Category: Contacts

Glasses vs. Contact Lenses

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What are the differences between glasses and contact lenses?

Eyeglasses

  • Side (peripheral vision) is compromised.
  • Possible reflections off the eyeglass lenses.
  • Weight on nose, pressure on sinuses.
  • Glasses fog up with change in temperature.
  • Glasses are a distraction during sports.
  • Eyeglasses do not have windshield wipers and get speckled in the rain.

 

Contact Lenses

  • More natural vision, correction right on the eye.
  • Field of view is full, especially important for driving and sports.
  • No weight on face or frame slipping down nose.
  • Contacts match everything you wear.
  • Can wear non-prescription sunglasses.

There are similarities between glasses and contact lenses too:

  • Both require careful handling and cleaning to maintain the best vision.
  • Both can correct astigmatism.
  • Both are affordable, when you consider that you wear glasses or contact lenses every single day, the amount you spend on them is far less than for any other item in your wardrobe. Add in the importance to the quality of your life and they are invaluable.

What to Expect from your Eyes when Expecting

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During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes miraculous changes, some good, some uncomfortable and some that are puzzling. Everyone experiences different things as every pregnancy is unique.

The eyes do not escape the wild hormonal ride during pregnancy. The lens and/or cornea respond to fluctuations in hormones. Not every pregnant woman will see vision changes but for those who do the impact is significant. Ocular structures swell and deswell causing refractive changes. The result of these changes is blurry vision. The women I have treated with vision changes notice shifts in their vision for most of their pregnancy. Some woman experience increased dry eye and/or contact lens intolerance.

The good news is I can usually help patients through their pregnancy with temporary vision corrections. And the best news is that most symptoms resolve post-partum.

Another ocular concern during pregnancy is the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as Graves disease and diabetes. Although these are systemic diseases, they have significant effects on the eye health.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

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Yes, there is such as thing as bifocal contact lenses. Actually there are several different types of lenses. The rigid gas permeable multifocals provide the clearest, most stable vision. These lenses are custom designed and manufactured. Ocular health is excellent and so is the vision. Recent advancements in soft multifocals offer great comfort at most distances. The soft multifocal options include several different lens materials including the newer silicone hydrogel. They are also available for planned replacement, usually 2 weeks or 1 month, increasing convenience. Both types of contact lens multifocals minimize dependency on reading glasses.

A study published in the Optometry Visual Science journal showed that 7 out of 10 contact lens patients prefer multifocals over monovision.  Many people are successful in monovision, one eye corrected for distance and the other eye compromised for near tasks. But others struggle with the disparity between the eyes, especially driving at night and working at the computer.

Multifocal contact lenses are an alternative to monovision or using reading glasses over contact lenses.

The above pictures show some of the different rigid gas permeable multifocal options. Certain designs work better for particular tasks. For example a lens design emphasizing distance clarity is indicated if you do a lot of driving , but  if you spend most of the day in front of a computer screen you will need a lens with a large intermediate zone. If  bifocal contact lenses are something you would like to try, give the office a call or make sure to ask about it at your next visit.

Use’em or Lose’em

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EvatiK ZylIf your flex spending funds expire at the end of the year consider your eyewear needs. You can order contact lenses, a pair of computer glasses or some sunglasses.

We’ve expanded our new FYSH line to include the men’s frames Evatik. Evatik incorporates innovative designs and lightweight materials.

The new Kate Spade sunglasses have arrived also. Check out “Grady,” the brown is pictured here. The sunglass also comes in black and has polka dots on the inside.  Grady

If you want to order contact lenses, you can simply call the office, they can be shipped directly to you, or use our online contact ordering, the link is on the right of the page. (ORDER CONTACTS)

The Contact Lens Case

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Not much thought goes towards the contact lens case. But this little keeper of contact lenses can harbor microbes and oils that contaminate the contact lenses. Dirty contact lens cases make for dirty contact lenses, increasing the chance of blur, discomfort and infection of the eyes.

Eye Hygiene Care - set of contact lens cases

A recent study in Australia showed that the manufacturer’s recommendation of rinsing with multi-purpose contact lens solution and air drying is not enough. The most effective technique to remove the most bacteria was to rinse and wipe the case with a tissue before air drying.

