These tips will help you to protect your eye health and vision while still being able to rock your costume and amaze your friends and family: 

1. Read the directions carefully before applying any product to your skin and beware that many costume makeup products are not intended for use around the eyes.
2. Do not apply any makeup products or face paint directly to your eyes or the skin around your eyes— stay above your eyebrow bone and at the level of your cheek bones.
3. Avoid costume eye makeup products like stick on eyelashes and heavy paints. Instead, use your eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara that you use all year long.
4. Look for products that say “hypoallergenic” on the label to reduce your risk of an allergic reaction.
5. Test the product on a small area of your skin before using it on Halloween day to be sure that it will not cause any skin irritation.
6. Avoid eye glitter at all costs. If your costume calls for some sparkle around your eyes, opt for a shimmery eye shadow instead, as glitter can easily get into your eyes and scratch and irritate your eyes and even lead to an infection.
7. Beware of fluorescent colored makeup or additives in face paint which have not been FDA approved.
8. Never use fluorescent colored makeup near your eyes.
9. Do not share eye makeup, or use any makeup products or face paint from previous years— this can significantly increase your risk of eye infection.
10. If the product contains a strange smell, throw it out— it could be expired or contaminated.
11. Remove your makeup at the end of the night according to the instructions on the package— never sleep in face paint or makeup.

What to do in an eye emergency

If you experience any pain, redness, itchiness, or swelling after applying face paint or Halloween makeup, contact your eye doctor immediately. 

These are signs that can indicate an allergic reaction, chemical irritation, or eye infection and must be treated promptly to avoid complications.

The post How to Protect Your Eyes From Halloween Makeup appeared first on Optometrists.org.

• Do you know the basics of contact lens wear and care?
• Do you have healthy contact lens habits?

If you wear contact lenses, even if only very occasionally, it is essential to schedule regular eye exams. This will ensure you maintain your clear vision and good eye health.

Here are 10 habits that all contact lens wearers should know and follow.

Many people choose contact lenses as a safe and convenient way to correct their vision. But according to the CDC, almost all people who wear contacts misuse them in some way.

Schedule an eye exam and the eye doctor will review the basics of safe contact lens wear and care to keep your eyes feeling their best.

SEE RELATED: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses

Top 10 Tips for contact lenses  

1. Always wash your hands

Hand hygiene is essential, always wash your hands with soap and water, then rinse them before handling your contact lenses or touching your eyes. Dry your hands using a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

2. Do not sleep in lenses

Unless advised by your eye doctor, always remove your lenses before you go to sleep, take a shower, or go swimming.

3. Never use water

When you remove your contacts, be sure to rinse and gently rub them with the lens solution that your eye doctor recommends. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or wet your lenses!

4. Replace the lens storage case

Keep your contact lens case clean by washing it with warm water and soap every week. Replace it every month.

5. Do not over wear

Only wear your contact lenses for the recommended time and days of the week, as instructed by your eye doctor.

6. Makeup

If you wear makeup, try to avoid applying any makeup to the inner portion of your eye, where it can cause irritation. Mascara and eyeliners can infect your eyes and the contact lenses.

7. Backup glasses

Always carry a back-up pair of glasses, in case your eyes need a break from your contacts. Even if you wear your lenses on a full-time basis, ask your eye doctor for an inexpensive pair of backup glasses, as there will be times when wearing your lenses is just not possible.

8. Red eyes

Never wear your contacts if your eyes feel irritated or appear red. Wait until full eye comfort is restored before inserting them. Never hesitate to contact your eye doctor if you have red or irritated eyes, before wearing contact lenses.

9. Do not share

Never share your contact lenses with anyone, even family members. Whether your contact lenses are purely cosmetic or to correct vision — don’t let them touch anyone else’s eyeballs.

10. Your eye doctor is your friend

If your eyes or contact lenses are giving you any trouble, contact your eye doctor without delay.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

The most important message on contact lenses is: ‘if in doubt, take them out!’.

If you wear contact lenses, even if only very occasionally, it is essential to schedule regular eye exams. This will ensure you maintain your clear vision and enjoy the many lifestyle benefits of contact lenses.

The post Top 10 Tips For Contact Lens Wearers appeared first on Optometrists.org.

When you go for your comprehensive eye exam your eye doctor will most likely dilate your eyes with atropine eye drops. But did you know that they can be used to treat eye conditions as well?

