6 Great Remedies for Contact Lens Discomfort & Dry Eyes

It would have been impossible to wear contact lenses without the tear film that is present in your eyes. They lubricate eyes, help flushing out the irritants and ensure that contact lenses float smoothly. People with dry eyes don’t produce enough tears or suffer from high evaporation rate. With tears it is not only the quantity, but quality too that makes a difference. In case you have dirty tear film (excessively oily film) contact lenses will be uncomfortable for you because of your eyes staying dry. To help relieve dryness, practice the following remedies & continue wearing contact lenses for color change and vision correction.

Also Read: [Home Remedies for Eye Strain with Contact Lenses]

1. Re-Wetting Drops

Using rewetting drops help the dryness go away temporarily. However, make sure you get contact lens compatible eye drops. Using in compatible eye drops may fade or discolor contact lenses which will do more bad than good.

Also carefully read the label. Eye drops that are advertised to eliminate the “redness” do not combat against the traditional dryness of the eyes.

2. Healthy Food & Nutritional Supplements

People with dry eyes should increase the intake of water and focus more on consuming herbal teas. Keeping a good balance between omega fatty acids, consuming green leafy and raw vegetables also help. In severe dryness nutritional supplements prescribed by doctor help improving the tear film’s quality.

3. Disposable Contact Lenses

Some people suffer from dry eyes because of oily aka dirty tear film. These eyes produce more oil than needed due to which cornea is always coated with a thin oily film. Hence; dryness is observed as tears are unable to wet the surface. This facilitates protein and lipids buildup on contact lenses that adds to discomfort. Using daily disposable contact lenses help getting rid of discomfort caused by dirty contact lenses.

4. Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

Today contact lenses that allow greater oxygen permeability are available. They are made from silicone hydrogel material that stay moist and pliable longer than other soft contact lenses. They are very comfortable and are a perfect solution for dry eyes. Since they are made from advanced technology; expect a slight price hike.

5. Contact Lenses with Water Content

Water content in contact lenses plays a prominent role in contact lens manufacturing. Contact lenses hold different amount of water. For people with healthy eyes, water content doesnot really seem to bother but people with dry eyes may find it difficult to get adjusted with contact lenses holding water content upto 50%. If your lenses fit you nicely, but still sting; it is probably the water content causing trouble. Switching between different brands or talking to your doctor may help.

6.Contact Lens Care Products

Always choose your contact lens accessories and care products wisely. Only use pharmacy formulated eye drops and soaking solution. Contact lens solutions may contain preservatives to which some people are strongly allergic. Reduce chemicals by cutting down contact lens solutions to one multi-purpose solution that soaks, rinses and disinfects. Using multi-purpose solution also prevents drug interaction. If you develop allergy over the course of time against a preservative used in your all-time favorite contact lens solution; talk to your doctor for further guidance. 

Did you know that Hormonal Imbalance Affects Contact Lens Tolerance but can be Managed?

There are times when women suffer from hormonal imbalances. Hormones regulate our body systems like a boss. Anything that makes them cross will cost you pay for it later. At menopause, women suffer from serious hormonal imbalances that disturb their body fluids including tear film. Disturbance in tear film is associated with dryness that triggers discomfort and reduced tolerance with contact lenses. Although hormonal imbalances are not directly associated with your contact lenses; they do leave negative impact on your entire body functioning. If appropriate steps are not taken at time; compromising on wearing contact lenses is the last option. Fortunately, with little scheduling you can continue wearing your favorite contact lenses for vision correction even when hormones seem to be furious.

Dry Eyes, Hormonal Disturbances & Contact Lenses

Hormonal disturbances affect everyone equally when it comes to contact lenses. However people with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, lupus etc. are exceptional cases. Since these patients are more prone to develop dry eyes, having hormonal imbalances may add more to the gross. For everyone else, contact lenses are easy to be managed provided they focus on improving the quality of life by altering their diet, consuming more liquids & by introducing healthy habits.