I have always advocated dumping the contact lens solution every morning and rinsing the case with hot water then air drying. I am now adding the use of multi-purpose solution (MPS) instead of water and wiping with a tissue as well. For soft contact lens wearers, using the MPS to rinse instead of water is safer. For rigid gas permeable wearers, hot water is still indicated. (the soaking solutions are too viscous to be effective).

Contact lens case care (soft lenses)
1. Dump solution
2. Rinse with multi-purpose solution
3. Wipe with a tissue
4. Air dry

Contact lens case care (rigid gas permeable lenses)
1. Dump out solution
2. Rinse in hot water
3. Wipe with a tissue
4. Air dry

And the final step to maintaining a clean contact lens case it to replace it regularly.

Halloween and Contact Lenses

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It is the time of year when I worry the most about improper contact lens use.  I am revisiting a post from last October about colored contact lenses. The perfect Halloween costume is not worth putting your eyes at risk.

Contact lenses should only be purchased from an authorized contact lens distributor, an eye doctor and some retail outlets. In the U.S., contact lenses cannot be obtained legally without a prescription. Instruction for proper care and handling should be included when the lenses are dispensed. Without proper fitting and care there is a risk of bacterial infection, corneal abrasion and corneal ulcers. Some of these consequences are painful, some can be blinding.

 In 2005, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified all contact lenses, whether they correct vision or are used simply for cosmetics as medical devices.  Not only do the lenses have to be FDA approved, but so do the dyes. Any product in your eyes or touching your eyes should always be dispensed with a current prescription from your eye doctor. Don’t risk your eyesight, if you are interested in colored contacts give the office a call.

cosmetic contact lenses

Where’s that Contact Lens?

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Most contact lens wearers have lost a lens. Many lose the lens in the eye while applying or removing it. In most cases, the lens usually falls out, but due to frantic searching in the eye, rinsing the eye, having others poke around in the eye, it will feel like a lens is in there. Why? All that irritation can cause an abrasion, swelling and tenderness. The lens is usually gone, but the eye feels like something is still there. My best advice to you is STOP! Leave the eye alone, a lens in the eye or part of a contact lens in the eye will cause minor to no damage compared to poking and probing in an attempt to locate it. If the foreign body sensation does not lessen or go away in an hour, call my office, Westside Optometry (707)762-8643. With the aid of a biomicroscope and some dye I can easily locate and remove a wayward lens. If it is not still in the eye, I can determine the cause of the irritation and help to relieve it.

Contact Lenses and Comfort

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Eye Hygiene Care - set of contact lens casesMost contact lens wearers use their lenses for an average of 13 hours a day. To stay comfortable all day it is important that the lenses maintain hydration (stay wet).   There are many factors that can make the lenses dry out quickly, dry environment, medications and poor tear quality. Sometimes the type of lens is to blame. The newer silicone materials allow more oxygen to the eye, but silicone is hydrophobic which means it does not absorb moisture. Contact lens manufacturers use special surface treatments on the silicone lenses to improve wettability and comfort. Not all contact lens solutions and lens materials are compatible with each other. Some disinfecting solutions work better on the silicone lenses than others, both in maintaining comfort and safety. If your lenses feel dry and or filmy, it could be the contact lens solution that you are using. If the lenses are older than recommended, the effect of the special surface treatment may be gone too. Use recommended solutions and replace your lenses as prescribed for optimal wearing comfort.

I think the safest and most comfortable lens choice are the dailies. The lenses are used one time and thrown away. There is no confusion or complications with solutions and the user has a new clean lens each day.

Contact Lenses for Halloween

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cosmetic contact lensesDo you think a change of eye color or a pair of WildEyes will help you create the perfect Halloween costume? Use caution with these lenses. In 2005, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified all contact lenses, whether they correct vision or are used simply for cosmetics as medical devices. In the US, contact lenses cannot be obtained legally without a prescription. Not only do the lenses have to be FDA approved, but so do the dyes. Any product in your eyes or touching your eyes should always be dispensed with a current prescription from your eye doctor. Without proper fitting and care there is a risk of bacterial infection, corneal abrasion and corneal ulcers. Don’t risk your eyesight, if you are interested in colored contacts give the office a call.