SEE RELATED: Are Eye Drops Confusing?

What does atropine do?

Atropine sulfate is an antimuscarinic agent used as a cycloplegic and mydriatic. The eye drops are used in the treatment of iritis and uveitis to immobilize the iris and ciliary muscle and to prevent or break down adhesions inside the eye.

This eye drop is also used to diagnose eye problems such as blurred vision (refraction) in children below 6 years and children with cross-eye, especially convergent strabismus.

Atropine eye drops widen the pupil and relax the muscles that enable the eyes to focus, allowing eye doctors to provide more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.

The effects of the drops are temporary and the eye returns to normal when the drops wear off.

When you schedule an eye exam the eye doctor can explain why atropine is used during a comprehensive eye exam, including treating certain eye conditions.

What can atropine treat?

Atropine eye drops contain atropine sulfate, which widens the pupil and relaxes the muscles that allow the eyes to focus. This eye drop is also used in the treatments, including;

• Myopia management
• Lazy eyes
• Eye inflammation

Myopia management

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where close up objects appear clear, but faraway objects appear blurry.

In recent years, to slow the progression of myopia, low-doses of atropine eye drops in 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05% concentrations have been found as an effective treatment option.

Lazy eye treatment

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, causes one eye to significantly weaken. Atropine drops relax the muscle in the stronger eye, causing that eye to have blurred vision.

Research has shown that using atropine eye drops to blur the better-seeing eye can improve the vision in the lazy eye by helping to force the lazy eye to work harder. Children sometimes prefer to have an eye drop once a day rather than wearing an eye patch for several hours a day.

Ocular inflammation

Another eye condition that atropine drops are used to treat is inflammation in the eye. The eye drops are used in the treatment of iritis and uveitis to immobilize the iris and ciliary muscle and to prevent or break down adhesions inside the eye.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you or your child have any of the above eye conditions, schedule an eye doctor appointment to find out if atropine drops are a treatment option for you.

The post When are Atropine Eye Drops Used? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

A chalazion is a lump that forms under the skin of the eyelid.

It can develop when the meibomian gland becomes obstructed or inflamed, causing a release of the gland’s contents into the surrounding soft tissue.

This in turn, leads to a lipogranulomatosis reaction, causing a lump to form. When the chalazion begins to develop, it may be tender to touch, though it typically evolves into a painless lump.

Chalazion or stye?

Very often, patients confuse these two eyelid conditions, as they can appear similar on the eyelid.

However, a chalazion and stye are two distinct eyelid conditions that require different methods of treatment.

A chalazion is a painless lump that develops from a clogged oil gland, while a stye is a painful lump that develops from an infected oil gland or eyelash follicle. 

Occasionally, a chalazion can evolve into a stye if it becomes infected.

Risk factors

If you have had a chalazion in the past, your chances of developing another one are generally higher than those who have never had one before. 

Certain eye and skin inflammatory conditions can cause a chalazion to develop. These include:

• Chronic blepharitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Acne
• Rosacea

A chalazion can also be caused by:

• Viral infection
• Diabetes
• Skin cancer
• Tuberculosis

Though less common, a chalazion can also develop with viral conjunctivitis, an eye infection commonly known as pink eye.

Contact an eye doctor near you who has experience diagnosing and treating chalazions.

SEE RELATED: What is Chalazion?

How is a chalazion treated?

Chalazia will generally disappear on their own within a couple of weeks.

Avoid wearing contact lenses and makeup until your eyelid has completely healed to protect your eye from irritation and infection.

Home remedies

To help speed up the healing process, eye doctors recommend applying warm, wet compresses to your eyelid several times per day for 10 to 15 minutes, and gently massaging your eyelid for a few minutes each day. This can help to release clogged oil ducts and reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Important: Squeezing or popping a chalazion can significantly increase your risk of an eye infection. Avoid touching the inflamed area once the lump begins to drain to prevent bacteria and germs from entering the open wound.

Over-the-counter (OCT) relief

If you are searching for further relief, OTC eye drops, ointments, and medicated pads can help to reduce soreness and irritation and speed up the healing process. Ask your eye doctor which one he recommends for you.

Prescription medication

If the chalazion lingers for more than a few weeks and does not seem to be responding to OTC medication, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

In some cases, stronger medication is necessary to help reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort.

