Month: September 2014

 

According to a recent article published in the Daily Mail, eye infections from poor contact lens use are increasing.  This has been made worse by the availability of cheap contact lenses bought online.  Some of the dangers and poor practices include:

•    Increased risk of amoeba because the wearer does not store them in a saline solution.  Sometimes users store them in water, or a salt water solution

•    Increased risk of Acanthamoeba Keratitis – In 2010 there were eleven recorded cases, in 2014 there are eighty so far.  Acanthamoeba Keratitis can lead to permanent eyesight damage

•    Bad practices such as wearing lenses in the shower or licking the lens to moisten it

•    No eye test prior to new contact lens prescription being issued.  Eye tests are a vital part of the process, as they help to catch illnesses and ensure your vision is optimal.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, John Dart of Moofields Eye Hospital said:

‘”People will want to save money. So a student or a young person may try to cut corners to save money. They will get their eyes tested for lenses in the high street, but then get new supplies of lenses on the net. They will decide to save money by avoiding contact lens checks. But these checks are vital, not just to see if the prescription needs changing, but to check eye health. You are putting a foreign object in your eye, and it is important your eyes are checked to make sure your contact lenses aren’t harming your eyes.”

Importance of Contact Lens Aftercare Appointments

Regular aftercare examinations are  an important part of good contact lens maintenance, not only to ensure the best vision results with through your lenses but also to assess their fitting and your eye health for continuing contact lens wear.An aftercare appointment for a contact lens wearer is different from a routine eye examination. During aftercare examinations the optometrist will use specialist equipment to examine the front of the eye to ensure that your contact lenses are not causing any eye problems. Regular check-ups and a updated contact lens prescription are also now required by law in order to purchase continuing supplies of lenses.

Follow up appointments, as well as being of benefit to your eye health and long term contact lens use are also an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your lens wear and their care.  These visits also give us the opportunity to advise you of advances in contact lens technology which could potentially benefit you such as improvements in contact lens comfort or wearing time.

 

 

 

 

 

Many people don’t realize that their everyday habits can put their eyes at risk. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk for many common eye problems simply by practicing some simple self-care. In addition to having routine eye tests at least every two years, follow these ten easy hygiene tips to take good care of your vision.

1.    Keep towels and makeup to yourself

Germs that can cause eye diseases thrive in moist, dark environments like mascara tubes. They can also live on towels or washcloths. To keep your eyes safe, keep anything you use on your face to yourself.

2.    Replace old makeup and lotion

Over time, the preservatives that keep these products safe for you to use wear out. Pencils and powders can last up to two years, while creams and liquids have a much shorter shelf-life. Liquid foundation and other creams usually last about six months. Mascara and liquid eye-liner should be replaced every three months.

3.    Avoid rubbing your eyes

No matter how much you wash them, your hands always carry some germs. Not only can rubbing your eyes lead to infection, it can also cause corneal abrasions, which are painful scratches on the surface of the eye.

4.    Wash your face every night

Going to bed with a dirty or oily face can cause your eyes to become dry, red, and inflamed.  Don’t skip washing your face before bed, no matter how tired you are. Your eyes will thank you.

5.    Limit contacts use

Contacts are fine for daytime use, but leaving them daily use lenses in overnight can cause serious problems. Similarly, wearing old, dirty, or damaged lenses can put your eyes at risk.

6.    Stay away from smoke

Prolonged exposure to smoke from cigarettes, barbeques, or campfires can lead to chronically dry and irritated eyes.

7.    Take a break from the screen

Staring at a computer screen for too long can make your eyes tired, sore, and itchy, and may lead to blurred vision or headaches. To give your eyes a needed break, follow the 20-20-20 rule: stop every 20 minutes to focus on something at least 20 metres away for 20 minutes.

8.    Use eye protection

Always wear safety glasses when using power tools or when you might be exposed to flying particles. Eye injuries are a serious risk on the short-term, and they can also lead to long-term vision problems.

9.    Wear your sunglasses

Prolonged sun exposure can cause serious eye damage. Protect yourself by always wearing sunglasses when spending time in the sun or on a tanning bed, and never look directly at the sun.

10.    Take care of your whole system

Healthy eyes are just part of an overall healthy body. People don’t often think of eye health in considering the risks of alcohol consumption or poor diet, but there’s a strong connection. Limit your consumption of alcohol, drink plenty of water, and each a balanced diet to give your body all the vitamins and minerals it needs.