Dry eyes is a condition that keep reoccurring. It happens when your tear film is low in quality- either it produces insufficient oil or has high evaporation rate. Since contact lenses slightly serve as a barrier between your eyes and oxygen transmission; you may feel a bit more stinging than usual with contact lenses during hormonal disturbances.

Managing Contact Lenses during Hormonal Imbalances

1. Artificial Tears: Using artificial tears can help relieve the discomfort. Invest in good quality eye drops that are free from harsh preservatives since these can irritate your eyes. Only use eye drops that mention “compatible with contact lenses” clearly at the label.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can deplete the fluid in your eyes that compromise swift floating of contact lenses. Drink herbal teas, and increase the intake of water. Use humidifier during winter to prevent yourself from the damages of artificial heat.
3. Healthy Diet: Take wholesome meal three times a day. Include multivitamins, fatty acids and keep a good balance between omega 3, 6 and 9.
4. Special Care with Contact Lenses: Deposits of protein and lipids can irritate the eyes. Keeping them clean is crucial to healthy eyes. They tend to absorb the fluid of your eyes, so using re-wetting drops is recommended.

Also Read: [Diet you should Take as a Contact Lens Wearer]

Contact lenses have been a boon for people desiring to achieve a pleasant change. They also have helped millions of people in vision correction. However, what we forget is this that contact lenses are more than mere fashion accessory. Since they are medical devices, they need to managed and regulated accordingly. By little wise planning, you can continue to look your best with contact lenses, no matter how tough your symptoms may get!

Related: 

Birth Control Pills & Contact Lens Tolerance

Why do My Eyes Burn in summer with Contact Lenses?

Dryness is not confined to winter only. It is more troublesome in blazing summer where the harmful UV rays rip your hair & your facial tissues of its moisture. Not only do the scorching sun burn your body & hair but eyes also. Next to the eyelashes, there is a duct that is supposed to secret thin oil layer over your tear film to prevent it from drying too quickly. In summer, when the tear film is disturbed; eyes turn dry, red or show other signs of inflammation. Wearing contact lenses during eye dryness aggravates the inflammation & an excruciating pain is felt.

The thin protective oil layer along with the tear film helps swift blinking and clear vision. Therefore, when the chemistry is disturbed, eyes turn dry making it impossible for the contact lenses to float smoothly over your eye balls. When contact lenses are inserted in dry eyes; they may induce a stinging or burning sensation which can be relieved by the use of pharmacy eye drops. Keeping eyes moist in summer should be religiously practiced.

Contact lenses slightly disturb the tear film and contact lenses with high water content turn eyes dry quickly. Using eye drops with contact lenses is crucial to maintain the moisture level in eyes. Contact lenses also demote oxygen transmission this is why eyes become dry. In summer, contact lens associated problems turn severe as the UV rays do the deteriorating job. Therefore, one must be very careful about ocular care in summer. Contact lenses are usually not a problem; but if something troubles you, you must avoid it until you get back to your perfect health. 

3 Reasons for Contact Lens Discomfort

Contact lenses have been a boon for people with vision problems. Unfortunately some people would find contact lenses painful and irritating. Contact lenses themselves should not be a problem if they have been purchased from certified sellers and are FDA approved. Sometimes certain environmental conditions and lifestyle are the reasons behind contact lens discomfort. Read below to trace the reason behind your uncomfortable contact lenses

If you notice symptoms like:

1. Itchy and irritating eyes
2. Discharge
3. Redness
4. Blurred/hazy vision
5. Eye strain
6. Intolerance to contact lenses
7. Dry eyes

Worry Not; since these symptoms can be treated and reduced by bringing few changes in your living style. These could happen because of:

Excessive Tear Evaporation

The over-excessive usage of smartphones/computers and high exposure to LCDs can cause rapid tear evaporation. Due to evaporation of tear film, eyes become dry and reduce tolerance to contact lenses. Contact lenses float over cornea and tear film facilitates it. Often times; using good quality eye drops do the trick but if you have sensitive eyes; you must need to limit the usage of such modern devices.

