With all the youth-oriented product marketing these days, it is easy to get the impression that contact lenses are more fashionable for young people, leaving the assumption that the older or ‘more mature’ are better-suited for bifocals and the like.
Fortunately, that notion doesn’t hold water. It is true that as we age eyesight issues can become more complicated, but improvements have been made in contact lens technology over the past several years that have increased the opportunity for older adults to switch from glasses.
The most common eye condition encountered as we age is presbyopia, the difficulty of focusing at varied distances. In years past, prescription bifocal eyeglasses achieved correction. But nowadays contact lenses have been developed and manufactured to tackle presbyopia, with bifocal and multifocal lenses coming onto the market. There are also lenses made from hydrophilic (water-containing) materials for dry eyes, which can occur as we get older. Many lenses feature tinting and orientation marks, making handling easier and aids locating dropped or lost contacts. There are both rigid and soft styles that can be worn, depending on the type, for daily or extended wear. There are even disposable brands for more convenience.
Another inducement to switch to contacts is that older individuals today are generally more active than their parents were at the same age. An active lifestyle is enhanced by contacts as eyeglasses tend to be awkward and frames constantly interfere with peripheral vision. Along with healthy pursuits, contacts add to a youthful appearance and sense of vitality.
Once you have made the choice to explore the option of wearing contacts, a consultation with an eye doctor is essential. A full eye examination is needed to help determine the type and design of contact best suited to you. Health issues that may factor into your eligibility to wear lenses have to be dealt with; so you must be prepared to discuss any allergies, medications, and conditions in your history. An eye care professional should become a partner in fitting your lenses and monitoring the adjustment process, answering questions and giving you the support needed during this transition. They are also there to give you the ongoing care needed to maintain comfortable wear.
So, this notion that contacts are only for 20 and 30-somethings is as old-fashioned as telephone booths. Fortunately, in today’s health-conscious world youthful vigor can be found in many individuals other than the young. There is no reason to rule out getting contact lenses simply because you are ‘more mature’.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Smoking, Eye Health and Contacts
We have all heard or seen the surgeon general’s warning about smoking: it causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy. But fewer people know that it also plays a significant, negative role in eye health.
Recent studies have pointed to smoking as a contributor to age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in persons 65 and older. Smokers also have a three-times greater risk of developing cataracts.
The chemicals in cigarette smoke get into the bloodstream, cause clots, and shrink blood vessels. The retina uses a major supply of blood to help us see clearly. When the retinal receptors lack a proper flow of blood, damage occurs that directly affects eyesight. This constriction of blood vessels also raises inner eye pressure, resulting in glaucoma and deterioration of the optic nerve.
Other eye disorders attributed to smoking include uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, a thyroid-related disease that disrupts muscle control of the eye. Smoking worsens diabetic retinopathy, blood vessel damage associated with abnormal sugar levels and spikes the number of free radicals, molecules in the body that alter healthy cells. This changes the ability to absorb proper nutrients and vitamins—including those necessary for eye health.
Contact lens wearers who also smoke exacerbate conditions of dry eye and cornea irritation, increasing the chances of infection. Achieving comfort becomes more difficult, and smokers have to resort to additional dietary nutrients, supplements, or medicated drops to increase eye moisture. Quitting the habit gives you the opportunity to see if your dry eyes improve to the point where you can do away with those ‘artificial tears’ and other lubricants.
Second hand smoke has over 250 toxic compounds that are left behind in the air for eyes to be exposed to. In addition to the obvious irritation, second hand smoke gets into the bloodstream just as pervasively as puffing from a lit cigarette.
Quitting smoking reduces the risks of developing eye disease, but once you are diagnosed with macular degeneration or optic nerve damage it is irreversible. The key is to give up smoking while eyes are relatively healthy with no major disorders present; risk factors continue to decline the longer you stay away from cigarettes.
