe cases, the need for a corneal transplant.
In the world of contact lenses, oxygen flow or permeability has always been a concern for eye doctors and manufacturers. Any lens, especially in their early years, automatically became a barrier to oxygen upon insertion. Making sure that the cornea was not deprived of too much oxygen meant that contacts were not to be worn over a certain period of time. Yet, manufacturers continued to grapple with the problem of coming up with a lens that would allow longer wear and adequate oxygen supply.
The problem began to be solved with the advent of soft contact lenses, and their ability to absorb water. Water content in lenses beats the barrier ‘handicap’ by permitting oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through. This factor was further enhanced when silicone hydrogel contacts came onto the market. Silicone is porous by nature and facilitates even higher amounts of oxygen to be transmitted. In addition to providing healthier eyes, silicone hydrogels are more comfortable for those who had tolerance issues with lenses in the past.
These oxygen transmissible lenses have expanded to treat a wide array of vision conditions. Comfort and health can now be had by those not only with near- and farsightedness, but also astigmatism, presbyopia, and dry eye. Convenience has also been addressed with the range of wear times—30 days right down to a single day; the latter due to daily disposables, which eliminate the need for cleaning and storing lenses. With all this innovation it is no wonder soft contacts represent approximately 90% of all lens sales, as eye doctors have confidence in their ability to deliver comfort and healthy levels of corneal oxygen.
Wearers today have more soft contact lens choices, not only in brands and modalities, but also in where to buy them—online sellers being the most convenient in many cases.
Consult your eye doctor to find out which soft contact lens may be right for you. You’ll breathe easier…and so will your eyes.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Contact Lenses As a Preferable Vision Correction Option over Surgery
Outside of eyeglasses, the two most prevalent means of vision correction today are surgery (most often the laser procedure called LASIK) and contact lenses. Many ask that of the two options, which is better? Both methods allow for a ‘natural look’, but with differing approaches.
The major impression that people get from LASIK is better vision without cumbersome eyewear. But despite the high success rate with LASIK, eye doctors agree* not everyone achieves crisp 20/20 vision after just one procedure. In these instances, enhancement surgery is needed to arrive at the sharpness patients expect. However, if there are complications with the initial surgery (or if the cornea is determined to be too thin) enhancement cannot take place. It should be noted that even with successful LASIK outcomes, oftentimes further eye issues as we age (i.e. presbyopia) will require some kind of prescription lens. So, surgery or not, eyewear always remains a distinct possibility.
Contact lenses, by contrast, do not hamper you with the kind of ‘permanent fix’ inherent with LASIK. The options of changing prescriptions or refitting of different lenses allows for the flexibility needed to quickly deal with any issues until satisfaction is achieved—with no invasive alterations to the eye.
Hesitancy in choosing contact lenses many times stems from the perception that they are bothersome to maintain (cleaning, storing, etc.). In fact, improvements in lens technology over the past few years have minimized or eliminated these ‘chores’. The best example of this has been the introduction of daily disposable lenses whose main function is to do away with cleaning and storing lenses altogether. They are worn once and then discarded for a fresh pair. Also, the market now offers a wide range of contacts to suit almost anybody’s needs; effective contact lenses have been developed to treat an array of vision problems including astigmatism and the aforementioned presbyopia.
Another misconception is you are dependent on your eye doctor when it comes to buying contacts. This has been reversed by two factors: the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act and the rapid growth of online lens retailers. The former, a 2004 law, gives you the right to procure your contact lens prescription from your eye doctor; this leaves you free to buy lenses from other vendors—including those online. Reputable Internet retailers provide an easy and affordable means to select sellers that give you the best price for purchasing a steady supply of contacts…and right from your own home. What is more convenient than that?
If you are apprehensive about vision correction surgery, then the contact lens option may be the perfect solution. Consult your eye doctor to explore the benefits of vision correction through contacts.
*Gary Heiting, OD, “LASIK Enhancement: When Additional Surgery Is Needed”
The major impression that people get from LASIK is better vision without cumbersome eyewear. But despite the high success rate with LASIK, eye doctors agree* not everyone achieves crisp 20/20 vision after just one procedure. In these instances, enhancement surgery is needed to arrive at the sharpness patients expect. However, if there are complications with the initial surgery (or if the cornea is determined to be too thin) enhancement cannot take place. It should be noted that even with successful LASIK outcomes, oftentimes further eye issues as we age (i.e. presbyopia) will require some kind of prescription lens. So, surgery or not, eyewear always remains a distinct possibility.