Here is how to manage Contact Lenses whilst using Computers

Make-up & Contact Lenses

Women who wear makeup; if fail to cleanse and disinfect contact lenses with multi-purpose solution might notice a stinging and burning sensation. Makeup particles and pigments can irritate eyes leading to serious eye infection that increases the inability of wearing contact lenses for longer duration. If you are a makeup-holic; keep your accessories cleaned and contact lenses disinfected.

Air- Conditioners

Air-conditioned buildings turn eyes drier. This is also yet another reason of quick tear film evaporation. In summers; avoid staying too long under air-conditioned environment when wearing contact lenses.

A study suggests that improving life styles help improving the tolerance towards contact lenses. Just by keeping your eyes enough lubricated you are taking all matters under control. Tears lubricate your eyes; help preventing infections by washing external agents off of eyes and keep contact lenses moist. Try using Rohto C Cube eye drops for a noticeable difference and sparkling eyes.

Choosing Contact Lenses Correctly for Vision Problems

Contact lenses enjoy a paramount importance when it is about correcting the vision problems. Gone are the days when contact lenses would make patients feel hesitant about giving them a try. Experts opine that contact lenses are far way a better option the spectacles as they ensure excellent peripheral vision that glasses do not. Since circle lenses and all other variants are certified medical devices they need greater concern & attention whilst handling them. Though circle contact lenses also come with both pros & cons; one needs to be vigilant enough for a wiser selection.

Meeting your Optometrist

Before choosing circle lenses, it is crucial to first get an appointment from your eye doctor. Only an eye expert is capable of checking visual acuity & degree of dryness. After determining your eyes an eye doctor would suggest what kind of circle lenses would better fit you. People with vision impairment are now open to many opportunities. With the modern technology & innovation contact lens industry has made several advancements & now almost every one with any of the ocular complication can sport contact lenses.

• Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

People who have to bear dry eye syndrome can take support of contact lenses with high water count. Contact lenses from 48% to 55% of the water content keep your eyes hydrated & moist. Using quality eye drops might help.

• Contact Lenses for Sensitive Eyes

Geolica Eyevelyn contact lenses are perfect match for sensitive eyes. The brand takes pride in coping up these lenses with UV interception. Its bio-compatible material ensures safety; whereas high oxygen content make sure that they allow smooth tear production whilst keeping your eyes moist & supple. They are perfect for people who suffer from eye sores upon wearing lenses or notice irritation, teary or painful eyes upon wearing regular contacts.

• Contact Lenses for Kids

Since Kids are new to contact lenses and are mentally less mature; it is advised to let them start their journey with tri monthly disposable circle lenses until they are wise enough to take care of yearly disposable circle lenses. Since contact lenses are subjected to bacteria accumulation, it is better that kids toss their lenses every 3 months for better hygiene and for reduced risks of infections.

Contact Lenses are making lives better. Even if contact lenses were a disappointment previously in past, you can keep giving them a try between different brands. Contact lenses offer various services from being unaffected by weather conditions to staying trouble-free during aggressive activities like sports & exercises. They are great means of accessorizing oneself whilst boosting up the confidence for those with vision problems. 

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Contact Lenses?

You might have been told earlier that you are not an ideal candidate for contact lenses.  This is nothing to however panic about. Contact lenses are constantly evolving & due to the latest innovations you can always try with new brands of contact lenses even if they had been a bad experience previously. Certain medications & medical conditions do restrict you wearing contact lenses such as allergies & using OCPs (Oral contraceptive pills. They might negatively affect contact lens tolerance. Yet, the endless opportunities allow you to switch between the brands in order to find the best match for your eyes.

