Can Wearing Contact Lenses Cause Cataracts? How to Delay Cataracts with Contact Lenses?

Cataracts is an age-related vision disorder. It is the clouding of the lens that affects nearly every one after the age of 80. Wearing contact lenses has got nothing to do with cataracts since it is a natural occurrence.

As we begin to age; our muscles degenerate, bones get weaker and so does the eye sight. To be specific; cataracts is the clouding of the lens that helps transmission of light to retina where the image is formed. Since, in old age the lens gets cloudy; the image you see is blurred causing hazy vision. It also causes light sensitivity & difficulty in discriminating colors.

Cataracts cannot be avoided in older ages but can be delayed. In severe cases; cataracts is removed via cataracts surgery. After surgery, you can continue wearing contact lenses as usual once your eye has completely healed. According to the medical experts; it naturally takes a period of 3-5 weeks for the vision to stabilize in the operated eye. Once the coordination of both the eyes develop and vision is stabilized; you can meet your doctor to analyze the new prescription needs.

How to Delay Cataracts?

Wearing UV lenses & Wider Brim Hat Helps Delaying Cataracts

It is important to protect your eyes from sunlight to prevent the damage. Wearing UV interception contact lenses along with a hat having a wider brim may help. Sunlight exposure is known to increase the risk of cataracts.

If you have already lost vision due to cataracts; talk to your eye doctor about different low vision services & devices that can help you make the most of the remaining vision.

Contact lenses do not impede your vision provided they are FDA approved nor do they cause cataracts. In fact they help maintaining your vision after cataracts surgery.

Dr. Wayne Bizer , Ophthalmology, states on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

“First, let me put your mind to rest that the wearing of contact lenses has nothing to do with the development of cataracts.

There are many different types of cataracts, and some of them have specific causes while others develop without ophthalmologists ever having any evidence as to why they occurred. Everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts; some babies are born with cataracts, and others can develop them at almost any age. Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with a painless and safe operation like cataract surgery"

Can I wear Contact Lenses when I Catch Cold?

Contact lenses help you maintain an improved vision. Unfortunately they come with certain restrictions. To help prevent infections, it is necessary you follow your doctor’s advice about continuing to wear your lenses when you are sick or under weather. Contact lenses should feel fine when your body temperature rises slightly. However, you should cease wearing contact lenses if fever is accompanied by strong flu, runny nose & itchy/inflamed eyes. Since fever and cold along with medicines can affect tear-chemistry; contact lenses may be irritable for your eyes until you fully heal.

Avoiding contact lenses can be an obstacle in your day to day life if you rely on them for vision correction. Unless, you are suffering from a severe ocular infection, you can still wear your colored contacts safely; provided they are daily disposable. Strong weather changes such as storms, windy weather and spring where there are innumerable pollen particles suspended in the air; call for a wise contact lens management. Switching to daily disposables from annual replacement should work fine when you are under strong influenza virus attack or are battling through air borne irritants.

During cold, every time you rub your eyes you are unknowingly transferring germs to them. This may lead to contact lens contamination and re-wearing the same pair of contacts when you recover will have an increased risk of infection. Moreover, due to the reduced and compromised tear film; your eyes may feel drier which makes it uncomfortable to wear contacts during an illness. Fortunately, influenza virus is not always very severely strong. If you think your eyes are unaffected, please feel free to wear soft lenses when unavoidable.

In short; you are your own home doctor. Before you could run to a professional you must have enough knowledge to deal with your troubles. Remember a stitch in time, saves nine! Ask yourself if your eyes look good enough with circle contacts. Whenever in doubt, remove them – your eyes are not worth the risks. 

How to Choose Soft Contact Lenses by Tint or Color?

Soft contact lenses are available in various options. Rare is the case that you find yourself stuck in a blind alley when it is about getting the best pair of contact lenses. Today, soft contact lenses are being made into every color possible where the advanced technology and quality of the material has enabled the penetration of the trend even deeper. Contact lenses, as per your life style and special requirements (if any) can be chosen by replacement schedule, wearing duration or by tint & color.

Contact Lenses by Tint & Color

Categorically speaking contact lenses are available in three major types; i.e. translucent colored lenses, opaque & clear or tinted contacts.

Translucent Colored Contacts

These contact lenses are mostly sought by the teen age girls and women aiming to bring a sophisticated color change effect. They are made to blend with your original eye color flawlessly, plus they also happen to match the design of your iris. Translucent contact lenses basically help to accentuate your own eye color whilst adding a subtle enrichment of color & design to the iris.