Your eye doctor can prescribe an anti-inflammatory eye drop or ointment, or may even recommend a steroid injection, depending on the size, location, and number of chalazia on your eyelid.

Oral antibiotics will be prescribed if the chalazion is infected.

Drainage

In severe cases, when a chalazion cannot be treated with medication, an in-office procedure to drain the inflamed fluid from the lump may be required. Antibiotics will then be prescribed to prevent a secondary infection and allow the eyelid to heal.

If chalazia become a chronic problem, contact an eye doctor, as they may wish to biopsy the lump to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Prevention

Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene can help to prevent chalazia from developing.

Practice these eyelid hygiene tips on a daily basis:

• Cleanse your eyelids with a gentle eyelid scrub or baby shampoo to remove dirt and debris and prevent clogged oil glands.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses and protective eyewear to protect your eyes from dirt, dust, and other foreign particles.
• Replace eye makeup every six months to prevent contamination and infection.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

While chalazia are generally not a cause for concern, if you notice a lump on your eyelid, it is always a good idea to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. 

Your eye doctor will determine if treatment is necessary and provide relief for uncomfortable symptoms.

The post Eyelid Inflammation: Chalazion appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Based on data so far, doctors believe that up to 3% of people who test positive for COVID-19 will also get conjunctivitis. 

Conjunctivitis can occur when a virus infects the conjunctiva tissue, which covers the white part of your eye and inside of your eyelids.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Pain
• Redness
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Yellow or green discharge
• Crust surrounding eyelid margins

How does COVID-19 spread to the eyes? 

The coronavirus is primarily transmitted through infected droplets from a cough or sneeze. These particles most often enter the body through the nose or mouth, but can also enter through the eyes.

It’s also possible to catch the virus by touching a countertop, doorknob, or any other contaminated surface, and then touching your face or rubbing your eyes.

Whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are trying to protect yourself from catching the virus, the following advice will help you and others to stay safe:

Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes at all times.

When to see an eye doctor

If you have conjunctivitis, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19. 

If you are experiencing any eye pain or any of the other symptoms that may signal an eye infection, it is always recommended to seek medical care.

If you receive regular eye injections or have a preexisting ocular condition such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy and notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

• Loss of vision
• Flashes
• Blank spots in your visual field
• Headaches
• Nausea with or without vomiting

 If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, call your doctor’s office to find out what you can do to treat your eye infection at this time. 

The post Can COVID-19 Cause Conjunctivitis? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Pregnancy can bring about many different changes in your body. These changes, although sometimes uncomfortable, are usually completely normal and just a way of your body trying to cope with fluctuating hormones, and changes in blood circulation— both physiological changes that help your baby to grow and remain healthy inside your womb.

Most moms-to-be are well aware of the bodily changes that remind you on a daily basis that you are expecting— the most common being: morning sickness, food aversions, heightened sense of smell, swollen ankles, headaches, exhaustion, and many other uncomfortable yet normal pregnancy symptoms.

What you may not know is that these physiological changes that take place during pregnancy can also lead to changes in your eyes and vision.

Dry eye syndrome 

Dry eye syndrome can develop when the quantity or quality of your tears is impacted by the pregnancy hormones in your body.

If your eyes do not receive the necessary lubrication from the tears, dry eyes will result and vision will be affected.

Symptoms:

• Excessive tearing
• Occasional blurry vision
• Itchy eyes
• Burning
• Red eyes

In most cases, dry eye syndrome can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears eye drops and warm compresses.

If these drops are not strong enough to relieve your symptoms, your eye doctor can prescribe an anti-inflammatory eye drop as well.

Caution: Always consult with your doctor before using any type of medicated or natural eye drop during pregnancy.

There are also natural home remedies that you can use to help relieve dry eye symptoms:

• Give your eyes a gentle massage to encourage tear production.
• Practice eyelid hygiene.
• Moisten your face and eyes with a natural rosewater mist to rejuvenate your eyes throughout the day.

Practice these tips to help prevent dry eye syndrome:

• Drink plenty of water
• Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Take your prenatal vitamins regularly
• Purchase a humidifier to provide moisture in your home and office
• Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from sun and wind
• Reduce the amount time you spend in front of your computer screen or any other digital device

Blurry vision

You may be familiar with the way your body retains water these days, causing your feet, ankles, and fingers to swell.

What you may not realize is that fluid retention can also occur in your eyes, increasing the pressure within your eyes and leading to blurry vision. 