Contact lenses, by contrast, do not hamper you with the kind of ‘permanent fix’ inherent with LASIK. The options of changing prescriptions or refitting of different lenses allows for the flexibility needed to quickly deal with any issues until satisfaction is achieved—with no invasive alterations to the eye.
Hesitancy in choosing contact lenses many times stems from the perception that they are bothersome to maintain (cleaning, storing, etc.). In fact, improvements in lens technology over the past few years have minimized or eliminated these ‘chores’. The best example of this has been the introduction of daily disposable lenses whose main function is to do away with cleaning and storing lenses altogether. They are worn once and then discarded for a fresh pair. Also, the market now offers a wide range of contacts to suit almost anybody’s needs; effective contact lenses have been developed to treat an array of vision problems including astigmatism and the aforementioned presbyopia.
Another misconception is you are dependent on your eye doctor when it comes to buying contacts. This has been reversed by two factors: the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act and the rapid growth of online lens retailers. The former, a 2004 law, gives you the right to procure your contact lens prescription from your eye doctor; this leaves you free to buy lenses from other vendors—including those online. Reputable Internet retailers provide an easy and affordable means to select sellers that give you the best price for purchasing a steady supply of contacts…and right from your own home. What is more convenient than that?
If you are apprehensive about vision correction surgery, then the contact lens option may be the perfect solution. Consult your eye doctor to explore the benefits of vision correction through contacts.
*Gary Heiting, OD, “LASIK Enhancement: When Additional Surgery Is Needed”
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Contact Lens Compliance, Necessary for Eye Health
Contact lenses have proven to be a great boon to those who need vision correction but still want to maintain the natural freedom of not wearing glasses. However, there is a tendency to forget that the continued enjoyment of this convenience comes with a price—the need to follow required practices, instructions, and habits to ensure the healthy use of these lenses.
Some estimates* put the incidents of wearers not complying with eye doctors’ and manufacturers’ recommended contact lens care and replacement regimens at just fewer than 40%. That is a significant number even though it is less than half the lens wearing population, because any rate of having to deal with unnecessary infections, eye and/or vision damage due to neglect is unacceptable.
Non-compliance occurs mainly because some patients disregard care instructions once they have their contacts (20 % of those surveyed in the CCLR study* were even unsure of what kind of lens they were wearing), so they end up inadvertently or deliberately going against the advice of their doctor. We are all acquainted with people who would rather listen to an all-knowing relative or friend instead of to conventional (and professional) wisdom. This is taking a great chance in regard to eye health.
Practices that get contact lens users in trouble include not exercising proper hygiene when handling contacts, extending the wear times of lenses beyond their recommended use, sleeping in contacts not designed for that purpose, not using a ‘rub and rinse’ step in the lens cleaning process, topping off rather than discarding used solution, and not changing contact lens cases often enough. Such risky habits increase the possibilities of developing infections and corneal complications that can threaten sight. One such infection is keratitis, characterized by unusual redness, blurry vision, pain in the eye, light sensitivity and excessive tearing or discharge. A more serious form, Akanthamoeba keratitis, can lead to vision loss requiring corneal transplants.
Fortunately, reversing the non-compliance trend is a relatively simple ‘fix’. It just takes the willingness to become familiar with the type (modality) of lenses you are wearing and apply the needed care and replacement habits for that lens. It is also important to keep regular appointments with your eye doctor, not only to monitor eye health and any changes in vision but also to learn about improvements in contact lenses that could place you in a more convenient or comfortable lens. They are also the person to go to when you need answers to questions about contacts. For their part, many doctors have stepped up their efforts to be more effective instructors in regards to patients and their contact lenses.
Ultimately, the responsibility for contact lens compliance rests on the wearer. Perfection may not occur all the time, but it is always a good goal to shoot for--and well worth the up front effort to reap the healthy benefits that last a lifetime.
*Centre for Contact Lens Research at University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, including the participation of 158 US eye doctors.
Some estimates* put the incidents of wearers not complying with eye doctors’ and manufacturers’ recommended contact lens care and replacement regimens at just fewer than 40%. That is a significant number even though it is less than half the lens wearing population, because any rate of having to deal with unnecessary infections, eye and/or vision damage due to neglect is unacceptable.
