An Ophthalmologist's Guide to Eye and Contact Lens Health

Some people consider the eyes a window to the soul. But for such an important part of the body, are we really focused on eye health as much as we should be? Crystal Run Ophthalmologists recommend an eye exam once every two years for people who don’t wear glasses or contact lenses. If you do wear glasses or lenses, your ophthalmologist will provide a checkup schedule depending on your vision care needs.

For individuals that do need corrective eyewear, contact lenses are a fantastic alternative option to glasses for the correction of refractive error.  The freedom from glasses, especially for an active individual, can be priceless.  In fact, it is precisely this desired freedom that motivates many to even undergo surgical correction.

For most, surgery of the eye can be potentially scary.  Not to mention, the financial and time commitment required, can be quite prohibitive.   That is the beauty of contact lenses in that it spares the individual from having to commit such valuable time and resources.  However, all treatments in medicine come with potential risks.

The benefits of contact lens use have to be weighed carefully with the potential risks.

Risks associated with contact lens wear include:

• Induction/Worsening of dry eyes
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis (scarring of the inner aspect of the eyelid)
• Corneal abrasion
• Infection of the cornea: leading to scarring of the cornea and, sometimes, permanent visual impairment.

To guard against these potentially serious, and sometimes, devastating consequences for vision, there are a few important guidelines to adhere to.

These include:

• Proper cleaning: proper hygienic care of contact lenses.
• Adhering to the manufacturer’s contact lens use recommendations:  particularly avoiding overnight wear and not using the lenses beyond the recommended duration of use.
• Avoiding foreign objects in the eye: swimming with contact lenses or using hot tubs with contact lenses.

Finally, contact lenses provide freedom from spectacles that make it conducive to an active lifestyle.   However, I would caution against their use and limit their use to only those individuals who are able to use them responsibly.

Eye health and safety need to be a priority whether you wear contact lenses or not. Be sure to visit your Ophthalmologist for a regular eye exam and make an appointment if you have any vision concerns.

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