Contact lenses are, in most cases, a far better solution once the aphake is convinced that the “newfangled” device is worth trying. Advantages are the normal appearance of the eye and crisp visual acuity. Since only 6 percent magnification of objects occurs, the images appear to be of normal size, fusion can take place, and excellent peripheral vision and depth perception will result. Therefore life can go back to normal, the cosmetic effect is far better, and most observers can’t tell that there’s ever been a cataract extraction. Read the rest of this entry »
“I know it must sound crazy, but few things in life have ever looked so good to me as the pattern of paint cracks in my bedroom ceiling. That was the very first thing I saw when I opened my eyes the morning after I’d slept while wearing my new extended-wear contact lenses. Seeing those mundane little cracks meant that I really could wear the lenses overnight. It was a dream come true and, in a sense, my life hasn’t been the same since.
Just before I got my new extended-wear lenses, the near-constant presence of big-city dirt and dust under my hard contact lenses had brought me to the verge of giving up lenses completely. I’d been wearing them for over ten years and was mighty tired of the old nightly and morning ritual too. At my next annual exam my doctor realized how unhappy I was and mentioned the availability of a new type of lens that was safe to wear while sleeping. He thought I’d be a good candidate; I nearly swooned with the good news . . . nearly fainted when I heard the price tag. But I decided to make the lenses a birthday present to myself. Read the rest of this entry »
In general extended-wear patients follow similar instructions concerning adaptation and wear as outlined on conventional soft contact lenses. The slight discomfort some experience at first usually disappears in a very short time; vision may fluctuate until the eye adjusts and the lens “settles in.
Other than that there’s almost no adaptation time to speak of. Patients usually go on an extended-wear regimen after one week of daily wear.
Minor symptoms to be on the lookout for are excessive tearing, redness, stinging, burning, itching, blurry vision, halos around lights, and light sensitivity. If any of these occur, remove the lens for at least three hours. If the problem ceases, your lens may be the source of the problem and you should check to see if cracks or chipped or ripped edges are present. Do not reinsert the lens if it is damaged. Put it back in its case and return it to the doctor, who will order a replacement. If you see dirt or an eyelash (or any other foreign matter) use the enzyme solution, clean, and disinfect the lens. Then you may reinsert it. If any of these problems persist, consult your doctor. Read the rest of this entry »
Contact lenses that you can wear while you sleep—this earth- shattering concept arouses no less interest and excitement than the Pill did when it was first introduced. This is the glamour lens that everybody wants to know about and have, and is probably the lens of the future. Like the Pill, which forever altered our sexual standards, the extended-wear contact lens promises to usher in a new era and change our attitudes toward visual correction. But the similarity doesn’t end there: Though this lens seems to be the answer to every contact lens wearer’s prayers, it has not yet been perfected. It is definitely not for everyone, and some practitioners are reluctant to prescribe it at all.
Canada, Australia, and Europe enjoyed several types of extended-wear contact lenses several years before we did. However, there is no Food and Drug Administration in those parts of the world, and because of this lack of strict monitoring control and quality, these lenses have posed a health problem, especially as related to corneal complications. Read the rest of this entry »
Chemical (Cold) Disinfection. There are several disinfection solutions on the market. Disinfection solutions contain chemicals such as thimerosal and chlorhexidine in sufficient concentration to kill the most common microorganisms. Since the lenses remain in the solution for long periods of time, they are kept wet and free of deposits.
The cold disinfection process is simple, and only slightly more inconvenient than storing hard contact lenses. After cleaning and rinsing the contact lenses with saline, they are placed in a special storage/ disinfection case, covered with the disinfection solution and left for at least four hours, usually overnight. Make certain that the storage case is rinsed daily with hot tap water and that it is free of any impurities before use. Read the rest of this entry »
As you know by now, quality contact lenses and quality eye care don’t come cheaply. I always advise my patients not to compromise when it comes to their eyes. Cheap lenses and poor fit can prove to be expensive, especially when the lenses stay in the dresser drawer rather than on your eyes. Most important, the wrong lens or improper fit can result in damage to the eye. An educated consumer is one who knows enough about contact lenses to choose a qualified expert to fit him or her, thus avoiding discomfort, eye damage, and ripoffs. Unless the contact lenses are used to treat a disease or are used following eye surgery, they will most likely not be covered by standard medical insurance. Read the rest of this entry »
Contact Lenses Care .