Non-compliance occurs mainly because some patients disregard care instructions once they have their contacts (20 % of those surveyed in the CCLR study* were even unsure of what kind of lens they were wearing), so they end up inadvertently or deliberately going against the advice of their doctor. We are all acquainted with people who would rather listen to an all-knowing relative or friend instead of to conventional (and professional) wisdom. This is taking a great chance in regard to eye health.
Practices that get contact lens users in trouble include not exercising proper hygiene when handling contacts, extending the wear times of lenses beyond their recommended use, sleeping in contacts not designed for that purpose, not using a ‘rub and rinse’ step in the lens cleaning process, topping off rather than discarding used solution, and not changing contact lens cases often enough. Such risky habits increase the possibilities of developing infections and corneal complications that can threaten sight. One such infection is keratitis, characterized by unusual redness, blurry vision, pain in the eye, light sensitivity and excessive tearing or discharge. A more serious form, Akanthamoeba keratitis, can lead to vision loss requiring corneal transplants.
Fortunately, reversing the non-compliance trend is a relatively simple ‘fix’. It just takes the willingness to become familiar with the type (modality) of lenses you are wearing and apply the needed care and replacement habits for that lens. It is also important to keep regular appointments with your eye doctor, not only to monitor eye health and any changes in vision but also to learn about improvements in contact lenses that could place you in a more convenient or comfortable lens. They are also the person to go to when you need answers to questions about contacts. For their part, many doctors have stepped up their efforts to be more effective instructors in regards to patients and their contact lenses.
Ultimately, the responsibility for contact lens compliance rests on the wearer. Perfection may not occur all the time, but it is always a good goal to shoot for--and well worth the up front effort to reap the healthy benefits that last a lifetime.
*Centre for Contact Lens Research at University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, including the participation of 158 US eye doctors.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Obtaining Your Contact Lenses the Right Way
One of the major improvements in the contact lens industry in recent years (aside from technological advances) is in the area of convenience. Thanks to a 2004 federal law, contacts can be purchased in many venues other than from eye doctors. While this has been advantageous to consumers, there has been a mindset growing among many wondering if this freedom makes it all right to somehow bypass the ‘traditional’ process of seeing an eye doctor or getting a prescription. This has especially followed the mainstream marketing of cosmetic, costume, or fashion lenses.
This mindset is somewhat understandable when those who are not seeking vision correction desire to obtain these ‘fun’ lenses. However, the point being missed is that costume lenses are not costume jewelry. All contact lenses are controlled medical devices subject to proper consultation, fitting, prescription, and care. Improperly fitted lenses, or those that are not cared for correctly, can cause discomfort and serious eye infections. This is why it is not all right to forego what is a necessary process to ensure the health of your eyes.
Another concern has been the relaxing of discretion when considering who to buy contact lenses from. A notion has developed that it is okay to purchase lenses from anyone set up to sell them. The problem is ‘anyone’ can include sellers that are less than reputable or offer unsafe product, and some of these venues are illegal.
So, is there really freedom in obtaining and shopping for contact lenses? Of course, more than you had in the past, but you cannot abandon a responsible approach and you must apply a few simple rules to ensure eye health and safety. First, it is necessary to visit your eye doctor for an initial examination and contact fitting or, if you are already wearing lenses, to obtain your lens prescription (which must be verified by lens sellers before any legal purchase of contacts can take place). When choosing the vendor who will serve you, eliminate any considerations you may have for beauty salons, novelty stores, or flea markets as places to purchase contacts. Approved sources other than eye doctors include optical chains or franchises that have optical departments. Online vendors have become an increasingly popular and convenient choice, as buyers can compare and select their seller from the comfort of home—and not have to run around town.
Further, maintain those annual appointments for eye exams so any changes can be monitored—and to keep your contact lens prescription up to date. Whether it be practical or ‘fun’ lenses, all the freedom to purchase them where you wish will not mean much if your eyes are not healthy.
Hopefully, these tips will steer you onto the right path in safely obtaining your contact lenses. Although convenience and choice have greatly improved, responsibility and discretion are also needed to ensure these benefits are enjoyed fully.