Snuffing out the habit sooner rather than later is a winning health strategy. Not only will you breathe easier and enjoy your activities more, but you will also give yourself a great chance of keeping good vision along with a better quality of life.
Recent studies have pointed to smoking as a contributor to age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in persons 65 and older. Smokers also have a three-times greater risk of developing cataracts.
The chemicals in cigarette smoke get into the bloodstream, cause clots, and shrink blood vessels. The retina uses a major supply of blood to help us see clearly. When the retinal receptors lack a proper flow of blood, damage occurs that directly affects eyesight. This constriction of blood vessels also raises inner eye pressure, resulting in glaucoma and deterioration of the optic nerve.
Other eye disorders attributed to smoking include uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, a thyroid-related disease that disrupts muscle control of the eye. Smoking worsens diabetic retinopathy, blood vessel damage associated with abnormal sugar levels and spikes the number of free radicals, molecules in the body that alter healthy cells. This changes the ability to absorb proper nutrients and vitamins—including those necessary for eye health.
Contact lens wearers who also smoke exacerbate conditions of dry eye and cornea irritation, increasing the chances of infection. Achieving comfort becomes more difficult, and smokers have to resort to additional dietary nutrients, supplements, or medicated drops to increase eye moisture. Quitting the habit gives you the opportunity to see if your dry eyes improve to the point where you can do away with those ‘artificial tears’ and other lubricants.
Second hand smoke has over 250 toxic compounds that are left behind in the air for eyes to be exposed to. In addition to the obvious irritation, second hand smoke gets into the bloodstream just as pervasively as puffing from a lit cigarette.
Quitting smoking reduces the risks of developing eye disease, but once you are diagnosed with macular degeneration or optic nerve damage it is irreversible. The key is to give up smoking while eyes are relatively healthy with no major disorders present; risk factors continue to decline the longer you stay away from cigarettes.
Snuffing out the habit sooner rather than later is a winning health strategy. Not only will you breathe easier and enjoy your activities more, but you will also give yourself a great chance of keeping good vision along with a better quality of life.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Getting Used to Monovision
Monovision is the contact lens technique for presbyopia that involves fitting a corrective lens for distance on a patient’s dominant eye* and a near-vision one on the other. As with bifocal or multifocal lenses, it is an option that allows the same pair of contacts to be used whether one is driving or reading a book.
On the surface, this method may seem odd and one questions how clear vision can be achieved with the eyes working at different powers.
So, how does monovision work?
As we look into the distance, our dominant eye commands the brain’s attention as vision information is transferred. The non-dominant eye still works, of course, but the dominant eye is in the ‘driver’s seat’. Even though the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision, it does not interfere with the ‘communication’ going on between the brain and the distance eye. In successful applications, the brain learns to adapt to the two extremes, minimizing any overwhelming dizzying sensation following an adjustment period. Monovision also works if the dominant eye sees distance clearly with no aid, leaving the non-dominant one to be corrected for close sight. The technique is more successful with contacts than with eyeglasses since glasses sit away from the eyes. By their design, contacts are more attuned to natural eye function.
Monovision provides effective correction for presbyopes in nearly 75% of cases; but because the method is a compromise, there are some issues that have to be dealt with. Diminished depth perception is a result of the technique, as well as possible mild headaches until one becomes used to the differing lens powers. There is also the possibility of having less distinct sharpness when viewing distance. In successful instances, the period of adaptation is approximately one to three weeks.
Contact lens applied monovision does not permanently alter eyesight, unlike refractive surgery that incorporates the technique. Contacts can be removed if a trial is not successful and vision will return to what it was before the therapy.
If you are presbyopic and want to depend less on reading glasses, then ask your eye care provider about monovision to determine if you would be a good candidate.
