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.
Monday, January 10, 2011
There Is a Soft Contact Lens for Your Vision Needs
Despite the fact that soft contact lenses have been around for many years now, there are still some people who are not aware of the full range and benefits they provide. This is especially true if they were told in the past that there was no ideal contact lens for their type of correction. Once accustomed to eyeglasses, and assuming the issue of wearing contacts has been settled, these persons very often never followed up on new information that could change an outdated diagnosis. When you couple this with the fact that under 20% of eye doctors proactively recommend contacts*, it is not surprising that even though innovations in lens technology have put soft contacts at the forefront (approximately 90% of lenses sold are soft contacts), there are those who are unaware that they could be wearing them today.
Soft contacts began as a means of single vision correction (near- or farsightedness), but they have marched far past that initial application. Today there are soft contacts available to treat astigmatism (torics) and presbyopia (multifocals). There are brands that provide UV-blocking to protect your cornea from the sun. In recent years cosmetic soft contacts have emerged to allow enhancements or complete changes in eye color for fashion or costume use.
In the realm of convenience and comfort, hydrogel and silicone hydrogel soft contacts have an advantage due to their makeup of water-containing plastics. This technology allows more oxygen to be transmitted to the cornea; keeping eyes healthy during lens wear. Certainly, the most convenient modality of hydrogels is the daily disposable, which are used once and discarded at the end of the day. There are other lenses with differing wear times, e.g. two-week and thirty-day disposables, but daily disposables eliminate the cleaning and care regimen that comes with contacts worn repeatedly for a period of time.
Contact lenses have become easier for users to obtain after a 2004 federal law required that patients be given their contact prescription from eye doctors. The ability to source lenses with a valid prescription in venues other than their eye doctor’s office has dovetailed with the growth of online vendors to service contact lens shoppers. The result is an easy and affordable means to replenish wearers’ contact lens supplies.
So, if you are among those that gave up on wearing contacts in the past--for whatever reason—you owe it to yourself to explore the possibility that you could be experiencing the freedom and satisfaction that come with contact lenses. Begin a conversation with your eye doctor to see if the many improvements in contacts have now allowed you to become a ‘good fit’ for lenses…you may be pleasantly surprised.
* “Targeting Contact Lens Practice Growth” by David M. Pearce, President of Responsible Marketing Consulting Services.
Soft contacts began as a means of single vision correction (near- or farsightedness), but they have marched far past that initial application. Today there are soft contacts available to treat astigmatism (torics) and presbyopia (multifocals). There are brands that provide UV-blocking to protect your cornea from the sun. In recent years cosmetic soft contacts have emerged to allow enhancements or complete changes in eye color for fashion or costume use.
In the realm of convenience and comfort, hydrogel and silicone hydrogel soft contacts have an advantage due to their makeup of water-containing plastics. This technology allows more oxygen to be transmitted to the cornea; keeping eyes healthy during lens wear. Certainly, the most convenient modality of hydrogels is the daily disposable, which are used once and discarded at the end of the day. There are other lenses with differing wear times, e.g. two-week and thirty-day disposables, but daily disposables eliminate the cleaning and care regimen that comes with contacts worn repeatedly for a period of time.
Contact lenses have become easier for users to obtain after a 2004 federal law required that patients be given their contact prescription from eye doctors. The ability to source lenses with a valid prescription in venues other than their eye doctor’s office has dovetailed with the growth of online vendors to service contact lens shoppers. The result is an easy and affordable means to replenish wearers’ contact lens supplies.
So, if you are among those that gave up on wearing contacts in the past--for whatever reason—you owe it to yourself to explore the possibility that you could be experiencing the freedom and satisfaction that come with contact lenses. Begin a conversation with your eye doctor to see if the many improvements in contacts have now allowed you to become a ‘good fit’ for lenses…you may be pleasantly surprised.
* “Targeting Contact Lens Practice Growth” by David M. Pearce, President of Responsible Marketing Consulting Services.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Contact Lens Wear: Freedom, Convenience, and Responsibility
Those who appreciate and value the ability to wear contact lenses also know that there is a level of responsibility that must always be exercised due to the eye health factors involved.
The major reason people choose contact lenses is that they are the vision correction option that best approximates the natural free feeling of going without glasses. Contacts have become more convenient in recent years, due to advances in materials and technology that have extended wear times and widened the range of vision correction. Now that federal law requires that wearers have a copy of their lens prescription, obtaining contact lenses has become easier through online retailers and other sources.
And this is where personal responsibility in choosing lenses has become more important.
Despite the necessity of a valid prescription (renewed annually through an exam with your eye doctor), the increased ease of shopping for contact lenses and the introduction of many types of non-corrective cosmetic lenses has allowed them, in some people’s minds, to become more of a fashion accessory and not a medical device. Teens and young adult wearers have become susceptible to this mindset and have tended to lump contact lenses with t-shirts, shoes, jewelry and other trendy items that are sometimes shared with others. This is a dangerous practice. Nothing illustrates this more than the recent explosion in popularity of circle contact lenses among young girls in an effort to achieve the ‘enormous eyes’ sported by current pop singer Lady Gaga in a music video. These lenses (which give wearers a large-eyed look, much like what is seen in Japanese anime and manga) are illegal in the United States without prescription, but are nevertheless available for purchase on the Internet. Medical and legal warnings are being bypassed in favor of looking ‘cool’. Definitely not ‘cool’ are the results from irresponsible use of these lenses: pain, inflammation, corneal abrasions, and infections that can cause blindness.
It is not difficult to be a responsible contact lens wearer. Just stick to the basics that have proven healthy and effective for years. Only your eye doctor can properly prescribe and fit your contacts. Have regular eye exams to monitor any developments that can affect your ability to continue with your lenses. Discuss any voluntary changes in regards to lens brands or styles with your eye doctor. Follow all care, cleaning, and wear-time instructions from your doctor and contact lens manufacturer. Do not be swayed by fads until you investigate the latest ‘chic’ lens product to see if it can be prescribed safely.
When it comes to contact lenses, there is never any time when it is ‘okay’ to ignore the health concerns of these necessarily controlled medical devices. Responsible behavior in your approach to contacts is the best way to avoid damaging your vision, thus jeopardizing the freedom and convenience contacts add to your lifestyle.
The major reason people choose contact lenses is that they are the vision correction option that best approximates the natural free feeling of going without glasses. Contacts have become more convenient in recent years, due to advances in materials and technology that have extended wear times and widened the range of vision correction. Now that federal law requires that wearers have a copy of their lens prescription, obtaining contact lenses has become easier through online retailers and other sources.
And this is where personal responsibility in choosing lenses has become more important.