Opaque Colored Contacts

Opaque circle lenses are strongly pigmented. They happen to mask your original eye color and no matter how darker are your peepers; these lenses will completely conceal. Such contacts are usually used for theatrical purposes where your goal is more than just changing the eye color.

Clear or Tinted Contacts

These contact lenses are transparent. They are tinted pale blue or green only for handling and visibility purposes. Tinted colored lenses do not change the color nor do they alter the pattern of human iris. They are not visible in the eyes and create totally natural looks. Tinted contacts are usually worn when all you need is prescription and freedom from glasses.

Tints and colors depending on the intensity can help accentuate your eye color or eventually change it altogether. Choose your colored lenses wisely to get the best of them.

You should Immediately Stop Doing this with Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are medical devices that need meticulous care & handling. Failing to follow the instructions provided by your contact lens provider and medical experts, may lead to ocular infections & in some cases permanent blindness. The gross factor responsible for most of the contact lens induced infections is “water”. Water carries a microorganism that clings itself to the cornea and begins feeding on it. Acanthameoba Keratitis is too quick to even let you realize and is known to devour the human cornea in a small period of 24 hours. Stop being careless with your contact lenses & make your best efforts towards hygiene.

Contact lenses are handy accessories that help transforming the color & maintain crisp visual acuity. More than 30million people wear contact lenses alone in the United States and seldom do the doctors report contact lens related infections. This proves, that contact lens induced infections are almost rare which makes contact lenses safe to wear, provided they are FDA approved. As per experts, it is not contact lenses that should make people feel afraid of, but the poor attitude of the consumers towards circle contacts.

Why Water is Poisonous for Contacts?

Since water is not salty like tears, it gets absorbed by contact lenses. Due to the absorption of water, contact lenses swell and helps bacteria to dwell. The water borne micro-organisms than feed on corneal tissues and may lead to the permanent blindness by eating the eye ball within few hours.

If you are stuck in a situation where you have no supply of contact lens solution or a case to disinfect and store your lenses in then the best bet for you is to throw them away. Your eyes are too important to take a risk for. Never try rinsing them with water or saliva as both of these are ridden with bacteria.

A recent University study shows that Keratitis can stay longer in the disinfectant than previously thought. Therefore, be very diligent with your contact lenses to prevent the damage. Remember the drill i.e. washing your hands with a soap before touching your contacts to rub, rinse & disinfect your contact lenses using a multi-purpose solution.

Keratitis causes irritation and inflammation of the cornea and may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated correctly. Always remember pre-school lesson that prevention is better than cure. Don’t be repulsive about contact lenses but your lousy approach. Modern day contacts are made with keeping health standards into considerations and European CE certification further approves them for being safe for consumers. If you still suspect contact lens related discomfort; stop wearing them and immediately rush to an eye doctor for a complete diagnosis. Probably, you have ignored few of the contact lens care instructions!

Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: The Beginners' Lenses

Spectacles & contact lenses both come with their own pros & cons. To claim that either of the counterparts enjoy complete user satisfaction over the other is more fun than fact. However, eye care professionals have seen more contact lens happy patients than the spectacles. Spectacles limit your mobility, create hindrances with weather changes & make you look sloppy. Contrary to this, contact lenses make you confident about yourself & provide freedom from the nuisance of having to “lost & found” game of spectacles. Since with contact lenses, there are numerous option in terms of colors, designs & types; the outcome may be a bit too overwhelming for a beginner to make a choice. Beginners, should thus rely only on “Daily Disposable” contact lenses till they develop familiarity with their new plastic vision correcting devices i.e. soft contact lenses.

Why only Daily Disposable Contact Lenses for Beginners?

No Care & Maintenance required:

Beginners resist contact lenses because of the meticulous care & handling they require. Being mannered & scheduled with your life for contact lenses does not mean you should welcome spectacles with the many of the disadvantages they come with. Get daily disposable contact lenses & pop open a fresh pair each morning fearlessly of having to clean & disinfect them.

Also Read: [ Am I a good candidate of Contact Lenses?]

Check if you are a Right Candidate:

Most of the patients end up buying yearly replacement contact lenses without even realizing that they are not the right candidates of contact lenses. Opting for daily disposable contact lenses help you analyze if your eyes do well with contact lenses or should you go for other modes of vision correction. Daily disposable contact lenses have also been good for patients who couldn’t perform well with contact lenses earlier.