*Much like being right or left-handed, eyes are similarly coordinated. The dominant eye focuses for distance while the non-dominant eye handles near vision. A simple test to determine which eye is dominant involves keeping both eyes open as you raise your right arm to point at an object in the distance (approximately 20 feet away or more). Focus on the object as you continue to point and cover first your left eye and then the right. In one of these instances, your pointing finger will seem to shift to one side. Your dominant eye is the one that does not cause the shift. Your eye doctor can confirm which eye is dominant.
On the surface, this method may seem odd and one questions how clear vision can be achieved with the eyes working at different powers.
So, how does monovision work?
As we look into the distance, our dominant eye commands the brain’s attention as vision information is transferred. The non-dominant eye still works, of course, but the dominant eye is in the ‘driver’s seat’. Even though the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision, it does not interfere with the ‘communication’ going on between the brain and the distance eye. In successful applications, the brain learns to adapt to the two extremes, minimizing any overwhelming dizzying sensation following an adjustment period. Monovision also works if the dominant eye sees distance clearly with no aid, leaving the non-dominant one to be corrected for close sight. The technique is more successful with contacts than with eyeglasses since glasses sit away from the eyes. By their design, contacts are more attuned to natural eye function.
Monovision provides effective correction for presbyopes in nearly 75% of cases; but because the method is a compromise, there are some issues that have to be dealt with. Diminished depth perception is a result of the technique, as well as possible mild headaches until one becomes used to the differing lens powers. There is also the possibility of having less distinct sharpness when viewing distance. In successful instances, the period of adaptation is approximately one to three weeks.
Contact lens applied monovision does not permanently alter eyesight, unlike refractive surgery that incorporates the technique. Contacts can be removed if a trial is not successful and vision will return to what it was before the therapy.
If you are presbyopic and want to depend less on reading glasses, then ask your eye care provider about monovision to determine if you would be a good candidate.
*Much like being right or left-handed, eyes are similarly coordinated. The dominant eye focuses for distance while the non-dominant eye handles near vision. A simple test to determine which eye is dominant involves keeping both eyes open as you raise your right arm to point at an object in the distance (approximately 20 feet away or more). Focus on the object as you continue to point and cover first your left eye and then the right. In one of these instances, your pointing finger will seem to shift to one side. Your dominant eye is the one that does not cause the shift. Your eye doctor can confirm which eye is dominant.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pregnancy, Eye Health and Contacts
Understandably, pregnancy is a time of great joy and expectation; but, as you have been told to expect by your doctor, it is also a time of metabolic shifts in your body—resulting in some symptoms that prove stressful and cause a little concern.
With all the other hormonal and physical changes going on, it should not be surprising that eyesight can also be affected. For the most part, these signs are relatively minor and should not trigger undue worry; they occur as part of a conventional pregnancy, and revert to normal after giving birth. Your eye doctor should be alerted to the fact you are expecting so that any prenatal changes can be adequately monitored, especially if there are pre-existing eye conditions.
The same blood pressure and fluid fluctuations in the body that produce swollen feet, etc., also changes the shape of your eyes. The most common development is a thickening in the curvature of the cornea, which alters refraction (the ‘bending’ of light through the cornea to the retina). This sometimes manifests itself in pronounced near- or farsightedness—the greater numbers of women with any significant refractive change experiencing the former. Also, because of eye swelling, contact lenses may suddenly become less comfortable. When this occurs, cease using them until you decide whether or not to continue with a new pair (fitted by your eye doctor). Since we are talking about a finite period of time until post-natal eyes re-stabilize, you may want to just ‘put up’ with eyeglasses for the duration of your term. If you stay in contacts, think about wearing any new lenses for shorter periods to lessen chances of further discomfort.
Dry eyes can also be a problem during pregnancy. This is exacerbated if you do a lot of work at the computer, or other work that requires long stretches of concentration. Blinking decreases during these times, lessening the natural wetting of the eyes. Lubricating drops can readily alleviate this lack of moisture, as most are safe to use for expecting mothers. Contact lens solutions and cleaners pose no problem, as well.