Despite the necessity of a valid prescription (renewed annually through an exam with your eye doctor), the increased ease of shopping for contact lenses and the introduction of many types of non-corrective cosmetic lenses has allowed them, in some people’s minds, to become more of a fashion accessory and not a medical device. Teens and young adult wearers have become susceptible to this mindset and have tended to lump contact lenses with t-shirts, shoes, jewelry and other trendy items that are sometimes shared with others. This is a dangerous practice. Nothing illustrates this more than the recent explosion in popularity of circle contact lenses among young girls in an effort to achieve the ‘enormous eyes’ sported by current pop singer Lady Gaga in a music video. These lenses (which give wearers a large-eyed look, much like what is seen in Japanese anime and manga) are illegal in the United States without prescription, but are nevertheless available for purchase on the Internet. Medical and legal warnings are being bypassed in favor of looking ‘cool’. Definitely not ‘cool’ are the results from irresponsible use of these lenses: pain, inflammation, corneal abrasions, and infections that can cause blindness.
It is not difficult to be a responsible contact lens wearer. Just stick to the basics that have proven healthy and effective for years. Only your eye doctor can properly prescribe and fit your contacts. Have regular eye exams to monitor any developments that can affect your ability to continue with your lenses. Discuss any voluntary changes in regards to lens brands or styles with your eye doctor. Follow all care, cleaning, and wear-time instructions from your doctor and contact lens manufacturer. Do not be swayed by fads until you investigate the latest ‘chic’ lens product to see if it can be prescribed safely.
When it comes to contact lenses, there is never any time when it is ‘okay’ to ignore the health concerns of these necessarily controlled medical devices. Responsible behavior in your approach to contacts is the best way to avoid damaging your vision, thus jeopardizing the freedom and convenience contacts add to your lifestyle.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Healthy Eyes Lead to Successful Contact Lens Wear
When it comes to acquiring and wearing contact lenses, a lot of thought and preparation goes into the selection and care of your contacts. It is right for you be concerned about getting the proper lens that fits correctly, and gives you the comfort and freedom that is important for your lifestyle. To support the success and longevity of contact lens wear, the best eye health possible should be maintained.
It is not difficult to give yourself an ‘edge’ against potential challenges that could endanger your ability to wear contacts. The following are a few things to consider in regard to being proactive when it comes to vision care.
The part of the eye most impacted by contact lenses is the cornea. Making sure that you follow the wear and care regimen of your contacts is a good first step to minimize problems that could stem from not properly cleaning or disposing of your lenses.
An appointment with your eye doctor is recommended to discover the state of your current eye health and determine if you are at risk for eye disease due to family history and other factors. Your regular physical exam is helpful to monitor potential conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which also affect your eyes. These two culprits, if left unchecked, can lead to serious eye problems and a lessening of your ability to wear contacts. Even if you receive excellent health reports, do not fall into the trap of thinking you can do without that next exam; you do not want to be caught unawares by a rapid change in your health—both physically and visually.
Blood vessels that strengthen vision are helped by regular exercise and a healthy diet. Daily activity can lead to lower instances of inflammation in vessel walls. Foods rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E aid in this regard, as well as fight other disorders connected to the cornea and retina. Vitamin supplements can help as well, but any changes in diet and supplement intake, as well as any substantive alterations to your exercise schedule, should be made in consultation with your doctor.
Overexposure to the sun can cause damage to the eyes, but do not be fooled into thinking that UV-blocking contact lenses will give you all the necessary protection. Lens wearers also need to have a pair of good quality sunglasses to protect the entire eye area against damaging rays because contacts—even the UV blocking kind—only cover the cornea.
If you smoke, consider giving up the habit immediately. The negative effects to eyes from both first- and secondhand cigarette smoke are significant. Conditions that smokers have to look forward to if they keep up the habit are dry eye; cornea irritation; blood vessel clots that affect retinal function; and glaucoma. By quitting sooner rather than later, risks for eye disease associated with smoking begin decreasing.
Successful contact lens wear depends on maintaining optimum eye health. Everything you can do to assure this, with the help of your physician and eye doctor, gives you the best chance possible to continue enjoying the enhanced lifestyle that come with contacts.
It is not difficult to give yourself an ‘edge’ against potential challenges that could endanger your ability to wear contacts. The following are a few things to consider in regard to being proactive when it comes to vision care.
The part of the eye most impacted by contact lenses is the cornea. Making sure that you follow the wear and care regimen of your contacts is a good first step to minimize problems that could stem from not properly cleaning or disposing of your lenses.
An appointment with your eye doctor is recommended to discover the state of your current eye health and determine if you are at risk for eye disease due to family history and other factors. Your regular physical exam is helpful to monitor potential conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which also affect your eyes. These two culprits, if left unchecked, can lead to serious eye problems and a lessening of your ability to wear contacts. Even if you receive excellent health reports, do not fall into the trap of thinking you can do without that next exam; you do not want to be caught unawares by a rapid change in your health—both physically and visually.
Blood vessels that strengthen vision are helped by regular exercise and a healthy diet. Daily activity can lead to lower instances of inflammation in vessel walls. Foods rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E aid in this regard, as well as fight other disorders connected to the cornea and retina. Vitamin supplements can help as well, but any changes in diet and supplement intake, as well as any substantive alterations to your exercise schedule, should be made in consultation with your doctor.
Overexposure to the sun can cause damage to the eyes, but do not be fooled into thinking that UV-blocking contact lenses will give you all the necessary protection. Lens wearers also need to have a pair of good quality sunglasses to protect the entire eye area against damaging rays because contacts—even the UV blocking kind—only cover the cornea.
If you smoke, consider giving up the habit immediately. The negative effects to eyes from both first- and secondhand cigarette smoke are significant. Conditions that smokers have to look forward to if they keep up the habit are dry eye; cornea irritation; blood vessel clots that affect retinal function; and glaucoma. By quitting sooner rather than later, risks for eye disease associated with smoking begin decreasing.
Successful contact lens wear depends on maintaining optimum eye health. Everything you can do to assure this, with the help of your physician and eye doctor, gives you the best chance possible to continue enjoying the enhanced lifestyle that come with contacts.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Take Advantage of Purchasing Contact Lenses Online
Are you one of the 35 million Americans who wear contact lenses? Where do you buy your replacement lenses? If you are not buying them online, then you are missing out on an economical and convenient way to shop for your lenses.
When the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act was enacted into law in 2004, contact lens wearers were empowered to ask for and obtain their contact lens prescription. This allowed them to seek out and shop for the most convenient supply option for their replacement lenses—thus putting the ability of finding the best deal squarely in the hands of the consumer. Online retailers were also provided the opportunity to become significant players in the contact lens business as long as they offered the consumer excellent pricing, service, and dependability.