Contact Lenses to Serve Aesthetics:

Most of the patients find it annoying to keep fidgeting with their spectacles. They make you look like a nerd or a goof- both opposites are possible yet unpredictable happenings with spectacles. Furthermore, strong prescriptions make your eyes look cartoonish-ly magnified from behind the lenses which raise concerns about how you look and how people perceive you. Young children are often annoyed because of them looking different than the rest of their class-fellows. Daily disposable lenses in this case come forward as a better alternative. In couple of days you and your child will better be able to make their mind.

Daily disposable contact lenses make things simpler for beginners where additional steps from cleansing contact lenses to maintaining the cases are not required. Also, they help you begin your journey towards visual acuity with deeper insight towards the wearing pattern. 

Why has my Favorite Pair of Contact Lenses begun to Sting my Eyes out of a Sudden?

Contact lenses if have manufacturing flaws, will sting you right at the moment you slip them in eyes. Contrary to this, if your contact lenses begin stinging your eyes after a couple of months, the reason is either the accumulation of foreign agent or your carelessness & unhygienic approach towards contact lenses.

What to Do if Contact Lenses Sting?

Rinse & Disinfect:

Rinsing & Disinfecting using your regular contact lens solution helps eradicating the following two concerns:

Also Read: [Why do my Eyes Itch after Removing Contact Lenses]

1. Wearing an Inverted Contact Lens: 

If it is the first time your favorite pair of contact lenses is causing a piercing sensation, the reason might be you wearing them inverted. This is often times a product of your lousiness hence not a major concern. Taking them out from eyes & rinsing them before reinserting will solve the issue.

2. Foreign Agent: 

Contact lenses have micro projections that help them adhere to your eyes. These micro-projections also enable adherence of foreign agents such as a tiny lint, dust particles and protein buildup. In most of the cases, rinsing & disinfecting will help relieve the discomfort. If it does not make a difference, look at your contact lenses closely. Inspect them for any possible notches or scratches. If you have been pinching your lenses way too harshly whilst removing them; your contact lenses will begin to de-shape. They may even develop scratches. Be very careful when dealing with contact lenses. Sometimes trying to wear dried out contact lenses also leave a burning sensation because they might have developed wrinkles that don’t usually go even if they look just new after being re-soaked.

Change your Contact Lens Solution:

If your eyes have caught an infection lately or have become allergic to any of the ingredient present in your disinfectant; your contact lenses will continue to burn no matter how much you rinse and clean them. The best way to find out if it is your contact lenses or solution causing the discomfort; is to try rinsing different pairs of contact lenses using the same solution. Most probably, you will notice these symptoms if contact lens solution has been causing you the discomfort.

Contact lenses with enough protein buildup and lipids accumulation also itch your eyes. People who develop sensitivity over time or whose tear-chemistry gets compromised are vulnerable to dirty contact lenses. Solutions containing hydrogen peroxide are notable in such cases for thorough breakdown.

Also Read: [Considerations with Hydrogen Peroxide Solution]

Contact lenses are personal prosthetic devices. Depending on your tear chemistry and health of eyes you may not feel the same your friend feels in contact lenses. Therefore, it is better to consult an eye doctor instead of making assumptions on your own. If the above remedies don’t seem to make a hit; we recommend getting an appointment from your eye care professional for further considerations.

A New Device to Help Stop Contact Lens Infections by Analyzing Tear Chemistry

Schematic drawing of the chip

More than 130 million people use contact lenses around the globe for vision correction and color change. Around 60,000 people catch contact lens related infections globally. Poor approach and improper hygiene towards contact lenses may be held accountable since contact lenses themselves are not a risk provided they are FDA approved. To combat against the infections, a new device is under consideration that could judge the tear chemistry to recommend personalized cleaning advice on contact lenses.

Contact lenses need to be disinfected thoroughly, after each wear, every day. Unfortunately, despite cleaning them religiously, some of the bacteria and protein debris still cling to the surface. Some of the disinfectants are not efficient enough killing the strong protein whereas some of them have preservatives that may trigger an allergic response. In both the case a contact lens induced infection is expected. A new tiny device, just as the size of a coin is hoped to eliminate many of these infections. As reported in the journal Lab on a Chip, researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and George Washington University have built a device to recommend personalized cleaning solutions based on the chemistry of tears.