This mindset is somewhat understandable when those who are not seeking vision correction desire to obtain these ‘fun’ lenses. However, the point being missed is that costume lenses are not costume jewelry. All contact lenses are controlled medical devices subject to proper consultation, fitting, prescription, and care. Improperly fitted lenses, or those that are not cared for correctly, can cause discomfort and serious eye infections. This is why it is not all right to forego what is a necessary process to ensure the health of your eyes.
Another concern has been the relaxing of discretion when considering who to buy contact lenses from. A notion has developed that it is okay to purchase lenses from anyone set up to sell them. The problem is ‘anyone’ can include sellers that are less than reputable or offer unsafe product, and some of these venues are illegal.
So, is there really freedom in obtaining and shopping for contact lenses? Of course, more than you had in the past, but you cannot abandon a responsible approach and you must apply a few simple rules to ensure eye health and safety. First, it is necessary to visit your eye doctor for an initial examination and contact fitting or, if you are already wearing lenses, to obtain your lens prescription (which must be verified by lens sellers before any legal purchase of contacts can take place). When choosing the vendor who will serve you, eliminate any considerations you may have for beauty salons, novelty stores, or flea markets as places to purchase contacts. Approved sources other than eye doctors include optical chains or franchises that have optical departments. Online vendors have become an increasingly popular and convenient choice, as buyers can compare and select their seller from the comfort of home—and not have to run around town.
Further, maintain those annual appointments for eye exams so any changes can be monitored—and to keep your contact lens prescription up to date. Whether it be practical or ‘fun’ lenses, all the freedom to purchase them where you wish will not mean much if your eyes are not healthy.
Hopefully, these tips will steer you onto the right path in safely obtaining your contact lenses. Although convenience and choice have greatly improved, responsibility and discretion are also needed to ensure these benefits are enjoyed fully.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Astigmatism No Longer Bars You from Contact Lenses
A common vision disorder experienced by many, alongside myopia and hyperopia (near- and farsightedness), is astigmatism.
Astigmatism affects over 40 million Americans and is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. When the cornea, which acts as a window, is a spherical shape it focuses light correctly upon the retina at the back of the eye; this produces sharp images at all distances. Conversely, in instances where the cornea takes on a more oval shape, the light is focused at two retinal locations rather than one and blurry vision is the result. Corneal irregularities can occur at birth or be the result of injury or trauma. It often happens in conjunction with the above-mentioned myopia or hyperopia.
Eyeglasses or LASIK surgery are options for treating astigmatism, but a more popular choice, especially in recent years, is contact lenses. It wasn’t so very long ago that patients were told they could not wear contacts because of astigmatism, but that is no longer the case. Advances in technology have allowed contacts to become very effective in dealing with the condition and have also made them more convenient than ever to wear.
Torics are contact lenses designed to correct for astigmatism. They contain two powers to address both the blurriness incurred by the condition and related near- or farsightedness. This dual purpose requires that the lens stays stable upon the eye without rotating. Over the past 10 years manufacturers have solved this by developing stabilizing techniques that keeps the contacts in place, and therefore delivering the proper corrective powers at all times. Torics now come in many modalities, from 30-day extended wear on down to daily disposables. You even have the choice of colored toric contacts that will enhance or change your natural eye color.
Your eye doctor can determine the degree of astigmatism during your eye exam. From that point you can be prescribed and fitted with the toric lenses that best suit your vision needs. The eye doctor will also answer any questions or concerns you have. From the point you are satisfactorily fitted with your contacts, you may obtain a copy of your prescription in order to shop for replacement lenses at any reputable venue of your choosing. Online sellers have become very popular and provide a convenient way to shop, compare, and buy your lenses from the comfort of home or office.
Astigmatism as a barrier to wearing contact lenses is now a thing of the past. A call to your eye doctor is the simple first step to get you on your way to taking advantage of the convenience and fashion offered by contacts.
Astigmatism affects over 40 million Americans and is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. When the cornea, which acts as a window, is a spherical shape it focuses light correctly upon the retina at the back of the eye; this produces sharp images at all distances. Conversely, in instances where the cornea takes on a more oval shape, the light is focused at two retinal locations rather than one and blurry vision is the result. Corneal irregularities can occur at birth or be the result of injury or trauma. It often happens in conjunction with the above-mentioned myopia or hyperopia.
Eyeglasses or LASIK surgery are options for treating astigmatism, but a more popular choice, especially in recent years, is contact lenses. It wasn’t so very long ago that patients were told they could not wear contacts because of astigmatism, but that is no longer the case. Advances in technology have allowed contacts to become very effective in dealing with the condition and have also made them more convenient than ever to wear.