Why are online retailers so successful? The answer is simple: they realize the fact that as a consumer, you are looking to make the best use of your time and to save the most money you can. Online retailers can save the consumer up to 70% on the prices generally offered by the eye doctor, optical chain or box store. To check on the best pricing available online, consumers may visit shopping sites that compare lens prices, discounts, shipping costs, and other information to help in selecting the site that offers the best prices.
Being able to buy your contact lenses from the comfort of your own home or office is a huge benefit when considering today’s world of busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. No more rushing to pick up your lenses during lunch time or battling traffic to pick up your lenses after work. Now you can purchase what you need in a matter of minutes. All of this practicality does not set aside your basic expectations of a business.
High quality customer service is not compromised online. Reputable online contact lens retailers provide a telephone number where you can call to ask questions or discuss concerns. Delivery time is short and lenses in stock will reach you in many cases within 5 business days.
Shopping online helps you save on two important personal commodities: time and money. Only by finding an online vendor best suited to your needs, will you begin to reap the benefits of price, convenience, and service that add up to the value you are looking for when buying contact lenses.
When the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act was enacted into law in 2004, contact lens wearers were empowered to ask for and obtain their contact lens prescription. This allowed them to seek out and shop for the most convenient supply option for their replacement lenses—thus putting the ability of finding the best deal squarely in the hands of the consumer. Online retailers were also provided the opportunity to become significant players in the contact lens business as long as they offered the consumer excellent pricing, service, and dependability.
Why are online retailers so successful? The answer is simple: they realize the fact that as a consumer, you are looking to make the best use of your time and to save the most money you can. Online retailers can save the consumer up to 70% on the prices generally offered by the eye doctor, optical chain or box store. To check on the best pricing available online, consumers may visit shopping sites that compare lens prices, discounts, shipping costs, and other information to help in selecting the site that offers the best prices.
Being able to buy your contact lenses from the comfort of your own home or office is a huge benefit when considering today’s world of busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. No more rushing to pick up your lenses during lunch time or battling traffic to pick up your lenses after work. Now you can purchase what you need in a matter of minutes. All of this practicality does not set aside your basic expectations of a business.
High quality customer service is not compromised online. Reputable online contact lens retailers provide a telephone number where you can call to ask questions or discuss concerns. Delivery time is short and lenses in stock will reach you in many cases within 5 business days.
Shopping online helps you save on two important personal commodities: time and money. Only by finding an online vendor best suited to your needs, will you begin to reap the benefits of price, convenience, and service that add up to the value you are looking for when buying contact lenses.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Reasons to Give Up Those Negative Notions about Contact Lenses
Are you one of those who feel you cannot wear contact lenses or are not inclined to explore this option based on things you have heard? Did you arrive at this decision years or even decades ago? If so, then it is time to take another look at the possibilities because there have been some significant changes made concerning styles, types, and comfort of contact lenses—many occurring in just the last few years.
It is easy to stick to the old prejudices against contact lenses when the only information you rely on is hearsay or based on old and outdated facts. Major advances have been made since the days when all contacts were rigid plastic. The most important has been the development of hydrogel soft contact lenses, which allow much-needed oxygen to permeate to the cornea. They also retain the moisture required to provide longer and healthier wear.
Improvements in comfort have lessened the difficulty during the initial ‘breaking in’ period of getting used to the lenses. This adaptation period is usually brief and, once completed, most feel as if they are not wearing contacts at all. In most cases, any discomfort beyond adaptation is quickly remedied when the cause is determined. Other concerns such as lenses ‘popping out’ (minimized to near zero due to lens improvements and innovations) or ‘sticking’ to the eyes (lenses can always be removed) are groundless. Eye doctors and staff are expert in teaching simple methods to insert and remove contact lenses—millions of satisfied wearers attest to it. In addition, mindfully following doctors’ instructions in regards to use and care significantly reduce chances of any serious eye problems. Among the safest and convenient lines of contacts promoting eye health are daily disposables, which are discarded at the end of day and replaced the next morning.
Today, you are not limited to buying contact lenses through your eye doctor. Now you have the right to know your lens prescription and the freedom to purchase contacts where you wish. So, if cost is one of your worries, then quick surfing of Internet contact lens retailers will put your mind at ease almost immediately. There is an online vendor that will satisfy any budget—no matter what type or brand of contact lens you are looking for.
And do not feel that you have grown ‘too old’ to wear contact lenses because you may have put off exploring this option for so long. There are contacts that can be prescribed for almost any condition, including those associated with age (i.e. presbyopia, dry eye, astigmatism, etc.). At the other end of the spectrum, studies have recently shown that conscientious pre-teens can also successfully wear contacts.
Begin the process of enjoying the benefits that come with wearing contacts by scheduling a consultation with your eye doctor. Now that some misconceptions have been cleared up, there is no reason not to give contact lenses a second look.
It is easy to stick to the old prejudices against contact lenses when the only information you rely on is hearsay or based on old and outdated facts. Major advances have been made since the days when all contacts were rigid plastic. The most important has been the development of hydrogel soft contact lenses, which allow much-needed oxygen to permeate to the cornea. They also retain the moisture required to provide longer and healthier wear.
Improvements in comfort have lessened the difficulty during the initial ‘breaking in’ period of getting used to the lenses. This adaptation period is usually brief and, once completed, most feel as if they are not wearing contacts at all. In most cases, any discomfort beyond adaptation is quickly remedied when the cause is determined. Other concerns such as lenses ‘popping out’ (minimized to near zero due to lens improvements and innovations) or ‘sticking’ to the eyes (lenses can always be removed) are groundless. Eye doctors and staff are expert in teaching simple methods to insert and remove contact lenses—millions of satisfied wearers attest to it. In addition, mindfully following doctors’ instructions in regards to use and care significantly reduce chances of any serious eye problems. Among the safest and convenient lines of contacts promoting eye health are daily disposables, which are discarded at the end of day and replaced the next morning.
Today, you are not limited to buying contact lenses through your eye doctor. Now you have the right to know your lens prescription and the freedom to purchase contacts where you wish. So, if cost is one of your worries, then quick surfing of Internet contact lens retailers will put your mind at ease almost immediately. There is an online vendor that will satisfy any budget—no matter what type or brand of contact lens you are looking for.
And do not feel that you have grown ‘too old’ to wear contact lenses because you may have put off exploring this option for so long. There are contacts that can be prescribed for almost any condition, including those associated with age (i.e. presbyopia, dry eye, astigmatism, etc.). At the other end of the spectrum, studies have recently shown that conscientious pre-teens can also successfully wear contacts.