This microfluidic device takes a single tear and your used contact lens that is then tested by the device to suggest personalized cleaning solutions tailored to one’s tear chemistry.

Currently the prototype can test three solutions at a time but the researchers are expecting to expand the number of simultaneous testing to 10 solutions at a time. This will help the commercializing of the device & better consumer health.

3 Things a Contact Lens After Care & Follow up Exam Includes

Contact lens after care is not an eye examination. It may be a combination of the two. It is in fact a follow up eye examination, where ophthalmologists examine your eyes to see how contact lenses have affected your vision & eyes in general. Contact lens after care & follow ups are recommended once every year, unless you suffer from a typical vision disorder or are younger than 16 years of age.

What Happens in a Contact Lens Follow-up?

Contact lens follow ups help doctors analyze the general health of your eyes. From ruling out the possibility of any underlying infections that are as yet dormant to assessing the quality of tears are included in a doctor-patient contact lens follow up session.

Also Read: [ How Important are Contact Lens Followups?]

As a regular contact lens wearer, you are advised to allow enough time to let your contact lenses settle before you arrange an appointment with your doctor. Usually, after 3 hours of wearing contact lenses; your eyes show telltale signs of discomfort that only a doctor will be able to spot on. A contact lens follow up may include:

1. An eye test – To see if your prescription needs to be updated

2. Movement of Contact lenses on Cornea – To see how your eyes react against contact lenses. Contact lenses are meant to move on eyes, but not too much.

3. Quality of Tears – To see if your eyes are still producing enough quantity of tears to help lubricate your eyes. This test also helps sorting out the different modes of contact lens replacement. For instance; someone with dirty tear film needs daily disposable contact lenses.

Moreover, your eye doctor may ask you to remove your contact lenses. Doing so he will be able to analyze the performance of your eyes without contact lenses. Feel free to take along your contact lens solutions and lubricating drops if you have had suffered from red eyes, discomfort or eye sore. Depending on the health of your eyes and the ingredients mentioned on the product label; he will be able to find a link between infections and contact lenses (if any).

Also Read: [Converting Prescription of Glasses to Contact Lenses]

Please remember that prescription of your glasses is different than prescription of your contact lenses. This is why; get a fresh prescription from your eye doctor whenever you plan to make a switch between the two counter parts for vision correction. 

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. 

Am I a Good Candidate of Contact Lenses?

Courtesy of Lady Sariel

Almost anyone on earth can safely wear contact lenses. However, there are patients who could or should not wear contacts. People freak out touching their eye balls on purpose, for inserting & removing contact lenses even though this skill is easily learned. If, you are one of those who can’t get over irrational fears of poking their eyes whilst trying to wear contact lenses; we are sorry to disclose these harmless cute plastic discs are not for you. Today, with advanced technology and innovation, the prolific industry of bio-engineering has manufactured contact lenses for almost every vision impairment. Other than serious activated eyelid infections; contact lenses can be easily managed with whatever ocular sensitivity you suffer from.

According to American Academy of Opthalmolgy’s Eyesmart; you might not be a good candidate of contact lenses if you have:

1. Frequent eye infections
2. Severe allergies
3. Dry eyes that is resistant to treatment
4. A dusty environment
5. An inability of handling and caring for contact lenses

In case you are not suffering from corneal diseases, you are most probably a good candidate of contact lenses. True that; individuals with active systemic infections, colds or with compromised immune system may be poor candidates of contact lenses but once infections, dry eyes and allergies are managed with medicines, these patients later prove to be the successful candidates of contact lenses.

Even if previous experiences with contact lenses had not been fruitful; you can always give them another try. Past a decade, contact lenses were not as advanced as we find them today. They are more soft, comfortable and moist. Contact lenses made from hydrophilic material are more oxygen friendly and pliable. High end contact lenses also offer UVAB interception that makes them better than UV sunglasses, because contact lenses can efficiently cover those areas of eyes that glasses cannot.

Above 125 million people wear contact lenses around the globe. Be one of them by making a wise decision. Got sensitive eyes? Here is the list of different types of contact lenses you would want to check depending upon the severity of your sensitivity.