Torics are contact lenses designed to correct for astigmatism. They contain two powers to address both the blurriness incurred by the condition and related near- or farsightedness. This dual purpose requires that the lens stays stable upon the eye without rotating. Over the past 10 years manufacturers have solved this by developing stabilizing techniques that keeps the contacts in place, and therefore delivering the proper corrective powers at all times. Torics now come in many modalities, from 30-day extended wear on down to daily disposables. You even have the choice of colored toric contacts that will enhance or change your natural eye color.
Your eye doctor can determine the degree of astigmatism during your eye exam. From that point you can be prescribed and fitted with the toric lenses that best suit your vision needs. The eye doctor will also answer any questions or concerns you have. From the point you are satisfactorily fitted with your contacts, you may obtain a copy of your prescription in order to shop for replacement lenses at any reputable venue of your choosing. Online sellers have become very popular and provide a convenient way to shop, compare, and buy your lenses from the comfort of home or office.
Astigmatism as a barrier to wearing contact lenses is now a thing of the past. A call to your eye doctor is the simple first step to get you on your way to taking advantage of the convenience and fashion offered by contacts.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Getting the Maximum Comfort from Your Contact Lenses
Besides vision correction, convenience, and freedom from eyeglasses, comfort is one of the advantages of wearing contact lenses and is arguably the most important since it will determine your overall satisfaction with them. Beyond the initial selection and fitting of your contacts, there are some things you can do to ensure your lenses remain comfortable.
Keeping your lenses clean and replacing them as instructed by both your eye doctor and lens manufacturer is always important. Many may think that they are getting the most out of their contacts by ‘extending’ the wear time beyond what is recommended; or that it won’t hurt to skip just one cleansing. These habits not only lead to lens discomfort, but also threaten your eye health.
Avoid prolonged exposure to dusty or dry environments. The minute debris that is found in the air can get between your eye and contact lens and limits the time you are able to wear them in these situations.
Mild forms of dry eye (which affect tear production essential for comfortable contact lens wear) can be managed by drinking a plentiful supply of water and cutting down on high intakes of caffeine or alcohol, substances which contribute to dry eye. Hours of computer use at one sitting reduce blinking that is necessary to replenish tears, so establish a routine of taking frequent breaks from the screen. Smoking should stop immediately for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is the effect it has on eye health and satisfying lens wear.
When it comes to providing comfort, contact lens manufacturers have more than met us half way—especially in recent years. Available now are silicone hydrogel soft contacts that transmit greater amounts of oxygen, resulting in longer wear times and healthy eyes. Daily disposable lenses do away with having to bother about cleaning altogether, just remove them at the end of the day and replace them with a fresh pair the next morning.
More serious obstacles to contact lens comfort include allergies and medical conditions, which may be hurdled by consulting your doctor. Many times there are treatment options in these cases that will keep you in contacts. Problems such as not seeing well and having eyes that do not look or feel good should always be evaluated to determine whether or not there is a more serious underlying concern.
For most of us, there is no reason why comfort and contacts should not go hand in hand. Do not give up on your lenses or suffer in silence if you feel your comfort level is not quite right. By taking the time to investigate the reasons why, you stand a good chance of improving your contact lens experience.
Keeping your lenses clean and replacing them as instructed by both your eye doctor and lens manufacturer is always important. Many may think that they are getting the most out of their contacts by ‘extending’ the wear time beyond what is recommended; or that it won’t hurt to skip just one cleansing. These habits not only lead to lens discomfort, but also threaten your eye health.
Avoid prolonged exposure to dusty or dry environments. The minute debris that is found in the air can get between your eye and contact lens and limits the time you are able to wear them in these situations.
Mild forms of dry eye (which affect tear production essential for comfortable contact lens wear) can be managed by drinking a plentiful supply of water and cutting down on high intakes of caffeine or alcohol, substances which contribute to dry eye. Hours of computer use at one sitting reduce blinking that is necessary to replenish tears, so establish a routine of taking frequent breaks from the screen. Smoking should stop immediately for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is the effect it has on eye health and satisfying lens wear.