Begin the process of enjoying the benefits that come with wearing contacts by scheduling a consultation with your eye doctor. Now that some misconceptions have been cleared up, there is no reason not to give contact lenses a second look.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Color Contact Lenses—Fun and Functional
For many years, contact lenses have been prescribed and used strictly for vision correction purposes. But lens technology has improved on the functionality of lenses these past decades. It also allowed lenses to become a true cosmetic device, bringing attractive fashion color options to the wearer.
Color contact lenses came onto the market in the mid 1980s and have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. With the freedom to source their contacts at whatever venue they choose (with a valid prescription), wearers have also begun to think beyond just the corrective nature of lenses. They have discovered, through Internet surfing and media advertising, that contact lenses have a stylish factor and can be used to enhance or change their appearance.
There are three basic types of color contacts. A visibility tint does not affect eye color but instead carries a light blue or green hue as a means to see it better as you insert or remove it. This tinting also helps to locate the lens if you should happen to drop it. An enhancement tint is darker and is designed to amplify the natural appearance of light-colored eyes. Opaque color tints are the deepest in hue and can completely change someone’s eye color, especially those with dark eyes.
Another line of contact lenses that fall within the category of opaque color tints is the costume, or theatrical, lens. Until recently, these contacts were used primarily in the film and television industry to help transform actors into aliens, demons, or vampires. Now, these ‘fun’ contact lenses are widely available to general consumers. Eyes can have the look of jaguars, werewolves, zebras, and any number of other effects for Halloween, costume parties, and the like.
Color contact lenses appeal to a wide segment of consumers because of their cosmetic nature, but their corrective value is just as important. Color contacts are available not just in plano (non-powered), but also for near- and farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They also come in convenient disposable brands.
Much enjoyment can be had with color contact lenses, but always keep in mind that they remain controlled medical devices. Do not let the fun factor cause you to think of them just as accessories, which may lead you to relax your caution and care. They must be prescribed by an eye doctor and, like other contacts, are not to be shared or traded. Do not even think about purchasing them in beauty salons, novelty stores, or at flea markets—which, aside from being extremely unsafe, is illegal. In addition to providing proper fit and prescription, many eye doctors will also help you in selecting the color contact lens that will best accentuate your look.
Color contact lenses came onto the market in the mid 1980s and have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. With the freedom to source their contacts at whatever venue they choose (with a valid prescription), wearers have also begun to think beyond just the corrective nature of lenses. They have discovered, through Internet surfing and media advertising, that contact lenses have a stylish factor and can be used to enhance or change their appearance.
There are three basic types of color contacts. A visibility tint does not affect eye color but instead carries a light blue or green hue as a means to see it better as you insert or remove it. This tinting also helps to locate the lens if you should happen to drop it. An enhancement tint is darker and is designed to amplify the natural appearance of light-colored eyes. Opaque color tints are the deepest in hue and can completely change someone’s eye color, especially those with dark eyes.
Another line of contact lenses that fall within the category of opaque color tints is the costume, or theatrical, lens. Until recently, these contacts were used primarily in the film and television industry to help transform actors into aliens, demons, or vampires. Now, these ‘fun’ contact lenses are widely available to general consumers. Eyes can have the look of jaguars, werewolves, zebras, and any number of other effects for Halloween, costume parties, and the like.
Color contact lenses appeal to a wide segment of consumers because of their cosmetic nature, but their corrective value is just as important. Color contacts are available not just in plano (non-powered), but also for near- and farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They also come in convenient disposable brands.
Much enjoyment can be had with color contact lenses, but always keep in mind that they remain controlled medical devices. Do not let the fun factor cause you to think of them just as accessories, which may lead you to relax your caution and care. They must be prescribed by an eye doctor and, like other contacts, are not to be shared or traded. Do not even think about purchasing them in beauty salons, novelty stores, or at flea markets—which, aside from being extremely unsafe, is illegal. In addition to providing proper fit and prescription, many eye doctors will also help you in selecting the color contact lens that will best accentuate your look.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tips for Buying Contact Lenses Online
You have decided to buy your contact lenses online and have quickly discovered that there are a large variety of vendors out there. Now you need a process to narrow the field so you can choose the best site for you.
Locating a seller with the best prices becomes easier with the use of price-comparison websites. The most common are those aligned with the popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo! (Google Product Search, Yahoo! Shopping), but there are others: BizRate, MySimon, Shopping.com, etc. Besides offering the obvious price match-ups, these sites also can make you aware of vendors you may not have found otherwise. In many cases, they also provide reviews of sellers posted by customers.
Beyond the pricing issue, there are other aspects of an online vendor’s service that need to be addressed before you commit. Great prices? Fantastic. But will you get what you want when you want it? If you have a complaint, will it be answered to your satisfaction? Let’s take a look at some things you can check for in order to select or discard an online seller.
A vendor who also takes telephone orders is indicative of a company that has service staff and is truly a mail order entity, as opposed to one individual with a website. Also, being able to talk to an actual customer service representative has reassurance value even in today’s online shopping atmosphere.
Receiving your order when you need it is important, so ask about shipping time and what may affect it. Reliable sellers should be able to tell you if the desired product is in stock and when it will ship. Some outfits will have fewer contact lenses on hand, so first they may have to order what you want before being able to ship it to you. Keep in mind if you have a complicated prescription there is a greater likelihood that those lenses will need to be backordered, even by larger companies. Also factor in the requirement by law that contact lens sellers must verify your prescription with your eye doctor. This, too, will affect processing and shipping time.
If problems occur with your order, you need to be assured that your complaint will be received and addressed. Reputable vendors offer contact information, including a toll-free number for customer service. As a rule of thumb, try the toll-free numbers to see if you get an answering machine—these are sellers you may want to avoid. Learn any company’s return policy; if your contact lens prescription changes, you will want a vendor who will take back any unopened boxes and credit you accordingly. Also, ask what they will do in the case of a shipment damaged in transit.
Of course, you are the final judge. No one is perfect, so in the end you will balance any contact lens seller’s flaws against their overall prices and service and choose accordingly. Employing the above tips will make your selection process easier.
Locating a seller with the best prices becomes easier with the use of price-comparison websites. The most common are those aligned with the popular search engines such as Google and Yahoo! (Google Product Search, Yahoo! Shopping), but there are others: BizRate, MySimon, Shopping.com, etc. Besides offering the obvious price match-ups, these sites also can make you aware of vendors you may not have found otherwise. In many cases, they also provide reviews of sellers posted by customers.
Beyond the pricing issue, there are other aspects of an online vendor’s service that need to be addressed before you commit. Great prices? Fantastic. But will you get what you want when you want it? If you have a complaint, will it be answered to your satisfaction? Let’s take a look at some things you can check for in order to select or discard an online seller.