Can I Wear Contact Lenses in Desert? Travel Tips to Egypt with Contact Lenses

Traveling is itself challenging. Since the weather you are traveling to may be drastically different than the country you are traveling from, it is always maniacal to manage with contact lenses. You need proper management and a prior check-list with contact lenses in order to travel safely. Wearing contact lenses in dusty locations should not be a problem just as it has never been a problem to wear contacts when travelling to sub-zero temperatures if the trip is planned acordingly

Wearing Contact Lenses in Egypt: Surviving Dust Storms

In deserts your major concern should be protecting yourself from the scorching sun rays and dust.  Covering your body is essential along with covering your eyes. If you are wearing prescription contact lenses, it is advised to switch to UV interception daily disposable contact lenses. Ensure maximum interception of UVAB rays by pairing your contact lenses with UV interception sun glasses.

When traveling to deserts; take an extra mile when it comes to safety of eyes & optimum vision. Though contact lenses with UV interception can block harmful rays with efficacy, it is advised to wear wrap-around sun-glasses for maximum benefits against windy weather of the desert.

Wrap-around Sunglasses & Contact Lenses

Remember, in desert; none of these counterparts remain counterparts but are must-have devices. The reason is the inefficiency of both these devices to battle against grit & UVAB rays. Sunglasses let significantly high amount of sun rays enter your eyes from above, below and sides. This is the time when your contact lenses come forward to block these clever rays. On the other hand, wearing wrap-around sun glasses provide maximum endurance from the grit even when you are trapped in a dust storm.

Also Read: [3 Ways to Protect your Eyes from the Sun]

Over exposure to sunrays can cause several types of cataracts and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that maximum protection comes from the combination of sunglasses & UV interception contact lenses as contacts can protect the areas of your eyes that your sunglasses can not and vice versa. 

DOs of Contact Lenses: Travel Tips with Contact Lenses

Depending on the destination you are heading to; traveling tips with contact lenses may vary. Most sensitive care is required when you are traveling by air. Since during long haul flights you are exposed to air cabins with reduced atmospheric pressure, humidity and oxygen; contact lenses dry quickly and the solution may leak. Furthermore, strict regulations make it worse to manage with contact lenses. This however, does not restrict you from wearing contact lenses when you travel because they are prosthetic medical devices that are considered essential. With little management, you can safely continue to wearing your contact lenses.

Also Read: How to Survive Long Haul Flights with Contact Lenses

1. Carry only 3 ounces or less (100 ml) of contact lens solution or it will be confiscated at the airport. Due to strict regulations on carrying liquid, you are not allowed to carry a full sized bottle of the solution. It is advised to use all in one solution, therefore.
2. Carry the full sized contact lens solution bottle in your checked-luggage. Since it is considered a medical necessity; after assessment, it will be cleared to be carried in your luggage.
3. Carry a small bottle of re-wetting drops in your beauty bag. Due to reduced air-pressure, you may feel dryness which can be reduced using eye drops.
4. Do your packing wisely. Keep your contact lens accessories in a plastic zip lock bag to prevent leaking the solution. Remember thumb rule of 3:1:1 i.e. 3 ounces of liquid, 1 zip lock bag and 1 plastic bag per passenger
5. Bring along two spare pairs of contact lenses, just in case you damage one. It is recommended to travel with daily disposable contact lenses so that you open a fresh par every day without having to find additional time to take care of your contacts.  

Related Reads:

Packing your Beauty Bag Wisely for Traveling

I Lost My Contact Lens Case: Emergency Over-Night Contact Lens Storage

You often lose your contact lens cases, it is frequently common. Bitter truth; nothing can be done to prevent the loss, hands down! You lose your contact lens cases at a picnic, or when moving to a friend’s for a sleep over. Misplacing or forgetting your cases back at home whilst you are travelling or enjoying at a holiday is drastic. You only realize you are lagging your case when it is already too late to keep the lenses in eyes. Instead of creating panic we encourage you to take a chill pill, as some of the users have come up with brilliant life-hackers!

Depending on the location, you would like to try one of the given alternatives for your lost contact lens case

1. I forgot my Contact Lens Case at Home

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You are staying at your friend’s home who does not wear contact lenses, you are trapped. Forgetting your contacts case back at home may have caused you trouble otherwise, but fortunately we have some tips to save you.

In case you are in a town where you can’t go to the nearest shop in search of an ordinary contact case; we advise you to use egg cups, found in every kitchen to soak your contact lenses. However, most importantly don’t forget to wash & sterilize them. Pat them dry & use your regular multi-purpose contact lens solution to soak your contact lenses. Alternatively, you can also use measuring spoons. Be very careful about not mixing your prescriptions though.