Symptoms to watch out for, as they signal a need to see your doctor, include double or blurry vision, temporary vision loss, seeing spots or flashing lights, and eye pain or redness. Sensitivity to light may occur due to hormonally triggered migraine headaches; a physician must okay any medication used to treat them. The risk of developing diabetes increases during pregnancy and certainly anyone previously diagnosed with the condition should get a full eye exam.
Having your eye physician as an integral part of your pregnancy care regimen is a wise decision; they can answer any questions regarding your eye health and help in relieving some stressful moments during these expectant days.
With all the other hormonal and physical changes going on, it should not be surprising that eyesight can also be affected. For the most part, these signs are relatively minor and should not trigger undue worry; they occur as part of a conventional pregnancy, and revert to normal after giving birth. Your eye doctor should be alerted to the fact you are expecting so that any prenatal changes can be adequately monitored, especially if there are pre-existing eye conditions.
The same blood pressure and fluid fluctuations in the body that produce swollen feet, etc., also changes the shape of your eyes. The most common development is a thickening in the curvature of the cornea, which alters refraction (the ‘bending’ of light through the cornea to the retina). This sometimes manifests itself in pronounced near- or farsightedness—the greater numbers of women with any significant refractive change experiencing the former. Also, because of eye swelling, contact lenses may suddenly become less comfortable. When this occurs, cease using them until you decide whether or not to continue with a new pair (fitted by your eye doctor). Since we are talking about a finite period of time until post-natal eyes re-stabilize, you may want to just ‘put up’ with eyeglasses for the duration of your term. If you stay in contacts, think about wearing any new lenses for shorter periods to lessen chances of further discomfort.
Dry eyes can also be a problem during pregnancy. This is exacerbated if you do a lot of work at the computer, or other work that requires long stretches of concentration. Blinking decreases during these times, lessening the natural wetting of the eyes. Lubricating drops can readily alleviate this lack of moisture, as most are safe to use for expecting mothers. Contact lens solutions and cleaners pose no problem, as well.
Symptoms to watch out for, as they signal a need to see your doctor, include double or blurry vision, temporary vision loss, seeing spots or flashing lights, and eye pain or redness. Sensitivity to light may occur due to hormonally triggered migraine headaches; a physician must okay any medication used to treat them. The risk of developing diabetes increases during pregnancy and certainly anyone previously diagnosed with the condition should get a full eye exam.
Having your eye physician as an integral part of your pregnancy care regimen is a wise decision; they can answer any questions regarding your eye health and help in relieving some stressful moments during these expectant days.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Contacts for Post-LASIK Patients
Nearly everyone has heard of LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis), the eye surgery that alters the cornea* for better vision. As innovative and beneficial as LASIK has become in recent years, the assumption that the procedure eliminates all need for eyeglasses and contact lenses is not entirely correct.
Refractive surgery is successful in many cases, but there are those who come away from LASIK with less than the desired sharpness of vision. Several factors affect an individual’s satisfaction with laser eye surgery: cornea health and characteristics; the extent of the refractive error and strength of prescription needed; tear production; a patient’s age and expectations. Cornea shapes are not uniform for everyone and these variances affect laser-response and healing. Heightened sensitivity to light--with glare, halos, or ‘starbursts’--can occur. Other symptoms include blurred vision (oftentimes known as irregular astigmatism) and diminished ability to see for night driving.
A follow-up laser procedure, called enhancement, is available for further correction. But this can be prohibited if the cornea is too thin or other complications arise from the initial surgery. Patients at this stage often find that contacts are the next best option for achieving that crisp vision they want. However, acquiring lenses cannot happen right away; fittings must wait until complete healing of the cornea. This occurs generally at 6 months post-op (individual healing times vary), a point when adhesive proteins in the eye have sealed the epithelial flap over corneal tissue exposed during the operation. The seal becomes stronger from this time forward, resulting in a natural suture.