A vendor who also takes telephone orders is indicative of a company that has service staff and is truly a mail order entity, as opposed to one individual with a website. Also, being able to talk to an actual customer service representative has reassurance value even in today’s online shopping atmosphere.
Receiving your order when you need it is important, so ask about shipping time and what may affect it. Reliable sellers should be able to tell you if the desired product is in stock and when it will ship. Some outfits will have fewer contact lenses on hand, so first they may have to order what you want before being able to ship it to you. Keep in mind if you have a complicated prescription there is a greater likelihood that those lenses will need to be backordered, even by larger companies. Also factor in the requirement by law that contact lens sellers must verify your prescription with your eye doctor. This, too, will affect processing and shipping time.
If problems occur with your order, you need to be assured that your complaint will be received and addressed. Reputable vendors offer contact information, including a toll-free number for customer service. As a rule of thumb, try the toll-free numbers to see if you get an answering machine—these are sellers you may want to avoid. Learn any company’s return policy; if your contact lens prescription changes, you will want a vendor who will take back any unopened boxes and credit you accordingly. Also, ask what they will do in the case of a shipment damaged in transit.
Of course, you are the final judge. No one is perfect, so in the end you will balance any contact lens seller’s flaws against their overall prices and service and choose accordingly. Employing the above tips will make your selection process easier.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tackling Eye Problems As We Get Older
As we get older, the search for a ‘fountain of youth’ can become more than just a fanciful notion. There is no such thing, of course, but there are approximations that we have managed to achieve through exercise, diet, and an overall healthy lifestyle to maintain our physical vigor.
But what are our options when it comes to aging eyes? Certain types of changes are inevitable as ‘maturity’ advances upon us, so what can be expected and how do we handle it?
One of the first changes is the onset of presbyopia, the loss of near-focusing ability that occurs around the age of 40. This is the point in life where the need for bifocals causes some distress because the adoption of eyeglasses is equated with the perception of looking older. Fortunately, there are contact lenses that can help presbyopes improve their vision and maintain a youthful appearance. Bifocal and multifocal lenses have become available to address vision correction at all distances.
Dry eye is something that can develop with age, which is a result of decreased level of tear production. Women nearing menopause can experience dry eye as an increase in hormones occurs. Such remedies as artificial tears, a change in medication (some can cause dry eye), and the use of oxygen-permeable contact lenses with lower water content (to minimize rapid evaporation) can battle dry eye symptoms.
Another condition that takes place is the lessening in nighttime vision. Sometimes this is due to the forming of cataracts, vitamin deficiencies and, to a degree, decrease in the muscle strength of the pupil. Since the most common activity affected by this is driving after dark, any measure taken to maximize night vision increases your safety as well as others’. Proper levels of vitamins A and zinc are essential to eye health and are found in yellow and leafy green vegetables (A), beef, poultry, beans and nuts (zinc). Also wear sunglasses during the day (or avoid the sun when planning night driving) as prolonged exposure to sunlight can affect night vision for up to 48 hours.
Other steps that can be taken to cope with aging eyes include further modification of your diet to add foods rich in the alphabet vitamins (the aforementioned A, C, and E); getting plenty of sleep; ensure proper lighting for reading, watching TV, computer use, and other close work; and not smoking. Most importantly, keep those regularly scheduled exam appointments with your eye doctor to stay ahead of potential issues such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Many equate being young with being active; as we get older, assuming a proactive and responsible stance when it comes to tackling these problems gives you a truly youthful vision when it comes to eye health.
But what are our options when it comes to aging eyes? Certain types of changes are inevitable as ‘maturity’ advances upon us, so what can be expected and how do we handle it?
One of the first changes is the onset of presbyopia, the loss of near-focusing ability that occurs around the age of 40. This is the point in life where the need for bifocals causes some distress because the adoption of eyeglasses is equated with the perception of looking older. Fortunately, there are contact lenses that can help presbyopes improve their vision and maintain a youthful appearance. Bifocal and multifocal lenses have become available to address vision correction at all distances.
Dry eye is something that can develop with age, which is a result of decreased level of tear production. Women nearing menopause can experience dry eye as an increase in hormones occurs. Such remedies as artificial tears, a change in medication (some can cause dry eye), and the use of oxygen-permeable contact lenses with lower water content (to minimize rapid evaporation) can battle dry eye symptoms.
Another condition that takes place is the lessening in nighttime vision. Sometimes this is due to the forming of cataracts, vitamin deficiencies and, to a degree, decrease in the muscle strength of the pupil. Since the most common activity affected by this is driving after dark, any measure taken to maximize night vision increases your safety as well as others’. Proper levels of vitamins A and zinc are essential to eye health and are found in yellow and leafy green vegetables (A), beef, poultry, beans and nuts (zinc). Also wear sunglasses during the day (or avoid the sun when planning night driving) as prolonged exposure to sunlight can affect night vision for up to 48 hours.
Other steps that can be taken to cope with aging eyes include further modification of your diet to add foods rich in the alphabet vitamins (the aforementioned A, C, and E); getting plenty of sleep; ensure proper lighting for reading, watching TV, computer use, and other close work; and not smoking. Most importantly, keep those regularly scheduled exam appointments with your eye doctor to stay ahead of potential issues such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Many equate being young with being active; as we get older, assuming a proactive and responsible stance when it comes to tackling these problems gives you a truly youthful vision when it comes to eye health.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Can I Wear My Contacts…?
Contact lenses have been proven great lifestyle enhancers and now come in various kinds and styles to accommodate almost any vision condition. Yet, with all the information available concerning contacts, there are times when questions pop up in regard to whether or not a person should wear them in certain situations. The following will hopefully answer some of these questions and clarify any uncertainty.
Can I wear my contact lenses while applying eye makeup? Yes, in fact it is preferable that you insert your contacts before the application if makeup products as a means to minimize the contamination of the lenses. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts. Use only non-allergenic makeup; water-based cream eye shadows are recommended instead of oil-based and powders. If you are a stickler for powder, keep your eyes closed during application and brush away any excess before opening them. Keep eyeliner away from the part of the lashes that are closest to the eye. When removing makeup, wash and dry your hands and take out your lenses first—always being careful not to bring them into contact with any makeup.
What about beach and water activities, or sunbathing? Care must be taken when wearing your contacts in lakes, pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. Water in the eyes leaves your lenses subject to infection-causing pathogens. It is recommended that you remove your contacts before going into the water or protect them by wearing swim goggles. Lenses that are splashed with water must be removed immediately and thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and stored using proper solution. For water activities, daily disposable contact lenses are the best option since they can be removed, thrown away, and replaced with a fresh pair. As for sunbathing, since the corneas may swell, the tighter lens fit could cause temporary irritation and redness. If you insist on wearing your lenses, put a safe lubricating drop in yours eyes before lying in the sun (your eye doctor can help you choose the right kind). Whether your contacts are in or out during tanning, always use a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses to protect all portions of your eyes.
