CLE Contact Lenses

There are many parameters that lead to successful contact lens wear. Most important is a comprehensive eye exam, to establish if a healthy environment exists for the contact lenses. The evaluation of the fit of the contacts is vital as well. Once a proper contact lens is selected, a thorough understanding of the handling and care must be confirmed. At this point, contact lens wear should not be problematic.

There are patients, in spite of all good intentions, who have problems wearing their contact lenses. These patients are in full compliance with a cleaning regime, their lenses are fitting very well, and vision is fully corrected. Yet they complain of feeling their lenses all the time. Generally, these patients have a condition known as Dry Eye Syndrome. Since proper hydration of the cornea is necessary for a friendly contact lens environment, dry eyes create more of a hostile environment, with minimal hydration. Dry Eye Syndrome has many etiologies, and it is important to determine what is causing the dry eyes, so proper therapy, and maintenance can be instituted.

One, very basic therapy is the use of artificial tears, or lubricating drops. Lubricating drops contain ingredients that moisten the cornea, and contact lens. In a majority of mild to moderate Dry Eye cases, this works fine, and the patient is enjoying their contact lenses again. Lid infections can cause moderate to severe dry eyes, and require removing and discarding the contact lenses. Start a regimen of topical or oral antibiotics, for at least 1 week. Afterwards, a new set of contact lenses can be put on. If the lid infection is chronic, proper maintenance must be continued; lid scrubs, and possibly a mild antibiotic ointment every day.

Severe cases of dry eye generally are a symptom of some systemic diseases, and must be managed on a systemic, as well as a topical level.

Omega 3 fatty acids contain an essential fatty acid that can decrease the symptoms of dry eye. Certain contact lenses such as the Acvuvue Oasys, are made for patients with dry eyes. By working together with your eye care professional, successful contact lens wear can be achieved.

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With close to 80 million people using contact lenses today it is hard to believe that people are still asking if contact lenses are safe. The reason behind the rising popularity of contact lenses is also the safety factor associated with them. People using glasses often live with the risk of broken glasses and the problems that occur when they are playing sports. Not so with contact lenses. While contact lenses can be broken it certainly is not easy. Contact lenses also offer a fuller peripheral vision as the contacts move with the eyes.

It does take time to get used to wearing contact lenses but once you do, most folks report that they are much more easy to use and comfortable than glasses.

One key to insuring that your contact lenses are “safe” is to see your eye doctor before, during and after you decide to wear them. Your eye doctor will perform and eye exam in which he measures the exact dimensions of your eyes. These measurements will enable the contact lens provider or retailer to custom fit or perfectly match the appropriate lens and base curve to your individual eye(s).

Another way to insure that your contact lenses will be as safe as or safer than your current eyewear is to make sure you buy a tested and reputable brand of contact lenses from a website that has a long history of providing contact lenses to its clients. It still amazes eye doctors when they hear about folks who ran out and looked only for the lowest price and bought something online that didn’t even resemble what the prescription called for. It is highly recommended that you ask you online contact lens provider the following 3 questions:

1) How long have you been in business as an online contact lens retailer?
2) Are you or were you owned by and eye doctor or doctors?
3) Are you an authorized acuvue retailer?

While the above questions are no guarantee that the site you are purchasing your contact lenses from is truly who they say they are it will go a long way to helping to insure the safety of your contact lenses and your particular contact lens prescription.

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