When your eyes retain fluid, your corneas can thicken and change shape. This in turn, can impact the way your eyes refract or bend light and lead to blurred vision.

While you may think that it is time to change your optical prescription, most eye doctors recommend waiting until after delivery to make any changes to your optical prescription— generally because your vision will likely return to normal after you give birth.

For this reason, most eye doctors also recommend waiting until after delivery to be fitted for contact lenses or to have laser eye surgery.

If your vision is changing during pregnancy, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and discuss the best options for you.

SEE RELATED: Pregnancy Complications: When to See an Eye Doctor 

Migraines

Migraine headaches are common in pregnancy and can cause visual auras before the onset of a headache or during the headache itself. 

Visual auras typically cause the following visual disturbances:

• Blind spots
• Flashing lights
• Zig-zagging lines
• Temporary vision loss

Some women experience these visual changes without the migraine headache.

If you are experiencing migraine headaches with or without visual disturbances, speak to your primary care physician about which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. 

Pink eye

Pregnancy weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to different types of infections. 

For this reason, many pregnant women develop conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible to promptly treat the infection.

• Red or pink eyes
• Eye pain
• Burning
• Itching
• Soreness
• Yellow discharge from eye
• Crust around eyelid margins

When to see an eye doctor during pregnancy

While vision changes are a common occurrence during pregnancy, doctors recommend scheduling an eye exam to rule out anything more serious that may be causing your visual disturbances.

Be sure to report all vision changes you may be experiencing, especially if you notice any double vision, flashing lights, or floaters, as these may be signs of a more serious problem.

Pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, can also cause vision changes and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to protect your health and the health of your baby.

How can I improve my vision during pregnancy?

Vision changes that develop during pregnancy will typically disappear on their own, within a few weeks or months after delivery.

If your vision remains blurry, or you experience new vision changes after your baby is born, your eye doctor may want to recheck your eyes and vision to rule out any other problems.

Meanwhile, try the following suggestions to help your vision remain as comfortable as possible. 

Take a break from contact lenses

Wearing your contact lenses may exacerbate blurry vision. 

Fluctuating hormones can change the shape of your cornea, where the contact lens is placed, and can affect the way your contact lenses fit on your eyes.

If you notice that your vision is more blurry with contact lenses, switching to eyeglasses for a few months until your baby is born may be a good idea.

If you would rather not give up your contact lenses, ask your eye doctor about switching to a daily disposable or scleral contact lens— both of which are recommended for patients who suffer from dry eye symptoms.

Rest your eyes

When your eyes are tired, you are more likely to experience blurry vision.

If you spend many hours on the computer or any other digital device, your eyes can get tired.

• Take frequent breaks from the screen.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Adjust the color and brightness on your screen

These small changes can help to make screen time more comfortable for your eyes.

In addition, don’t forget, getting a good night’s sleep will also help your eyes to rest from a long day, and can be beneficial for your eye health and vision.

Consume a healthy diet

Pregnancy is the time to nourish your body with a variety of healthy foods that contain the vitamins and nutrients your body craves. 

Be sure to include lots of fruits, vegetables, fish (with omega-3) such as salmon and sardines, and a variety of healthy nuts in your diet.

It is also important to drink plenty of water and get lots of rest.

All of these healthy tips will help to keep you and your growing baby healthy throughout your pregnancy and make it easier for you to adjust to your new lifestyle after your baby is born.

Not only will your body thank you, but your eyes will see better too.

It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different and every pregnant woman will experience varying symptoms and physical changes.

If you have any questions or concerns about your eyes or vision during your pregnancy, never hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

If your vision is changing during pregnancy, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and discuss the best options for you.

The post Can Pregnancy Affect Vision? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Here are some of the most common contact lens problems, and how to avoid them.

Damaged contact lens

Tears, chips, and cracks to a contact lens can happen, and are common complaints among contact lens wearers. If the contact lens is damaged in any way, do not insert into your eye.

Always inspect your contact lenses prior to insertion to ensure that there are no chips, splits or tears in the contact lens.

Sometimes, when contact lenses are disinfected, they can become damaged in the process. Even if the lens is not torn, but appears slightly warped, it is best to discard the lens and open a fresh lens package. Warping can happen if the lens is accidentally squeezed or if the storage case is kept in a room where the temperature is too warm.