Can contact lenses be worn in airplanes? Are solutions barred from carry-on items? The air in plane cabins tends to be of lower humidity, which can lead to dry eye issues. Lubricating eye drops may help, but in the event of persistent symptoms it is best to do without lenses and wear eyeglasses during flights. But of course individual comfort levels vary. The Transportation Security Administration’s rules for carry-on liquids* require that saline solutions and eye drops must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers carried in a 1-quart zip-top clear plastic bag. Any amounts larger than three ounces or not in the 1-quart bag must be declared to security officers at airport checkpoints.
Never feel uncomfortable about asking questions concerning your contact lenses or their wear. Consulting your eye doctor can provide you with the best and most complete information regarding your personal eye health.
*Website found at www.tsa.gov.
Can I wear my contact lenses while applying eye makeup? Yes, in fact it is preferable that you insert your contacts before the application if makeup products as a means to minimize the contamination of the lenses. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts. Use only non-allergenic makeup; water-based cream eye shadows are recommended instead of oil-based and powders. If you are a stickler for powder, keep your eyes closed during application and brush away any excess before opening them. Keep eyeliner away from the part of the lashes that are closest to the eye. When removing makeup, wash and dry your hands and take out your lenses first—always being careful not to bring them into contact with any makeup.
What about beach and water activities, or sunbathing? Care must be taken when wearing your contacts in lakes, pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. Water in the eyes leaves your lenses subject to infection-causing pathogens. It is recommended that you remove your contacts before going into the water or protect them by wearing swim goggles. Lenses that are splashed with water must be removed immediately and thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and stored using proper solution. For water activities, daily disposable contact lenses are the best option since they can be removed, thrown away, and replaced with a fresh pair. As for sunbathing, since the corneas may swell, the tighter lens fit could cause temporary irritation and redness. If you insist on wearing your lenses, put a safe lubricating drop in yours eyes before lying in the sun (your eye doctor can help you choose the right kind). Whether your contacts are in or out during tanning, always use a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses to protect all portions of your eyes.
Can contact lenses be worn in airplanes? Are solutions barred from carry-on items? The air in plane cabins tends to be of lower humidity, which can lead to dry eye issues. Lubricating eye drops may help, but in the event of persistent symptoms it is best to do without lenses and wear eyeglasses during flights. But of course individual comfort levels vary. The Transportation Security Administration’s rules for carry-on liquids* require that saline solutions and eye drops must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers carried in a 1-quart zip-top clear plastic bag. Any amounts larger than three ounces or not in the 1-quart bag must be declared to security officers at airport checkpoints.
Never feel uncomfortable about asking questions concerning your contact lenses or their wear. Consulting your eye doctor can provide you with the best and most complete information regarding your personal eye health.
*Website found at www.tsa.gov.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Back to School: Pencils, Books, Backpacks, and an Eye Exam
Kids will be starting or returning to school in a few days and the hurried activity to get them ready with all their needed supplies is well underway. But have parents thought about one ‘item’ that can really help a child’s classroom performance—an eye exam?
Now is an ideal time to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor and establish a regular schedule of exams. In today’s classroom, a child’s eyes are confronted with all sorts of visual stimuli: overhead projectors, blackboards and whiteboards, text and workbooks, computers, and participation in school activities and sports. Reading and studying levels increase. Since school age children are at the stage where eyes change rapidly as they encounter normal growth patterns, a preventive stance certainly makes sense.
When experiencing a vision problem, a child may not say anything about it, as at their young age they will assume that is how everyone sees. In this situation the effects of dealing with an undiagnosed condition such as hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness) on the part of the child can lead to short attention spans, frustration, and avoidance of schoolwork. Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition that must be treated early (by the age of seven) or chances of good vision in the affected eye are considerably lessened. Unfortunately, there are times when an undiagnosed eye problem may be mistakenly labeled as a learning disability or behavioral issue. This unnecessary complication can be avoided by proactive eye exams, which allow problems to be detected and addressed before they hamper performance in the classroom.
Leaving the detection of eye trouble up to school screenings alone may not be a good idea. Many of these tests are based on evaluating clarity and distance; a child passing them could still have a vision problem. Necessary eye functions that allow for recognition, comprehension, and eye-hand coordination need to be monitored as well.
If the time comes for a child’s vision correction, eyeglasses are usually thought of first, but contact lenses are just as viable an option. Recent studies have shown that children as young as eight can be successfully introduced to contacts, especially in cases where the child’s sense of responsibility and follow-through allows them to satisfactorily assume the care regimen that comes with certain types of contacts. Once a child demonstrates the skill to handle contact lenses, then a consultation can take place with an eye doctor who will prescribe, fit, and monitor the proper lens. Positive results from contact lenses, other than vision correction, include perception of an improved appearance that heightens self-esteem and being able to better cope with sports and activities that are hindered by eyeglasses.
An important fact is that 80% of a child’s learning comes visually; so scheduling an eye exam now is not only a smart decision, but a necessary preventive approach when it comes to minimizing eye health problems.
Now is an ideal time to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor and establish a regular schedule of exams. In today’s classroom, a child’s eyes are confronted with all sorts of visual stimuli: overhead projectors, blackboards and whiteboards, text and workbooks, computers, and participation in school activities and sports. Reading and studying levels increase. Since school age children are at the stage where eyes change rapidly as they encounter normal growth patterns, a preventive stance certainly makes sense.
When experiencing a vision problem, a child may not say anything about it, as at their young age they will assume that is how everyone sees. In this situation the effects of dealing with an undiagnosed condition such as hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness) on the part of the child can lead to short attention spans, frustration, and avoidance of schoolwork. Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition that must be treated early (by the age of seven) or chances of good vision in the affected eye are considerably lessened. Unfortunately, there are times when an undiagnosed eye problem may be mistakenly labeled as a learning disability or behavioral issue. This unnecessary complication can be avoided by proactive eye exams, which allow problems to be detected and addressed before they hamper performance in the classroom.
Leaving the detection of eye trouble up to school screenings alone may not be a good idea. Many of these tests are based on evaluating clarity and distance; a child passing them could still have a vision problem. Necessary eye functions that allow for recognition, comprehension, and eye-hand coordination need to be monitored as well.