People with certain medical conditions such as astigmatism, or dry eyes syndrome can improve their symptoms by effective management with contact lenses. Yes, it might be difficult; but being difficult does not mean being “impossible”. People with dry eyes can try wearing circle lenses with 48%- 55% water content and see if it makes any positive difference. Dry eyes include symptoms like gritty, scratchy or burning sensation on wearing contact lenses which can be reduced with medicated eye drops that are compliant to use with contact lenses.

People suffering from Astigmatism can wear Toric contact lenses. With latest advancements, contact lenses for complex ocular impairments have been engineered. With collaboration of Google, Novartis & Alcon Pharmaceuticals a new type of smart contact lenses for diabetics are being engineered. Furthermore, contact lenses for age-related macular degeneration will also be launched in near future to help elderly people zoom in and out with just a wink of an eye.

Contact lenses have seen huge advancements. The possibilities are endless. You only need to have a valid prescription at hand to get benefited through contact lenses. Also, regular follow-ups are recommended to rule out any underlying or hidden vision threats caused by bacterial accumulation. 

Winter Eye Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lenses need management & it may be challenging to tackle with the obstacles faced at initial stages. As the climate takes a turn towards spring, contact lens wearers need to manage the allergies. Similarly, the winter sun also calls for attention. The climate in winter is dry with hot air inside and cold outside that disturbs the tear film. Tear film in eyes is responsible for keeping eyes moist & contact lenses soft. The sudden shift from hot indoor air to cold outside leaves eyes dry that instigate dryness. To manage contact lens wear in winters, please follow the tips given below

Make Arrangements to Keep Contact Lenses Soft

Soak your contact lenses in multi-purpose solution for 6-8 hours prior to each wear. Refill the chambers every morning with new supply of solution.

Make Arrangements to Keep Eyes Moist

Since contact lenses in winter turn eyes dry sooner than usual, it is mandatory to make special arrangements about keeping them moist. Contact lenses themselves block oxygen permeability to some extent & dry air of winter further aggravates the condition. Using re-wetting eye drops or silicone hydrogel contact lenses help settling things.

Also Read: What are Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses & How They are Beneficial?

Protect Your Eyes

Forget that sunglasses are only for scorching summer sun. Contrary to the myth, eye experts recommend wearing sun glasses in winter & even in cloudy weather. Not only do they prevent harmful agents getting in to your eyes, but also intercept damaging UV rays. Wearing a hat may also help. However, keep in mind that the hat does not shed, because the lint cause irritation & tingling in eyes

Make use of Humidifiers

Heaters draw moisturizer out from the air making it even drier. This dry air facilitates quick tear evaporation that leaves eyes dry. Humidifiers help maintaining the moisture level in air that in turns keep eyes moist.

Related:

Dry Eye Syndrome & Winter

Do Soft Contact Lenses Freeze in Sub Zero Temperatures?

4 Dry Eye Relief Tips by Dr. Stewart for Contact Lens Wearers

Dry eye syndrome affects over 25 million Americans & more than 100 million people worldwide. With the onset of winters; the syndrome begins to strengthen its roots thus instigate dryness, eye sores and grittiness, itching & burning sensation among contact lens wearers. Dr. Stewart Shofner-renowned surgeon of “Shofner Vision Centre” suggests 5 dry eye relief tips to release the discomfort that is subject to disturb twice more to wearers of contact lenses.

Dr. Kevin Johnson of Shofner Vision Center adds, "Contact lens wearers in particular are subject to dry eye symptoms because the dry air reduces the moisture in the contact lenses.”

During winter the tear film that keeps eyes moist is disturbed due to cold weather & dry air. Wearing contact lenses further worsen the symptoms.

"Dry eye syndrome is much worse in the winter as people tend to stay indoors where warm dry air is prevalent," says Dr. Shofner

How to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms in winter among Wearers of Contact Lenses?