2. I Lost Caps of My Contact Lenses

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Hikers, bikers and adventurers tend to lose their contact lens cases and caps when they try to handle them during the journey. It is also impossible to get a contact lens case replacement at the heights. When you are off to the camp again, try to look for a 20 ounce bottle in your back pack. Redditor Westleyh suggests using a cap of 20 ounce drink. Though all contact lens cases are not same size, a 20 ounce cap is standard to most of them. Try fitting them over your lens case.

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Or, store your lenses directly in the caps by covering them with a glass. Be very careful that your caps and glass both are free from even the tiniest of the water droplets. Covering them with glass will prevent trapping flies and dust particles during the night!

Can I Wear Colored Contact Lenses after Lasik Surgery?

Lasik surgery is performed to help you get freedom from vision correction devices including contact lenses and glasses. However, at times, you would want to wear contact lenses either for the sake of vision improvement or for color enhancement. Fortunately, it is completely safe to wear contact lenses even after Lasik Surgery. You only need to stay patient for nearly six months.

After Lasik, you barely need to resort to contact lenses ever; nonetheless wearing them sometimes become quintessential for optimum vision. For instance, old aged presbyopia patients or patients with higher level of refractive errors who were not fully treated with Lasik surgery. People with no refractive index errors may also safely opt for colored contact lenses, for style enrichment. However, doctors recommend to seek professional opinion before getting yourself soft contact lenses after you have been treated with laser.

Since during Lasik surgery; the shape of your cornea is altered, it may be challenging to insert contact lenses on your own. Moreover, not everyone is the right candidate of soft contact lenses due to the difference in shape and size of cornea. Only a medical practitioner can assess the health of your eyes and capability of tolerating contact lenses. Patients who cannot tolerate soft contact lenses are suggested with gas permeable contact lenses or hybrid contacts.

Lasik is absolutely a pain-free outpatient procedure that hardly takes five minutes. However, post Lasik care is crucial that includes avoiding contact lenses for at least 3-6 months depending on your recovery process. Always, depend on your doctor’s opinion than having to take risks. He will most probably signal you to re-wear contact lenses in case you do not develop any contraindications, sooner than expected. 

Read These 4 Points if you are Looking for Contact Lenses to Change Appearance

I. Fairy Cara Red

I-Codi Colors Of The Wind No 23 Turquoise

Sweety Nudy 3 Tones Grey

Lens Story Dolly + Red

Contact lenses help you achieve the look of your dreams. They create dolly illusion & make your eyes enlarged that shine bright. Colored contact lenses do not necessarily come in prescription as they are aimed at changing your eye color than fixing your vision. If you are looking for colored contact lenses that bring a pleasant change to your personality then continue reading below:

1. Colored contact lenses are slightly expensive than regular contacts. Since regular contact lenses don’t carry a design or tint in them; they are produced cheaply. On the other hand colored contact lenses boast a wide range of designs and multiple hues that are incorporated ingeniously to help you create a realistic eye effect yet an effect that is out of the world.

2. Colored lenses feature patterns, specifically lines & dots that are arranged radially to create harmony of vision. Lines & dots also replicate the natural pattern of human iris due to which the overall effect remains sophisticatedly genuine.

3. Contrary to the regular contact lenses; the significant feature of colored contacts is the “Limbal Ring”. This limbal ring surrounds the outer edge and is often solid, darker & bold. The ring is most prominent during infancy which gradually fades with age. Colored lenses help you regain the limbal ring that certainly helps you hide your calendar age.

4. Colored contact lenses are available in both plano and prescription. Plano lenses are zero power, so they are only resorted to when you need a change in your eye color. Depending on your mood, you have the liberty to either go for a fierce color change effect or stay subtle. Prescription contact lenses on the other help correct refractive index error and are available for hyperopia, myopia & astigmatism. Prices may vary from type to type and brand to brand.

There are endless possibilities with colored lenses. Hail to advanced technology that has made it possible for even people with sensitive eyes to opt for colored contacts. Today, with silicone hydrogel material; more comfortable, soft & oxygen friendly contacts are being produced that keep your eyes hydrated. Whilst immensely beautifying your eyes; 21st century lenses also strive to maintain optimum vision. Don’t forget to meet your eye care professional before getting yourself the first pair!