If the time comes for a child’s vision correction, eyeglasses are usually thought of first, but contact lenses are just as viable an option. Recent studies have shown that children as young as eight can be successfully introduced to contacts, especially in cases where the child’s sense of responsibility and follow-through allows them to satisfactorily assume the care regimen that comes with certain types of contacts. Once a child demonstrates the skill to handle contact lenses, then a consultation can take place with an eye doctor who will prescribe, fit, and monitor the proper lens. Positive results from contact lenses, other than vision correction, include perception of an improved appearance that heightens self-esteem and being able to better cope with sports and activities that are hindered by eyeglasses.
An important fact is that 80% of a child’s learning comes visually; so scheduling an eye exam now is not only a smart decision, but a necessary preventive approach when it comes to minimizing eye health problems.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Computers and Contact Lenses
The use of home and office computers has become so prevalent in just the last generation that we find it hard to believe how we ever got along without them. While they have been a definite boon to our quality of life and work, they have also handed us a whole new hurdle when it comes to eye care.
An outgrowth of extended computer use has been what the doctors term Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), an increasingly common occurrence defined by tired or burning dry eyes and headaches caused by the strain of focusing on the screen over long periods of time. The eyes work differently when viewing a computer screen as opposed to regular day-to-day vision requirements. Constant and focused concentration on the computer screen changes the rate of blinking, which leads to dryer eye tissues. As a consequence the contact lens wearer focused on a computer screen will feel that their lenses are drying faster and causing some level of discomfort, or even perhaps poorer vision quality.
Just like other industries that have provided other types of long-term solutions for computer workers, the optical industry has made its own contributions. As an example, there is eyewear available with specialized lenses that work to reduce glare and assist users in enjoying a more comfortable visual experience at the computer. The contact lens industry proposed silicone hydrogel lenses, made of a new material that binds less water than the older polymers with higher water content. These may also have specialized wetting agents bound to their surface or incorporated into their polymer matrix in order to preserve the desired hydration for longer periods—even in difficult situations. Silicone hydrogel lenses also provide the highest oxygenation levels in the industry and remain moist. In fact, these lenses transmit oxygen an average of six times more than prior lenses, allowing for optimum eye and cornea health.
For those entering the world of presbyopia (the decreased accommodation at different fields of vision that usually occurs after the age of 40), multifocal contact lenses provide a progression of corrective powers from far, intermediate to near vision. This smooth flow of vision while working at the computer is less jarring than the effect of bifocals, which can leave you bobbing your head up and down adjusting to the abrupt change from far to near lens power. By having an intermediate range, multifocals allow you to keep your head in one position while your eyes scan the screen through the mid and near portions of your lens.
Your eye doctor can diagnose for CVS and help you choose a contact lens that can compliment your computer work. Once you have a valid lens prescription, an online retailer can easily be found who will provide you with a money-saving and convenient avenue for purchasing your contact lenses.
With the kinds of innovations seen in the contact lens industry through each passing year, efforts shall continue to yield improvements that will give eager lens wearers the best possible contact lens for easing and enhancing our hours at the computer.
An outgrowth of extended computer use has been what the doctors term Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), an increasingly common occurrence defined by tired or burning dry eyes and headaches caused by the strain of focusing on the screen over long periods of time. The eyes work differently when viewing a computer screen as opposed to regular day-to-day vision requirements. Constant and focused concentration on the computer screen changes the rate of blinking, which leads to dryer eye tissues. As a consequence the contact lens wearer focused on a computer screen will feel that their lenses are drying faster and causing some level of discomfort, or even perhaps poorer vision quality.
Just like other industries that have provided other types of long-term solutions for computer workers, the optical industry has made its own contributions. As an example, there is eyewear available with specialized lenses that work to reduce glare and assist users in enjoying a more comfortable visual experience at the computer. The contact lens industry proposed silicone hydrogel lenses, made of a new material that binds less water than the older polymers with higher water content. These may also have specialized wetting agents bound to their surface or incorporated into their polymer matrix in order to preserve the desired hydration for longer periods—even in difficult situations. Silicone hydrogel lenses also provide the highest oxygenation levels in the industry and remain moist. In fact, these lenses transmit oxygen an average of six times more than prior lenses, allowing for optimum eye and cornea health.
For those entering the world of presbyopia (the decreased accommodation at different fields of vision that usually occurs after the age of 40), multifocal contact lenses provide a progression of corrective powers from far, intermediate to near vision. This smooth flow of vision while working at the computer is less jarring than the effect of bifocals, which can leave you bobbing your head up and down adjusting to the abrupt change from far to near lens power. By having an intermediate range, multifocals allow you to keep your head in one position while your eyes scan the screen through the mid and near portions of your lens.
Your eye doctor can diagnose for CVS and help you choose a contact lens that can compliment your computer work. Once you have a valid lens prescription, an online retailer can easily be found who will provide you with a money-saving and convenient avenue for purchasing your contact lenses.
With the kinds of innovations seen in the contact lens industry through each passing year, efforts shall continue to yield improvements that will give eager lens wearers the best possible contact lens for easing and enhancing our hours at the computer.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Daily Disposables—The Convenient Contact Lens Americans Aren’t Using
Daily disposable contact lenses were first approved for use in the United States in 1994. Yet, sixteen years later, only 10 to 15 per cent of American contacts wearers use them regularly. This is a surprising statistic*, especially in the face of their convenience and availability.
Daily disposables are contacts that are worn once, removed before bedtime, and replaced with a fresh pair the next day. While Americans have been slow to fully embrace daily disposables, other countries have not. For example, Scandinavian countries and Japan are seeing use of these contact lenses at 50 per cent and above. They are also the leading modality of lens wear in Europe and the rest of Asia.
Why is the market share so low in the US? Cost is a factor that weighs against using daily disposables, especially if you rely solely on your eye doctor to get them. However, if you have a valid prescription and go online to source them, you will discover these lenses can be quite affordable--especially as they are available in boxes of 30 and 90 and may be purchased in yearly supplies. Depending on where you shop, discounts and rebates allow you in some instances to have daily disposables for around $1 a day. Since you do not have to buy solutions or lens cases, those expenses are eliminated from the cost calculation for daily disposables. As manufacturers continue to improve on their production efficiencies, product costs for disposables will continue to trend towards a more economical option for consumers.
Daily disposable contact lens wear provides the consumer with a safer option for their ocular health. The day-to-day build-up of protein, lipids, and other substances that occur with other types of contact lenses (even 2-week and 30-day disposables) increases the risk of infection. The replacement frequency inherent with daily disposables reduces this risk. The once-a-day use also provides comfort for those plagued by allergy season, as deposits that trigger those symptoms have less chance to accumulate on the lenses. In addition to the standard correction for near- and farsightedness, there are now daily disposable torics for astigmatism, multifocals for presbyopia, and UV blocking lenses that protect the cornea.