As a wearer of contact lenses and a patient of dry eyes syndrome, be preventive about following:

1. Stay away from direct air. Air conditioners, hair dryers, car heaters & vents should not be directed towards eyes. Do not ride a bicycle or motor bike without protective eye goggles whilst wearing contact lenses.
2. In winter when there is an advanced use of gas/electric heaters and when the fire places are always active; use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air. If dryness is not dealt like a pro; especially if you wear contact lenses you are more prone to develop eye sores, scratches & corneal abrasions
3. Use lubricants along with prescription eye drops such as Systane and Restasis. They work with one’s own tears to re-hydrate, soothe & reduce the inflammation. They also help your eyes produce more tears to keep eyes lubricated. This increases tolerance for contact lenses & help reduce discomfort associated with contact lenses.
4. Stay away from air pollution, BBQ smoke & cigarette smokers. Those who smoke should reduce smoking or if possible should totally stop it for a while. Smoking is dangerous in 3 ways for cigarette smokers who wear contact lenses.

Dr. Shofner says, "Patients can be treated for dry eye syndrome with quick and convenient procedure such as LipiFlow® or cauterization. Using the correct eye drops can also be helpful, and there is no reason for anyone to suffer from dry eyes”

Eating healthy-introducing fruits & green vegetables & increasing liquid diet also helps combat against dry eyes syndrome for people wearing contact lenses. 

Courtesy of :

PRwebShofnerVisionCentre

Should I Continue Wearing Contact Lenses in Cold or Flu?

Certain medications such as anti-allergenic and birth-control pills lay adverse effect on contact lens tolerance. Although; influenza virus is nothing to panic about, continuing to wear your contact lenses whilst you cough, sniff or suffer from a runny nose brings discomfort & prolonged flu duration.

Also Read: Does Medication Affect Contact Lens Tolerance Negatively?

When you catch cold; it is time to give your eyes a break from contact lenses. It has often been observed that during cold you are prone to rub your eyes because of itchy sensation. Furthermore, wiping off runny nose and then inadvertently rubbing your eyes with same soiled hands facilitate bacteria accumulation over contact lenses which can be a source of bacteria transmission and deposition over your corneas.

Contact lenses should be avoided during influenza’s seasonal attacks for two reasons. Former reason deals with unhygienic practices where as the later one deals with “Poor-production” of tear-film. The tear film or tear-chemistry is disturbed when you are sick that therefore encourages the quick evaporation of tear-film. This turns eyes drier and induces stinging sensation along with corneal scratches or abrasions.

You do not need to avoid contact lenses throughout the flu period; you only need to observe caution. Wear your circle lenses only when it is too crucial to avoid them. If circle lenses are not functional in your life and just cater to serving your fashion needs; you should completely halt wearing these contacts. Do not help yourself spread the virus. Practice hygiene when handling contact lenses & observe a break for first 3 days!

Do you Find Wearing Circle Lenses an Uncomfortable Experience? Lipid Degeneration might be a Reason: Treat it Using a Mere Spray

Wearing circle lenses should not be usually a problem, provided you have always been meticulous about the diligent care, handling & maintenance of circle lenses. As long as what you putting in your eyes are FDA approved eye drops and contact lenses, your eyes should remain safe. If still, along with all the precautionary measures you find circle lenses uncomfortable to carry along, then as per the Australian researchers it is biological reason- “Lipid degeneration”; involved in triggering discomfort associated with contact lenses.

Also Read: Why do Circle Lenses make my eyes dry?

Circle lenses induce changes in the natural tear-film that trigger ocular discomfort & stinging. According to Editor-in-Chief of the research journal “Optometry & Vision Science” eyes’ tear film is actually a three-layered sandwich film in the liquid form that features wax-like molecules known as lipids at the outer-most layer. This layer acts as a barrier between the foreign substances & eyes. Upon wearing circle lenses; there is a very faster and quicker degeneration of lipids in some people that triggers discomfort & burning. The outer most lipid layer is actually responsible for maintaining tear film and protects tear evaporation-when on the other hand this layer is broken down by wearing circle lenses; eyes turn dry & create discomfort with circle lenses.