A Habit that Increases the Risk of Infections by Five Times among Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lens wearers are at a greater risk of infections than those who do not wear them. Fortunately, contact lenses themselves are not a threat but the careless attitude of the patient. Over the counter contact lens solutions and counterfeit contact lenses have already penetrated deep into the masses that make it complex to differentiate between genuine & fake products. Other than ending up using substandard contact lenses & accessories; there is one risk behavior that further puts contact lens wearers’ vision at stake by five times. 

As per CDC- Centre of Disease Control, more than a million people suffer from eye infections every year, alone in the U.S. Dr. Timothy Quinn released a statement according to which Primary Care physicians receive a lot of patients everyday having issues with their contact lenses. As per the survey report; nearly all of the survey participants reported being involved in at least one risk behavior whilst using contact lenses. Handling contact lenses with unwashed hands raises the risk of eye infections by more than five times. Shockingly enough, all contact lens wearers are involved in unhygienic practices and have confessed touching their contact lenses and or rubbing eyes without washing their hands.

Half of those who surveyed reported wearing their lenses whilst they sleep whereas 82% of the survey participants said over-wearing their contacts past their expiry.

Contact lens induced infections may turn eyes red, inflamed and create an itchy sensation. In serious cases, a burning stinging sensation may be felt that is often a result of chronic Acanthamoeba attack. This corneal devouring parasite feeds on your cornea that to date is cure less.

Infections may stay dormant for quite sometimes that facilitate growth of bacteria without even letting you know. Dr. Quinn suggests to get yourself checked immediately if you notice anything strange in your eyes such as sensitivity to the light and blurred vision.

Follow contact lens care instructions & guard your eyes against infections. Wearing Korean origin genuine contact lenses is half the journey to leading a healthy lifestyle. Rest half of the journey depends upon your attitude towards contact lenses. 

50% of the World Population to be Short-Sighted by 2050: Get Prescription Contact Lenses Today for Acute Vision

Half the world population could be wearing contact lenses, spectacles or undergoing surgeries by 2050 due to being shortsightedness; as reported by a research study. The study proves that due to the changes in life style such as staying near to electronic devices, staying indoor and passing just a little time out doors are the real culprits that lead to shortsightedness. Also, avoiding treating vision impairment further leads to vision weakening. If your child complains about having headaches & dizzy vision, meet your eye care professional & grab him a pair of contact lenses for vision correction.

As per the study that was published in Journal of Ophthalmology; one fifth of the population could be at risk of blindness if the current trends continue. “The rapid increase in short-sightedness (myopia) has been attributed to "environmental factors (nature), principally lifestyle changes resulting from a combination of decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities, among other factors".

How to Prevent Your Children from being Myopic?

1. It is crucial to have regular eye examinations. In case your child is diagnosed with vision issues; you must immediately take preventative measures. Get them vision correcting devices such as prescription contact lenses or colored lenses.
2. Limit the interaction of your children with electronic devices such as mobile phones, LEDs and LCDs including computers, TV screen etc. The study reveals that staring at screens for a longer duration from up-close causes vision to grow weaker.
3.  Make your child spend more time outdoors. Encourage him to participate in outdoor games than indoor activities. Ample sunlight is required in healthy growth of each body part. Besides being important for body, sunlight plays a pivotal role in development of shining & bright eyes.

Procrastinating the treatment only creates complex situations in a patient’s case history. Early diagnosis accompanied by a crisp prescription by drug intervention and contact lenses help controlling vision loss in young children & adults equally. Get your prescription from your eye doctor today & grab a pair of contact lenses as per recommendation. 

Drinks you should Avoid Consuming if you are a Contact Lens Wearer

Everything that you take in habitually affect your entire body system. Your status of health can be predicted for after five years based on the food you consume now. Eating healthy- leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits & staying hydrated is the key to staying young forever. Did you read about “caffeine, tobacco and alcohol” in the healthy food list? Of course no. Since these products leave deleterious effects on human health, they should be avoided when possible. Smoking, high intake of caffeine & taking rounds of alcohol are some of the major causes of dehydration that make contact lenses irritable and leave your eyes dry.

Also Read: [How Smoking Affect Contact Lenses]

Keeping your eyes moist and hydrated is essential if you wear contact lenses daily for vision correction. Tears facilitate contact lens adoption by helping them float smoothly over cornea. When there is no enough tear production, eyes become dry and tolerance of contact lenses is significantly reduced.