When daily disposables were first approved for use, only one manufacturer (Johnson & Johnson/Vistakon) made them. Today, all the major contact lens companies offer lenses in this modality, including Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision, and CooperVision.
Ask your eye doctor whether you are a candidate for daily disposable contact lenses. The rest of the world has already discovered their convenience and comfort, why not you?
*According to Dr. Renee Reeder, OD, Associate Professor and Chief of the Cornea Center for Clinical Excellence at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
Daily disposables are contacts that are worn once, removed before bedtime, and replaced with a fresh pair the next day. While Americans have been slow to fully embrace daily disposables, other countries have not. For example, Scandinavian countries and Japan are seeing use of these contact lenses at 50 per cent and above. They are also the leading modality of lens wear in Europe and the rest of Asia.
Why is the market share so low in the US? Cost is a factor that weighs against using daily disposables, especially if you rely solely on your eye doctor to get them. However, if you have a valid prescription and go online to source them, you will discover these lenses can be quite affordable--especially as they are available in boxes of 30 and 90 and may be purchased in yearly supplies. Depending on where you shop, discounts and rebates allow you in some instances to have daily disposables for around $1 a day. Since you do not have to buy solutions or lens cases, those expenses are eliminated from the cost calculation for daily disposables. As manufacturers continue to improve on their production efficiencies, product costs for disposables will continue to trend towards a more economical option for consumers.
Daily disposable contact lens wear provides the consumer with a safer option for their ocular health. The day-to-day build-up of protein, lipids, and other substances that occur with other types of contact lenses (even 2-week and 30-day disposables) increases the risk of infection. The replacement frequency inherent with daily disposables reduces this risk. The once-a-day use also provides comfort for those plagued by allergy season, as deposits that trigger those symptoms have less chance to accumulate on the lenses. In addition to the standard correction for near- and farsightedness, there are now daily disposable torics for astigmatism, multifocals for presbyopia, and UV blocking lenses that protect the cornea.
When daily disposables were first approved for use, only one manufacturer (Johnson & Johnson/Vistakon) made them. Today, all the major contact lens companies offer lenses in this modality, including Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision, and CooperVision.
Ask your eye doctor whether you are a candidate for daily disposable contact lenses. The rest of the world has already discovered their convenience and comfort, why not you?
*According to Dr. Renee Reeder, OD, Associate Professor and Chief of the Cornea Center for Clinical Excellence at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Shopping Online for Contacts: Security and Privacy
The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumer Act, signed into law in 2004, empowered lens wearers with the right to obtain a copy of their contact lens prescription from their eye doctor. After years of anticipation, contact lens wearers were finally free to purchase their contact lens replacements wherever they felt was appropriate for them. Although mail order companies had sold contact lenses for years, online contact lens replacement providers were growing in popularity and using popular search engines to market their services to consumers.
Today, more and more consumers find that online shopping saves them money and is convenient, but how do you determine which sites are safe to deal with? Everyone is looking for great prices, but the overriding concern is to find vendors who have secure websites that protect your privacy.
How does one go about finding a secure shopping site? There are two indicators you can check to determine if a website is properly safeguarded. The first is by looking at the URL, or web page address, at the top of your web browser. As you may have noticed during your Internet surfing experience, most begin with “http”. However, a secure site will have an address that begins “https”. Be sure the latter prefix exists when you arrive at a web page on which you will be actually entering sensitive information. The added ‘s’ is a signal to users that information (e.g. names and passwords) will be encrypted as it is transmitted. The second check for a safe site is to search for the padlock icon, usually located at the bottom of the screen. If the padlock is closed, the site is secure. Make sure this icon is in the browser window and not in the web page area. A click (or double-click) on a legitimate padlock icon will display a website’s security information.
Reputable shopping sites also have privacy policies posted that can be easily found and understood. This is where you will learn if the contact lens vendor shares your information with affiliated companies or other third parties. If they do, there is an almost certain likelihood you will receive unsolicited e-mail (‘spam’)—unless the vendor expressly restricts these parties from marketing in this manner. Also look to see if the site belongs to a ‘seal of approval’ program administered by the Better Business Bureau or others whose job it is to set guidelines for privacy practices.
Keep in mind that policies can change, especially if the website happens to be sold to or purchased by other companies. Review the policies at websites you do business with at regular intervals so any sudden ‘switches’ will not surprise you. This will allow you to take timely action to stop your information from being misused.
Since there are never any guarantees, care and research is necessary in selecting a legitimate online contact lens seller. However, this should not deter you from taking advantage of the convenience offered by online shopping. Remember, a responsible shopper will always be in a better position to take advantage of new opportunities. Take the time to locate responsible vendors that will safeguard their customers’ security and privacy.
Today, more and more consumers find that online shopping saves them money and is convenient, but how do you determine which sites are safe to deal with? Everyone is looking for great prices, but the overriding concern is to find vendors who have secure websites that protect your privacy.
How does one go about finding a secure shopping site? There are two indicators you can check to determine if a website is properly safeguarded. The first is by looking at the URL, or web page address, at the top of your web browser. As you may have noticed during your Internet surfing experience, most begin with “http”. However, a secure site will have an address that begins “https”. Be sure the latter prefix exists when you arrive at a web page on which you will be actually entering sensitive information. The added ‘s’ is a signal to users that information (e.g. names and passwords) will be encrypted as it is transmitted. The second check for a safe site is to search for the padlock icon, usually located at the bottom of the screen. If the padlock is closed, the site is secure. Make sure this icon is in the browser window and not in the web page area. A click (or double-click) on a legitimate padlock icon will display a website’s security information.
Reputable shopping sites also have privacy policies posted that can be easily found and understood. This is where you will learn if the contact lens vendor shares your information with affiliated companies or other third parties. If they do, there is an almost certain likelihood you will receive unsolicited e-mail (‘spam’)—unless the vendor expressly restricts these parties from marketing in this manner. Also look to see if the site belongs to a ‘seal of approval’ program administered by the Better Business Bureau or others whose job it is to set guidelines for privacy practices.
Keep in mind that policies can change, especially if the website happens to be sold to or purchased by other companies. Review the policies at websites you do business with at regular intervals so any sudden ‘switches’ will not surprise you. This will allow you to take timely action to stop your information from being misused.
Since there are never any guarantees, care and research is necessary in selecting a legitimate online contact lens seller. However, this should not deter you from taking advantage of the convenience offered by online shopping. Remember, a responsible shopper will always be in a better position to take advantage of new opportunities. Take the time to locate responsible vendors that will safeguard their customers’ security and privacy.
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