When it comes to providing comfort, contact lens manufacturers have more than met us half way—especially in recent years. Available now are silicone hydrogel soft contacts that transmit greater amounts of oxygen, resulting in longer wear times and healthy eyes. Daily disposable lenses do away with having to bother about cleaning altogether, just remove them at the end of the day and replace them with a fresh pair the next morning.
More serious obstacles to contact lens comfort include allergies and medical conditions, which may be hurdled by consulting your doctor. Many times there are treatment options in these cases that will keep you in contacts. Problems such as not seeing well and having eyes that do not look or feel good should always be evaluated to determine whether or not there is a more serious underlying concern.
For most of us, there is no reason why comfort and contacts should not go hand in hand. Do not give up on your lenses or suffer in silence if you feel your comfort level is not quite right. By taking the time to investigate the reasons why, you stand a good chance of improving your contact lens experience.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Contact Lenses Are Safe for Children—With Proper Care
Recently there has been a flurry of news postings on the Internet and elsewhere about the number of emergency room visits (approximately 17,000 by some estimates) from children and teens related to their wearing of contact lenses. This leads to the question, “Are contacts safe for children?”
The short answer is yes, as recent studies* have concluded that children as young as eight can be successfully introduced to contact lens wear. Certainly their desire for them will continue—especially when issues of self-esteem, sports participation, and comfortable vision correction are ever present. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
The common reasons for these visits are preventable infections, eye abrasions, and conjunctivitis (‘pink-eye’) caused most often by the failure to adhere to required wearing and replacement schedules. One must always remember that contacts are regulated medical devices that must be prescribed and properly fitted by an eye doctor. Contacts are also subject to strict wear time and cleaning regimens that are to be followed diligently. The lens cases in which contacts are stored should be changed once a month. Use only prescribed cleaning solutions. Carry out all instructions from your eye doctor and maintain regularly scheduled visits to monitor eye health.
Whether or not a child or teen is ready for contact lenses is not based solely on their years, but also on their ability to handle the responsibility that comes with wearing them. Parents are the best judges of their children’s sense of responsibility and this judgment is an important deciding factor when it comes to pairing kids with contacts. Once this pairing occurs, parents should not step away from supporting and reinforcing good wearing habits beyond their child’s initial training. Also key is setting a positive example when parents are lens wearers themselves. When these concerns are successfully hurdled, any problems that could threaten eye health are minimized.
Ongoing advances in technology will also continue to make contact lens wear a healthy practice, an example being the development of daily disposables that provide an easy once-a-day use—eliminating the need for a daunting cleaning regimen.
Having a child that wears contact lenses need not be a worrisome endeavor, especially when proper levels of diligence and responsibility are applied to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience with their lenses.
*The Contact Lenses in Pediatrics (CLIP) and Pediatric Refractive Error Profile (PREP) are two examples.
The short answer is yes, as recent studies* have concluded that children as young as eight can be successfully introduced to contact lens wear. Certainly their desire for them will continue—especially when issues of self-esteem, sports participation, and comfortable vision correction are ever present. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
The common reasons for these visits are preventable infections, eye abrasions, and conjunctivitis (‘pink-eye’) caused most often by the failure to adhere to required wearing and replacement schedules. One must always remember that contacts are regulated medical devices that must be prescribed and properly fitted by an eye doctor. Contacts are also subject to strict wear time and cleaning regimens that are to be followed diligently. The lens cases in which contacts are stored should be changed once a month. Use only prescribed cleaning solutions. Carry out all instructions from your eye doctor and maintain regularly scheduled visits to monitor eye health.
Whether or not a child or teen is ready for contact lenses is not based solely on their years, but also on their ability to handle the responsibility that comes with wearing them. Parents are the best judges of their children’s sense of responsibility and this judgment is an important deciding factor when it comes to pairing kids with contacts. Once this pairing occurs, parents should not step away from supporting and reinforcing good wearing habits beyond their child’s initial training. Also key is setting a positive example when parents are lens wearers themselves. When these concerns are successfully hurdled, any problems that could threaten eye health are minimized.
Ongoing advances in technology will also continue to make contact lens wear a healthy practice, an example being the development of daily disposables that provide an easy once-a-day use—eliminating the need for a daunting cleaning regimen.
Having a child that wears contact lenses need not be a worrisome endeavor, especially when proper levels of diligence and responsibility are applied to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience with their lenses.
*The Contact Lenses in Pediatrics (CLIP) and Pediatric Refractive Error Profile (PREP) are two examples.
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