Gas permeable (GP) lenses are the leading choice for post-LASIK correction because of their rigid structure. This rigidity is needed to allow a pool of moisture to form between the actual cornea and the backside of the contact lens. The cornea’s irregularities are then masked as the front surface of the lens permits the correctly refracted light to enter the eye. Soft contacts are not firm enough to accomplish this.
A newer development in contact technology is the hybrid lens. These combine facets of both GP and soft contacts by permitting the visual zone of the lens to remain rigid and gas permeable, with the remaining rim made of soft material. This results in a more comfortable contact that corrects aberrations occurring after LASIK.
Since the cornea has been significantly altered during laser surgery, the fitting process for contacts can take longer than normal. Some amount of patience must be spent during the trial period while finding the right lens. Consulting an eye physician who specializes in this field is always an option and it may make the transition less stressful.
Your eye doctor can answer all your questions about contacts for post-LASIK wear.
*The cornea is the clear ‘window’ of the eye that allows light to enter permitting sight. Irregularities in the shape of the cornea cause refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (distorted or blurred vision at all distances).
Refractive surgery is successful in many cases, but there are those who come away from LASIK with less than the desired sharpness of vision. Several factors affect an individual’s satisfaction with laser eye surgery: cornea health and characteristics; the extent of the refractive error and strength of prescription needed; tear production; a patient’s age and expectations. Cornea shapes are not uniform for everyone and these variances affect laser-response and healing. Heightened sensitivity to light--with glare, halos, or ‘starbursts’--can occur. Other symptoms include blurred vision (oftentimes known as irregular astigmatism) and diminished ability to see for night driving.
A follow-up laser procedure, called enhancement, is available for further correction. But this can be prohibited if the cornea is too thin or other complications arise from the initial surgery. Patients at this stage often find that contacts are the next best option for achieving that crisp vision they want. However, acquiring lenses cannot happen right away; fittings must wait until complete healing of the cornea. This occurs generally at 6 months post-op (individual healing times vary), a point when adhesive proteins in the eye have sealed the epithelial flap over corneal tissue exposed during the operation. The seal becomes stronger from this time forward, resulting in a natural suture.
Gas permeable (GP) lenses are the leading choice for post-LASIK correction because of their rigid structure. This rigidity is needed to allow a pool of moisture to form between the actual cornea and the backside of the contact lens. The cornea’s irregularities are then masked as the front surface of the lens permits the correctly refracted light to enter the eye. Soft contacts are not firm enough to accomplish this.
A newer development in contact technology is the hybrid lens. These combine facets of both GP and soft contacts by permitting the visual zone of the lens to remain rigid and gas permeable, with the remaining rim made of soft material. This results in a more comfortable contact that corrects aberrations occurring after LASIK.
Since the cornea has been significantly altered during laser surgery, the fitting process for contacts can take longer than normal. Some amount of patience must be spent during the trial period while finding the right lens. Consulting an eye physician who specializes in this field is always an option and it may make the transition less stressful.
Your eye doctor can answer all your questions about contacts for post-LASIK wear.
*The cornea is the clear ‘window’ of the eye that allows light to enter permitting sight. Irregularities in the shape of the cornea cause refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (distorted or blurred vision at all distances).
Monday, December 21, 2009
Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses
Among the current selection of soft contacts, the Acuvue Oasys family of lenses is taking their place in the ‘neighborhood’ and is rapidly growing in popularity. They have stepped to the forefront, becoming a leading brand prescribed by eye doctors.
Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, and Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia all share features that contribute to the ongoing improvement in comfort and extended wear desired by contact users.
The trademarked Hydraclear Plus technology approximates the way eyes naturally stay wet, with a delivery of moisture that lasts all day even in environments and conditions that rapidly produce dryness. The use of senofilcon A (a silicone hydrogel material) facilitates a high flow of oxygen through the lens--a necessary process to maintain eye health. This unbeatable combination gets you as close to that feeling of ‘not wearing any contacts at all’ as any soft lens can.
