 Eye Care for Contact Lens Users
Shree Ramkrishna Netralaya has well equipped
Contact Lens clinic with full range of Contact Lenses.
What investigations are required ?
Keratometry (Measuring corneal curvature)
Tear function test (Shirmer"s strip)
Slit lamp examination for eye evaluation and contact lens
fit.
Contact Lens care and problems you can face
Contact lens users are plenty. With
prolonged working hours you may face few problems.
Contact lens wearers are susceptible to a variety of
pathological conditions that are either directly or
indirectly linked to contact lens use. These conditions can
be loosely grouped into three categories: hypoxia, reduced
oxygen supply; allergic reactions and infections; and dry
eye. Both soft and hard contact lens wearers can be affected
by any of these conditions.
Common Contact Lens Wear Conditions
Hypoxia :
Hypoxia, an insufficient supply of oxygen to the cornea , is
the underlying cause of most complications of contact lens
wear. When you place a contact lens over the eye, it limits
the amount of air, or oxygen that can reach the eye. This
can lead to red, tired eyes and lessen your tolerance for
long-term contact wear.
Related symptoms include a lack of tolerance for long
periods of contact lens wear; discomfort, especially a
feeling of grittiness; and blurred vision, especially toward
the end of the wearing period.
To treat hypoxia, increase the water content of the lens. Do
this by periodically removing the lenses and allowing them
to rehydrate in contact lens solution. Or, consider changing
from an extended wear to a daily wear lens, reduce the
thickness of the lens or change the permeability of the lens
material.
If you have redness stop using contact lenses and contact
your ophthalmologist.
Infections :
Contact lens wear can cause infections in the eye most often
in response to having bacteria, pollen, or chemical -
cosmetics, for example - transfer from the lens to your eye.
Occasionally, these infections are a result of lenses that
are too tight or too loose.
A very common form of bacterial eye infection is bacterial
conjunctivitis, but most people know it as "pink eye."
Bacterial infection symptoms usually include redness,
itching and stickiness of your eyes, especially upon waking.
Symptoms may also include a dark yellow or greenish
discharge.
Fungal keratitis is of growing concern amongst contact lens
wearers, and is a serious and painful corneal disease caused
by a fungal organism.
There is also occurrence of infection by organism called
acanthamoeba.To avoid this do not wash your lenses with tap
water and use only prescribed lens solutions.
Avoid eye infections by consistently complying with lens
care regimen, especially disinfecting the lens regularly.
Also, avoid exposing lenses to contaminated water . If you
get an infection, stop wearing your lenses and see your
doctor, who may prescribe an anti-infective eye drop.
Dry Eye Syndrome :
Dry eye is a condition to which soft contact lens wearers are often
susceptible. Soft lenses tend to draw moisture or tears out
of the eye which leads to a gritty, burning feeling. Or,
simply put, makes your eyes feel dry.
Dry eye symptoms include redness, itchiness, burning or
stinging in the eye and sometimes sensitivity to light.
Generally speaking, it feels like there's something in the
eye causing general discomfort.
If dry eye persists, consider using artificial tear drops
and not wearing your lenses until the conditions improve. If
redness persists, see your doctor, as redness can be a key
symptom of eye infections as well.
How to Avoid Contact Lens Wear Conditions
Wash hands with soap and water, and dry them
using a lint-free method before handling lenses.
Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule prescribed
by your doctor.
Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines
provided by your doctor and the solution manufacturer.
Keep the contact lens case clean and replace every 30 days.
Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you
experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing,
increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge, or
swelling.
Most of these pathologies are preventable
with properly fitting contact lenses, appropriate lens
maintenance and replacement, and care to prevent
contamination of the lenses. Contact your eye care
professional if these symptoms persist as some conditions
can lead to permanent sight loss.
|