Doctors also looked at various alternatives on how to reducing the ocular discomfort induced by circle lenses and suggested that using a liposomal eyelid spray, such symptoms of dry eyes can be diminished. The spray moistens the eyes and increases tolerance of circle lenses by 6 hours.

If you suffer from dry eyes syndrome, wearing circle lenses specially manufactured for dry eyes should help. Furthermore, improve your diet to keep your eyes moist and fix an appointment with your eye care professional for narrowly-focused medical advice. 

What Should You Eat as a Contact Lens Wearer? (First Contact Lens Week, 2014- Health Reminder 5)

You can wear circle lenses without any discomfort only, if you have healthy eyes. Though there are circle lenses for people with sensitive & dry eyes; it is advised that you improve the health of your eyes to observe better tolerance of contact lenses. In order to keep circle lenses comfortable in your eyes; you must have hydrated eyes with balanced tear- chemistry. Find out what food should you take in your diet if you wear circle lenses regularly.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Good sources are cold-water fish such as sardines, cod, herring & salmon.

Flax-seed & Fish Oil

Flaxseed oil and fish oil contains important dietary fatty acids that reduce dry eye symptoms including burning, itching, scratching sensation, stinging & intermittent visual disturbances when used with lubricating eye drops.

Liquid Intake

It is very crucial to increase the liquid intake-if you suffer from dry eye syndrome and circle lenses are something that you can’t go without.  Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is a good practice along with other fluids. Take juices, and drink plenty of milk to keep your eyes moist.

Some other things to note when wearing circle lenses

• Avoid smoking
• Some medications lay adverse effect on circle lens tolerance
• Keep your eyes protected from extreme weather changes. Wear shades and goggles when wearing circle lenses outdoors or at beach respectively.
• Reduce sodium intake. It contributes to making your eyes dry
• Whilst working at screens; follow a 20 by 20 rule of thumb. Reduce glare and after every 20 minutes shift your gazes from screen to open environment.
• Keep your environs humid. Use a humidifier when wearing circle lenses to add moisture to indoor air during winter.

Though re-wetting your eyes through artificial tear-drops play a significant role in cutting down the discomfort induced by circle lenses; improving your diet will help you achieve permanent sparkling & brighter eyes that adapt to circle lenses sooner than expected. 

Related:

• 3 Facts circle Lens Wearers Ignore
• Life Style Improvements Lead to Better Contact Lens Tolerance

Reference:

Allaboutvision

Dry Eyes, Contact Lenses & Winter

Effective contact lens management is key to comfortable wearing sessions

With the onset of winters, contact lens tolerance has been badly affected in many regions of the world. Winters instigate dryness & contact lenses tend to aggravate it. Nonetheless, contact lens tolerance can be improved by the effective management of the "changing climate".

How to Tackle Dryness to Continue Wearing Contact Lenses in winter?

Dryness is a syndrome where eyes fail to meet adequate tear production. Due to the cold weather the tears are evaporated too quickly to keep eyes moisten. Upon wearing contact lenses the condition is aggravated even more since they are the barrier towards oxygen absorption. Contact lenses themselves are considered to be a dryness inducing agent. Every year a wide number of people are affected negatively by CLID (contact lens induced dryness) alone. Wearing contact lenses when the climate is harsh enough causes irritation & inflammation which needs effective management if you want to continue wearing your contact lenses.

Also Read:  Why do contact lenses turn my eyes dry?

 In winter; when it is snow outside you would not definitely want to go back to your conventional set of glasses just to end up with them being foggy. Prescription contact lenses have been the choice of millions to ensure clear, crisp & impeccable vision. It is an established fact; that with slight variations in lifestyle, one can improve contact lens tolerance for better. If you have ever felt discomfort due to wearing contact lenses because of reduced tear production then try following:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat fresh fruits & vegetables
3. Avoid prolong working at computer
4. Do not over-wear contact lenses ( not more than 6 hours daily)
5. Use lubricating drops
6. Wear contact lenses with low water content (below 40%)

Re-wetting drops may make huge world of a difference. They add immediate comfort and help you with blinking. However, total dependency on lubricating drops may ruin your life. They should only be resorted to when nothing else seem to relieve the symptoms. Focus on making lifestyle changes on a long term course to see the difference or get your own pair of contact lenses for dry eyes for an immediate rescue. 