A damaged lens can scratch or irritate your cornea, putting your eye at risk of damage or even infection, and a warped lens may not sit correctly on the cornea, making it difficult to correct a refractive error.

Moreover, inadequate lens care or use of makeup, creams, or hairspray while wearing contact lenses, can cause a buildup of proteins and fatty deposits on the surface of the lens. When this happens, the lens is at greater risk of contamination from bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can result in corneal irritation.

To avoid damaged lenses, carefully follow your optometrist’s instructions on how to properly check, clean and care for your contact lenses.

Dry eyes

If your eyes feel dry after wearing your contact lenses for a few hours, it may be due to reduced blinking. 

It has been proven that contact lens wearers blink less frequently than non-contact lens wearers— and when sitting in front of a TV or computer screen, blink frequency is even further reduced.

To avoid dry eyes, not only should you try to blink more often, but most doctors recommend using lubricating eye drops to provide the much needed moisture.

Consult with your optometrist before starting a new eye drop, since not all eye drops are compatible with contact lenses. 

If dry eyes continue to be a problem, and eye drops do not seem to relieve your discomfort, your optometrist may recommend switching your brand of contact lenses to a brand specifically designed for dry eyes.

Sometimes, dry eyes may be caused by dust, smoke, the effects of certain medications, and even air conditioning. 

If your environment is causing your dry eyes, try to make some lifestyle changes to avoid these factors as much as possible— or keep a pair of glasses nearby in case you need to remove your lenses in the middle of the day.

Eye discomfort at night

If you are experiencing eye discomfort toward the end of the day, you may be wearing your contact lenses for too many hours. 

To avoid this problem, many doctors recommend removing your lenses at the end of your work day, or after dinner, instead of right before bedtime.

If this is not possible, speak with your optometrist about switching to lenses that contain a higher oxygen permeability. This type of lens is known for its ability to maintain hydration throughout the day— allowing for longer, more comfortable wear.

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Top 10 Tips For Contact Lens Wearers

Burning after lens insertion

Do your eyes burn upon lens insertion? Your eyes may be telling you that your contact lenses are dirty.

Contact lenses are made to absorb water and solution in order to keep them soft and flexible. However, they can also absorb dirt, oil, perfumes, creams, hairsprays, and many other types of materials.

If your eyes burn upon lens insertion, remove your lenses immediately. 

To avoid this problem, always wash your hands with soap, free of perfumes and added oils, before touching your eyes and lenses.

Additionally, if you have come in contact with hairspray, smoke, or anything else that may irritate your eyes, wait a few minutes before inserting your contact lenses— this will give your tears a chance to flush out the irritants before putting in your lenses.

Another option to ensure that your lenses stay clean and free of contamination is to use daily disposable lenses. Starting the day with a fresh pair of lenses, will reduce your risk of contamination from improper cleaning— but still be sure to wash your hands well before handling your lenses.

Contact lens awareness

Does your contact lens feel like it’s moving around in your eye? It may mean your lens does not fit your eye properly.

If your lens is too loose on your eye, or if the diameter or base curve is not accurate, it can cause an increased awareness of your lenses, especially when you blink.

On the other hand, your lens is too tight, you may not notice any discomfort for a few hours, as the lens will feel comfortable at first— but do not ignore this problem as there can be long term consequences of wearing tight lenses.

If your lenses are a proper fit, but they continue to cause discomfort, or an awareness that you can’t figure out, it may be time to replace your lenses. This sensation can occur when dirt and residue build up over time on the lens surface, causing an increased awareness of the lens on your eye.

Allergic reaction

Are your eyes red, itchy, and sore? You may be allergic to your contact lens solution.

It is not uncommon for contact lens wearers to be allergic or sensitive to a preservative in their contact lens solution. If you are having an allergic reaction, you may experience redness, itching, and burning upon lens insertion.

Be sure to speak to your optometrist about switching lens care brands, to alleviate your discomfort— it is important to discuss with your doctor before switching products, as not all lenses are suitable for every product.

Seasonal allergies

If you suffer from allergies, you may already know that your eyes suffer as well. 

Unfortunately, wearing contact lenses during high allergy seasons may increase your eye allergy symptoms, as dirt and particles can stick to your lenses without you even being aware.

If you are experiencing increased eye allergy symptoms even after following a strict lens cleaning routine, speak to your optometrist about switching to daily disposable lenses. Daily lenses can help to keep your symptoms under control, as you will be able to replace your lenses each day, preventing a buildup of allergens.