Smoking, Pills & Alcoholic Drinks

It is an established fact that smoking is injurious to health. From destroying your lungs, to kidneys & other vital organs, it also attacks your eyes. Smoking makes your eyes dry, promotes corneal infiltrates & introduce corneal damages. Alcoholic & Caffeine drinks further take you towards remorse. Besides making your eyes dry, high intake of caffeine makes you feel restless, heavy and cause headaches. On the other hand, alcohol rushes a sudden desire to doze off. Alcoholic drinks make you dizzy that alone is a threat if you wear contact lenses- sleeping or napping in contact lenses is strictly prohibited by experts.

Some medications such as birth control pills may also make it uncomfortable to wear contact lenses. Talk to your doctor if this happens.

Though temporary dryness is relieved by using eye drops compatible with contact lenses, it is ingenious to develop healthy food habits. As per doctors, for every cup of caffeine and alcohol; you should consume an additional cup of water to keep yourself hydrated. Take 2 liters of water every day to keep your eyes functioning properly. It detoxifies, promotes swift blood circulation & above all keep your tear chemistry balanced so that you continue to enjoy wearing your favorite colored contact lenses. 

Conjunctivitis Alert: Disinfect Contact Lenses Properly

Pink eye or conjunctivitis spreads viral-y and bacterial-y both. It is highly contagious and contact lenses can act as a possible transmitter of the disease. If you wear contact lenses, pay attention to keep them disinfected. Also disinfect your contact lens accessories including plunger, forceps & contact lens case.

For contact lens wearers, conjunctivitis may be your eyes’ way to protest against the extender wear of contact lenses. Colored lenses should not be worn more than 6-8 hours daily. You are probably over-wearing them if you find mild inflammation, discharge or crust at sleeping that keeps eyes from opening in the morning. Pink eye disease that is spread by over-wearing contact lenses must go by itself in a day or two as you rest your eyes.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Therefore be very cautious when dealing with an affected eye. Don’t touch the same cloth or finger you use to wipe the infected eye to the unaffected eye.

Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

• Sometimes conjunctivitis can be caused by improper contact lens solutions. Over-dated solution, contact lenses or failing to properly rinse & disinfect the lenses spread the disease from one person to another.
• Throw your contact lenses that might have accumulated the bacteria during infection. Replace them immediately
• Use only pharma-formulated contact lens drops and solution.
• Do not share contact lenses with friends or swap for something else.

Be very careful about disinfecting them thoroughly after each wear. Giving your eyes rest from lenses is recommended for quick recovery. Furthermore, switching to monthly disposable contact lenses also help during the seasonal out-break. 

De-Bunking Myths: Contact Lenses aren’t Suitable for Everyone

Courtesy: Crim's Review

Ditch your glasses today and swap them from contact lenses. People are usually reluctant to switch to contact lenses because of the myths prevalent against them at mass level. People are apprehensive about including circle contacts in their daily life -from price to comfort, prescription and age.Today, contacts are far more comfortable, cheaper & are available for almost all prescriptions.

Contact Lenses aren’t Comfortable

Back few decades, contact lenses weren’t as advanced as they are today. They are now available in various types. From silicone hydrogel to UV interception contact lenses, you are most possibly to find a pair of lenses that suit your needs by just a little browsing online. The industry has been prolifically producing lenses to meet the several & complicated requirements of patients coming from different walks of life.

Contact Lenses are not For Old People

You might have heard that contact lenses don’t suit old people. Keep in mind, that age is always just a number. Contact lenses rely on your mental age than on calendar age. Physically, unless you are suffering from an eye infection, contact lenses must not bother you even when you age. If you are eight years old and can take care of them, feel free to pick your favorite pair. Same goes for older people.

Contact Lenses are Expensive

Contact lenses are cheaper than frames. They cost you less than $1 daily. The other counterpart can exceed to US$800 annually. Try the various types, if annual lenses aren’t convenient. Furthermore, online sellers have made wearing contacts more affordable for you with continuous promotions, availability of discount codes, giveaways & rebates.

Circle contacts cover all prescriptions. You are most likely to find even the complex of the prescriptions in contact lenses online. Depending on your life style you may choose lenses with different replacement schedules. Other than lenses for near-sightedness, you can easily find multi-focal and bi-focal contact lenses to treat your various vision problems.