Can Colored Contact Lenses Cause Eye Floaters?

Colored contact lenses neither cause eye floaters nor can they make it worse. Eye floaters are small moving protein blobs that drifts about in the field of your vision. They look like grey specks, strings or cobwebs. They are very normal and should not cause any hindrance in the vision. However; if they suddenly increase in numbers, one should immediately arrange a visit to eye doctor.

Floaters

Effect of Colored Contact Lenses on Floaters:

“Eye floaters” is an age-related problem; thus it occurs as you age. Floaters are more common in people between 50 to 75 years. It occurs when the gel-like substance (vitreous) in the eye become more liquid. Colored contact lenses have directly no relation with worsening the floaters. Therefore, it is completely safe to wear colored contact lenses for prescription purposes even if you are diagnosed with floaters.

According to Eye Professional John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO, “There is no cause-effect relationship between floaters and contact lenses”. Therefore; wearers of colored contact lenses should feel no fear or hesitation; since they do not need to discontinue wearing colored contact lenses due to floaters. They must however should stick to cleanliness & maintenance along with timely replacement of colored contact lenses.

Avoid Expired/ Old Colored Contact Lenses

Old colored contact lenses or those that have passed their expiry must be avoided. Such colored contact lenses are already possibly contaminated with viruses/ bacteria. Furthermore; protein deposits on old colored contact lenses may bring havoc to those having vision problems.

Also Read: Do Circle Lenses Really Expire?

People with floaters are recommended to stick to monthly disposable circle lenses that are meant for a month use or last three months at maximum.

“Contacts do not cause floaters to become larger, although you might become more aware of them with visual improvement. Contacts also do not cause flashes. If you have flashes and/or an increase or change in floaters, especially suddenly, this may be a sign of a more serious problem within the eye, having nothing to do with the contacts. You should have a dilated eye exam by a Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist) to be certain that you don't have problems within the eye”; Says Ivan Schwab-Ophthalmologist at American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart.

Reference:

WebMd- Eyefloaters (Benign)

Contact Lens’ Effects on Floaters

3 Effects of Cigarette - Smoking on Contact Lens Tolerance

 

Smoking has never been good to health. It leaves deleterious effects on human body and soul. Stained teeth, mouth sores along with other injurious effects are only some of the preliminary health disasters attributed to smoking. Smoking may even lead to potential ocular damages where people who wear colored contact lenses are at greater risk.

Also Read: Effects of Medications on Contact Lens Wear

Harmful Effects of Smoking on Contact Lens Tolerance

1. Ocular Damages

A research says; conducted by Johnson and Johnson, Department of Ocular Surface and Visual Optics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, “Even brief passive exposure of contact lenses to cigarette smoking have worse effects on the ocular surface in epithelia”. It increases the tear instability which turn eyes dry leading to gross corneal ulcers.

2. Corneal Infiltrates

In simple words corneal infiltrates are corneal inflammation. They are hazy-gray small areas that appear on the cornea often under the upper eyelids. They are composed of inflammatory cells which produce an annoying feeling of having an “external agent” in eyes, with excessive tearing, redness, sensitivity to light & contact lens discomfort.

3. Dryness & Irritation

Smoke from the cigarette may lead to dryness & irritation. The chemicals from cigarette when enter the blood-stream restrict blood-flow to retina which causes bloodshot & itchy eyes. People who wear contact lenses are at greater risk of suffering from such damages as their eyes already lack enough permeability of oxygen.

Though dryness with contact lenses is nothing to be worried about and in most cases it can be cured using rewetting or lubricating drops; treating dryness caused by cigarette smoke would require you to quit wearing contact lenses at the first place furthermore;aggravating the vision problems.

