February 21, 2009
Successful Contact Lens Wear is a Tear Away
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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.
Tags: Contact Lenses
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I have had similar dry eye issues and found tera tears, an eye moiture solution that helps a lot.
I don’t have dry eyes but my wife does and she wears contact lenses. Thanks for the tip on product.
I found this blog post via MIXX and it has shamed me into making an appointment with my eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
I never knew that acuvue oasys contact lenses were made specifically for folks w/ dry eyes. I am switching my RX next visit to eye doc. Tx
I was living in Vegas for a few years and that dry air was killing my eyes. I used Theratears daily to help me with the dry eye problem.
I had a lid infection once - it was not fun! Thanks for the info.
My friend is always complaining about dry eyes. I forward this post to him. Hope it helps him.
Dry eyes are the most annoying thing. I heard something similary about omega 3 fatty acids and eating things like fish which contain them. I’m looking for an additional boost and will try the tera tears product after checking w/ my doc.
I carry a bottle of rewetting drops with me everywhere. They make your lenses feel lubricated and work instantly. I agree with the author — highly recommended!
Too many people try to “self-medicate” when it comes to contact lenses. Work with your eye doctor!
There are other products that are used to lubricate dry eyes but my personal fave are the tera tears.
My eye care is not covered in my health insurance plan and my teeth and dentistry weren’t either so I got dental insurance. Does anyone know of any eye care insurance plans that make sense ?
Chronic dryness can cause discomfort on inside of the eye lids. I have found acuvue contacts and boston lens solution best combo to combat dry eyes !
What sort of rewetting drops are recommended for folks w/ dry eyes and an astigmatism ?
I’ve consistently used Thera tears. I don’t know if they are recomended for folks w/ astigmatism but they definitely work for dry eyes.
There are 3 things you need to know about contact lenses: how to put them in, how to take them out and how to clean them.
I am wearing contact lenses since 7 years, but I still have glasses, because I am sometimes just to lazy to put my lenses in.
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