The Acuvue Oasys family has also forged ahead in the area of UV protection, blocking 96% of UV-A radiation and 99% of UV-B radiation from reaching the covered portion of the eye*. These numbers put Acuvue Oasys at the top of the list in this regard, gaining seals of acceptance for ultraviolet absorbing contact lenses from both the American Optometric Association and the World Council of Optometry.
In addition to the comfort and UV protection, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism delivers constant, crisp vision due to its four-point Accelerated Stabilization Design that keeps the lens from rotating (and causing a loss of focus). Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia employs Stereo Precision Technology to achieve clear sight at all distances.
Many contact users who are introduced to the Acuvue Oasys family are happy with the results, and there are others who are switching from their prior contacts to get this same satisfaction. One such individual, age 60, has spent much of her forty-four ‘contact years’ settling for just three hours of comfortable lens wear a day. After recently discovering Acuvue Oasys, she now experiences several days of wear without discomfort. Another turned away from ‘old’ Acuvue Oasys after an initial trial only to come back and embrace the improved brand.
Acuvue Oasys is FDA approved for two-week daily wear or six nights of extended wear. Ask your eye doctor about the Acuvue Oasys family member best suited for you.
*All other areas of the eye still need to be protected from ultraviolet radiation. These lenses are no substitute for UV-protecting eyewear such as sunglasses, goggles, etc.
UV-A radiation damages collagen fibers (which support cell structure) and destroys Vitamin A in the skin.
UV-B radiation does direct DNA damage that leads to skin cancer.
Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, and Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia all share features that contribute to the ongoing improvement in comfort and extended wear desired by contact users.
The trademarked Hydraclear Plus technology approximates the way eyes naturally stay wet, with a delivery of moisture that lasts all day even in environments and conditions that rapidly produce dryness. The use of senofilcon A (a silicone hydrogel material) facilitates a high flow of oxygen through the lens--a necessary process to maintain eye health. This unbeatable combination gets you as close to that feeling of ‘not wearing any contacts at all’ as any soft lens can.
The Acuvue Oasys family has also forged ahead in the area of UV protection, blocking 96% of UV-A radiation and 99% of UV-B radiation from reaching the covered portion of the eye*. These numbers put Acuvue Oasys at the top of the list in this regard, gaining seals of acceptance for ultraviolet absorbing contact lenses from both the American Optometric Association and the World Council of Optometry.
In addition to the comfort and UV protection, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism delivers constant, crisp vision due to its four-point Accelerated Stabilization Design that keeps the lens from rotating (and causing a loss of focus). Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia employs Stereo Precision Technology to achieve clear sight at all distances.
Many contact users who are introduced to the Acuvue Oasys family are happy with the results, and there are others who are switching from their prior contacts to get this same satisfaction. One such individual, age 60, has spent much of her forty-four ‘contact years’ settling for just three hours of comfortable lens wear a day. After recently discovering Acuvue Oasys, she now experiences several days of wear without discomfort. Another turned away from ‘old’ Acuvue Oasys after an initial trial only to come back and embrace the improved brand.
Acuvue Oasys is FDA approved for two-week daily wear or six nights of extended wear. Ask your eye doctor about the Acuvue Oasys family member best suited for you.
*All other areas of the eye still need to be protected from ultraviolet radiation. These lenses are no substitute for UV-protecting eyewear such as sunglasses, goggles, etc.
UV-A radiation damages collagen fibers (which support cell structure) and destroys Vitamin A in the skin.
UV-B radiation does direct DNA damage that leads to skin cancer.
Friday, December 18, 2009
O2 Optix Contact Lenses
The news is out. Contact lens wearers with busy, daylong activities can now enjoy finding new freedom and confidence with O2 Optix.