Also Read: How to Treat CLID (Contact Lens Induced Dryness)

Conclusion:

Cigarette smoking has severe consequences on human health, both internally & externally. What worse? smoking cigarette may lead to permanent blindness, corneal ulcers & blurred vision. You do not need one more reason to quit smoking, especially if you are also one of the contact lens wearer. Do you?

Related:

Can smoke from BBQ burn contact lenses?

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References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20351603

http://www.case.edu/

3 Facts Circle Lens Wearers Ignore: Stay Focused to Improve Eye Health

Circle Lenses and Contact Lenses are fun to wear, but in order to enjoy the fun even when you remove them; you must stay focused on improving the safety of your eyes. We all know the circle lenses are not mere fashion accessory but are medical devices that require maintenance & careful handling. Most often contact lens wearers are observed paying all of the attention towards the brand/manufacturer only. Unfortunately they forget that the lens care is equally important. Neglect regular cleansing of your circle lenses if you love putting your eyes at risk. The 3 common facts that majority of the circle lens wearers ignore create obstacles in proceeding towards healthy life style.

1. A Strong Multi-Purpose Solution

Lens care products are as important as is the brand of the circle lenses. Say you purchase a branded pair of circle lenses worth $22 but ignorantly cleanse it using a low quality saline solution – This does not only reduce the quality of circle lenses but continuing to it may even damage the eyes.

A decade back, there had been a laborious regime for cleaning circle lenses, which through the advancement in technology has now been replaced by “Multi-Purpose Disinfectant”. The advanced multi-purpose disinfectant allows greater cleansing with all-in-one “rub, rinse &disinfect” formula. Therefore, a good multi-purpose solution is strong enough to cleanse a lens from deposition & stubborn protein accumulation and as well as gentle enough to go straight into the eyes without harming them. To accomplish this task, measures should be taken by circle lens & contact lens wearers to preserve the concentration of the disinfectant. The disinfectant bottle should never be left opened as it facilitates the evaporation of the preservative that kills bacteria. This affects the efficacy of the multi-purpose disinfectant. This also rings bell for those careless wearers who habitually top off the contact lens solution.

Also Read: How to Clean Contact Lens Cases for Better Eye Health?

2. Monthly Disposable Circle Lenses

Fortunately; you can find circle lenses as per your requirement and eye types. Though monthly & daily disposable circle lenses are a bit pricey to afford for some; they are far more effective when you are trying to switch to better health conditions from poorly-managed life style.

The multi-purpose disinfectant as mentioned above cleanse and free circle lenses from lipid accumulation but you will be considered on the right path only if you disinfect your circle lenses regularly.

If you find it hard to follow the whole process every night religiously, don’t worry. You can try disposable circle lenses. To reduce dropouts of circle lenses, optometrists recommends “Monthly Disposable Circle Lenses”. These types of disposable circle lenses are also a good start for the people with sensitive eyes.

Also Read: Why Monthly Disposable Circle Lenses?

3. Wettability of Circle Lenses

When circle lenses & contact lenses are not disinfected properly; they begin to turn dry. This happens because lipids accumulation & other depositions can cause reduction in lens wettability & disruption of the tear film which may further deteriorate the condition by causing frequent eye blinking & blurred vision. Lubricating drops may not be able to help because the deposits compromise the wettability of circle lenses as they develop dry patches on the surface of contact lenses.

Read Also: Are Circle Lenses Really Worth the Risk?

This is therefore very important to ask yourself at the end of the day “How comfortable my eyes felt whilst wearing circle lenses today?” The same question should be asked at the beginning & end of every circle lens cycle to determine if the flaw is in the circle lenses or is actually a medical issue caused by your criminal negligence.

If you have had the comfortable wears of circle lenses in the beginning but not in the end of the lens cycle, most probably you are also one of those careless circle lens wearers who over-look these 3 facts.