Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults in the United States. Approximately 20 million adults in […]
As with anything else you use on a regular basis, it is possible to encounter some sort of issue with your contact lenses, so it’s important to both anticipate problems which may arise, and understand how to deal with them.
As with most things, contact lenses can, at times, lead to problems. Since contact lenses are a medical device, it is extra important that any problems that arise are identified and dealt with quickly.
While contact lenses avoid some of the problems commonly had with eyeglasses, there are other potential issues one should be aware of so they can be avoided.
If your reusable lenses aren’t cleaned properly, buildup on the lenses can reduce your vision quality and, in extreme cases, lead to the lenses getting stuck in your eye. You wouldn’t want to introduce foreign particles from the air into your eyes; don’t do just that by not cleaning your contacts!
If your contact lenses are not maintained properly and not sterile, bacteria or other dangerous particles can get into your eye and lead to infections that can cause scarring and vision loss.
In the case of infection, see your eye doctor to receive proper treatment as quickly as possible.
As with the rest of your body, your eyes, the corneas in particular, require oxygen, and the corneas get this oxygen directly from the air. However, since your contact lenses sit right atop the cornea, it may block it from getting the oxygen it needs. This can lead to swelling and cloudy vision. This problem is far more likely with extended use contacts or with people who sleep with their contact lenses on. If this is an issue for you, your eye doctor will likely recommend you change to using lenses that allow more oxygen in. You may also receive a steroid to put in your eyes to ease swelling and prevent things from getting any worse.
There are several different types of pinkeye, which causes swelling and redness on your eyelid, but the type you are most likely to get with contacts is called papillary conjunctivitis. This is more of an allergic reaction, with your body seeing the contact lens as a foreign object and attempting to fight it.
If symptoms are mild, it will likely go away on its own and not require treatment. In more severe cases, however, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid of anti-inflammatory to treat the symptoms and you may have to refrain from wearing your lenses for a while. If this is a persistent issue, your doctor may recommend you wear a different type of lens (made of different material), daily disposable lenses, or a different lens solution.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them moist. Dry eye can increase the likelihood of infection, and it makes it tougher to get dust out of your eyes, leading to irritation. Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can exacerbate this issue.
Artificial tears can be a remedy, but you must be careful that the one you use doesn’t have preservatives, as that can further irritate your eyes. Also check to make sure they are safe to use while your contact lenses are in. If the eye drops you use are not working, consult with your eye doctor to receive other recommendations.
There are a few possible ways to scratch your cornea while wearing contacts. Your finger might accidentally do so while taking the contacts out, and the lens itself might cause a scratch (especially if they are not properly cleaned and dirt builds up on them).
If your eye hurts or it feels like there’s something in it, and it is red and tearing up, take the contact lens out and see your doctor immediately. Generally, a scratched cornea will heal on its own in a day or two, but if it’s not properly treated your eye could become infected. If a scratch doesn’t heal quickly, contact your eye doctor for additional guidance and treatment.
You can have an allergic reaction to either the material your contact lenses are made of, or the cleaning solution (the latter is more common). If this is the reason for your discomfort, you will need to try another solution or contact lenses made out of a different material.
Multifocal contacts, which have distinct viewing areas of different powers, are extremely useful for those who require correction for both near and far vision, but they can be difficult to adapt to for some. Additionally, you may experience uncomfortable glare during the darker hours of the day. It can take between four and six weeks to adapt. If it takes longer than that, you can consult your doctor on what your best options are.
The simple answer is to make sure you get the right lenses. Make sure they are the right fit, and ask your doctor about the different lens types before making a purchase. However, in some cases you may have to try multiple types of lenses to determine which is right for you.
Taking proper care of your lenses will also reduce the likelihood of any problems arising. Be sure to follow the directions of both your doctor and the lens manufacturer regarding the wearing, cleaning, and storage of your lenses. Trying to save a little time and money by skimping on cleaning or by wearing contacts longer than advised can lead to more costly problems in the long run.
You may encounter some issues while using contact lenses. It’s therefore important to learn more about them, so that when problems arise, you know how to deal with them. If you have any questions regarding issues with your contact lenses, don’t hesitate to contact us at (562) 925-6591.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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