Your eye doctor may also recommend using artificial tears lubricating eye drops to help flush out any allergens from your eyes throughout the day.

When to contact your eye doctor

If you experience any problems with your contact lenses, it is always a good idea to remove them until you speak with your optometrist. 

Many contact lens problems are generally mild and easy to treat. However, complications can occur in some situations, and lead to serious infections that can threaten your vision.

Therefore, always let your eye doctor know if any problems persist or any new problems arise, as well as if the recommended treatments are proving to be ineffective.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

Contact lenses can be an easy and convenient solution for clear and comfortable vision— take care of them and they will take care of you. 

The post Common Contact Lens Problems appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The cornea, the part of the eye that holds the contact lens in place, is the only part of the body that receives its oxygen directly from the air— as opposed to the rest of the body that receives oxygen from the lungs. When contact lenses are worn, a barrier is erected between the cornea and the oxygen filled environment.

Contact lenses must therefore be designed with the ability to allow oxygen to permeate through the lens, in order to reach the cornea. If a problem arises that prevents this from occurring, serious complications can develop.

• Serious eye infections affect up to 1 in 500 contact lens users every year.
• Between 40%-90% of contact lens wearers do not follow instructions on proper care for their contact lenses.

Most conditions that occur from contact lens wear develop as a result of misuse, improper hygiene, or an underlying eye health condition.

The most common conditions include:

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)

If your eyes feel red and itchy, you may be suffering from an intolerance to your contact lens.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis occurs when round bumps called papillae develop under the eyelid. This is generally caused by an allergic reaction to the contact lens itself.

Treatment generally involves changing the type of lens you wear and the solution you use, as well as eyelid hygiene. Your doctor may recommend taking a break from contact lenses altogether until your symptoms have subsided.

Allergic reaction

If your eyes are red and sore, you may be having an allergic reaction to your contact lens solution. Most people with allergic reactions to their solutions have a sensitivity to the preservatives found in the solution.

Treatment typically involves changing your solution— but always seek your eye doctor’s advice before switching to another brand.

Corneal abrasion

If your contact lens does not fit properly, it will not adhere to the surface of your eye and will move around easily. This can result in a corneal abrasion, or a scratch on the epithelium, the outermost protective layer of the cornea.

A corneal abrasion can also occur if you wear your lenses for too many hours, sleep in your lenses, or a foreign substance gets caught under your lens.

Corneal abrasions can be quite uncomfortable, and may even cause an infection. Treatment of this condition typically involves antibiotics, and sometimes eye patching, if necessary.

Corneal ulcer

A corneal ulcer is a sore that develops on the cornea, generally from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.  Contact lens wear increases the risk of corneal ulcers when improper hygiene enables germs to get lodged behind the lens.

This condition can cause corneal scarring and vision loss.

Treatment generally involves discontinuation of contact lens wear for several weeks, or sometimes even permanently, hospitalization until the infection is under control, and corneal transplant surgery to recover normal vision. In very rare cases, patients with severe corneal ulcers lose an eye from the condition.

Corneal de-epithelization

Contact lenses can change the shape of the epithelium, thereby influencing the integrity of the cornea. Your eye doctor will look for signs of this condition during your regular followup visits.

Treatments generally involve taking a break from your lenses until your eye has healed, as well as antibiotics, and a refitting for new contact lenses.

Corneal edema

Corneal edema can result from a sudden or chronic corneal condition in which the cornea is unable to receive enough oxygen. This condition can be caused by an intolerance to specific materials in the lenses, or lenses that don’t fit properly.

Treatment generally involves switching to a contact lens with a higher oxygen permeability that fits appropriately, as well as patient education on reducing lens wearing throughout the day.

Corneal distortion

Wearing contact lenses can cause the shape or curve of your cornea to change. If this occurs, your doctor will first ensure that you have not developed an irregular astigmatism.

Treatments typically involve refitting for new contact lenses and switching to a new brand of lenses that contains different materials.

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Is Sleeping in Contact Lenses Dangerous?

Hypoesthesia

The cornea is the second most densely-packed innervated organ, after the brain. In many cases, after years of wearing contact lenses, the corneal nerves become desensitized to the contact lenses due to either mechanical trauma or metabolic changes. This can cause problems later on in life.