In the past, insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes--related to materials in the manufacture of many contact lenses--caused redness, irritation, and dryness before the day was done. Any enjoyment of lengthy activities was marred by having to switch out of contacts and/or wear glasses.
Recently, all that has changed thanks to the introduction of silicone hydrogels. These innovative materials have allowed contact lenses to be made with an amazing improvement in the rate of oxygen flow to the eyes. Among these lenses is Ciba Vision’s O2 Optix, rapidly becoming popular among soft contact wearers who have been looking for that safe ‘all-day’ lens.
Prescribed for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), O2 Optix is designed to provide the highest levels of moisture and oxygen permeability possible with a soft contact lens. Also, the surface of the O2 Optix is specially treated to resist protein and other deposits naturally produced by the eye or come from handling the lens. All this technology helps to minimize common symptoms associated with Corneal Oxygen Deficiency, e.g., irritation, blurred vision, dryness and redness. Since these complaints can shorten contact wear-time, the revolutionary features of O2 Optix are a welcome contribution to ongoing eye health for those wearing their lenses for longer periods during the day.
All-day activities become easier and can be enjoyed fully without having to remove contacts because of ‘tired’ eyes and dryness. So go ahead with that hike or excursion, the healthy and fresh feeling you have with O2 Optix will continue for hours.
Other features of the O2 Optix are the blue tint and tiny ‘Ciba Vision’ lettering applied to the lenses, as an assist in seeing the contacts better within solution (or if they’re dropped or lost and you need to retrieve them) and in orientation before insertion.
Satisfied wearers describe O2 Optix as “desirable”, “(of) high quality”, and “an easy choice”. They also suffer less from ‘eye fatigue’ and see their eyes maintain a ‘healthy whiteness’. As the popularity of these lenses grows, many patients are asking eye care professionals about them.
O2 Optix, a 1-2 week disposable lens, is FDA approved for daily and extended wear up to six nights.
As always, consult your eye doctor in determining what the best lens and care regimen is for you.
In the past, insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes--related to materials in the manufacture of many contact lenses--caused redness, irritation, and dryness before the day was done. Any enjoyment of lengthy activities was marred by having to switch out of contacts and/or wear glasses.
Recently, all that has changed thanks to the introduction of silicone hydrogels. These innovative materials have allowed contact lenses to be made with an amazing improvement in the rate of oxygen flow to the eyes. Among these lenses is Ciba Vision’s O2 Optix, rapidly becoming popular among soft contact wearers who have been looking for that safe ‘all-day’ lens.
Prescribed for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), O2 Optix is designed to provide the highest levels of moisture and oxygen permeability possible with a soft contact lens. Also, the surface of the O2 Optix is specially treated to resist protein and other deposits naturally produced by the eye or come from handling the lens. All this technology helps to minimize common symptoms associated with Corneal Oxygen Deficiency, e.g., irritation, blurred vision, dryness and redness. Since these complaints can shorten contact wear-time, the revolutionary features of O2 Optix are a welcome contribution to ongoing eye health for those wearing their lenses for longer periods during the day.
All-day activities become easier and can be enjoyed fully without having to remove contacts because of ‘tired’ eyes and dryness. So go ahead with that hike or excursion, the healthy and fresh feeling you have with O2 Optix will continue for hours.
Other features of the O2 Optix are the blue tint and tiny ‘Ciba Vision’ lettering applied to the lenses, as an assist in seeing the contacts better within solution (or if they’re dropped or lost and you need to retrieve them) and in orientation before insertion.
Satisfied wearers describe O2 Optix as “desirable”, “(of) high quality”, and “an easy choice”. They also suffer less from ‘eye fatigue’ and see their eyes maintain a ‘healthy whiteness’. As the popularity of these lenses grows, many patients are asking eye care professionals about them.
O2 Optix, a 1-2 week disposable lens, is FDA approved for daily and extended wear up to six nights.
As always, consult your eye doctor in determining what the best lens and care regimen is for you.
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