Sterile infiltrates

This condition occurs as a result of an immune response to your contact lenses and/or bacteria on your contact lenses. This condition can cause a more serious complication called microbial keratitis, and must therefore be closely monitored.

Treatment usually involves prophylactic antibiotics and corticosteroid eye drops.

Microbial keratitis

Microbial keratitis is a type of corneal ulcer that causes an infection of the cornea. This condition is a serious complication of contact lens wear that can cause vision loss. Though rare, it is most often associated with overnight lens wear and extended-wear, as well as poor hygiene or using inappropriate cleansing solutions.

Immediate treatment is required and typically involves oral antibiotics and discontinuing contact lens wear.

Neovascularization

This condition occurs when there is a decreased amount of oxygen to the surface of your eye, and causes blood vessels to grow into the cornea.

While this is a rare condition, especially with newer contact lens designs that use oxygenated materials, it is important to follow up with your regular eye exams so your doctor can continue to check for this complication.

Treatment generally involves corticosteroid eye drops.

Reduce your risk of contact lens complications

Reduce your risk of developing a complication from contact lens wear by:

• Following your eye doctor’s instructions on how to properly care for and handle your contact lenses.
• Scheduling regular follow up appointments every 6 to 12 months.
• Choosing daily wear and daily disposable contact lenses.

If at any time, you experience eye pain, redness, blurry vision, or discharge from your eyes, promptly remove your lenses and contact your optometrist— if in doubt, take the lenses out.

If your symptoms subside, you may use fresh contact lens solution to clean your lenses, and try to reinsert them. If however your symptoms persist, do not attempt to reinsert your lenses and contact your eye doctor’s office as soon as possible.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

With proper care and hygiene, your contact lens experience will provide all of the benefits you are searching for.

The post Contact Lenses: What Can Go Wrong? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dry eyes is a common condition caused by insufficient tear quantity, or inadequate tear quality. Symptoms of dry eyes can range from a mild inconvenience to a chronic problem, and can impact your performance of daily activities.

Types of dry eyes

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil (meibum), and the tears evaporate too quickly.

Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal glands don’t produce enough liquid (aqueous) to keep the eyes sufficiently moistened.

If there is an imbalance between the quantity of tears, and the rate at which the tears evaporate, dry eye symptoms can develop.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the most common cause of dry eyes that occurs when there is an insufficient amount of tears.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• Dry, irritated, or red eyes
• Inflammation or burning
• Itchiness
• Excessive tearing/watery eyes
• Blurriness
• Sensitive or sore eyes
• Eyelid discomfort
• Foreign body sensation

Which systemic diseases cause dry eye?

When dry eye symptoms don’t respond to traditional treatment methods such as artificial tears, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications, there may be an underlying systemic disease. If this is the case, the systemic disease needs to be controlled in order to experience dry eye relief.

Diabetes

More than 11 percent of Americans have diabetes.

A study including 199 people with type 2 diabetes showed that 54 percent of the participants experienced dry eye syndrome.

An additional study showed that 55 percent of people with diabetes experience at least mild dry eye symptoms throughout the day.

While the specific cause of dry eye syndrome in patients with diabetes is unclear, researchers believe that diabetic retinopathy and its effects on the tear film may play a large role.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 1.3 million Americans and approximately one percent of the population worldwide.

According to research, more than 70 percent of the participants with RA were diagnosed with dry eye disease.

Thyroid eye disease (TED)

Thyroid eye disease affects approximately 16 in 100,000 females and around 3 in 100,000 males.

Exophthalmos-related corneal exposure and hormone changes cause dry eye in patients with thyroid eye disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus affects approximately 150 in 100,000 Americans.

A study of 36 patients with SLE showed that 57 percent of the participants had dry eye.

Dermatological conditions

Patients with rosacea have a higher incidence of dry eye disease. Moreover, patients with psoriasis have an increased likelihood of developing dry eye disease.

Inflammatory conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease are known to be associated with dry eye symptoms.

A study on patients with inflammatory bowel syndrome revealed that 22 percent of participants also had dry eye disease.

If you experience any dry eye  symptoms contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: Dry Eyes and Aging

Can dry eye syndrome lead to blindness?

Dry eyes cannot directly lead to blindness, but without proper care and attention, vision loss can occur as a result of a complication associated with dry eyes.

If left untreated, dry eyes can damage the cornea, the clear covering of the eye, which can consequently increase your risk of vision loss and blindness.

The tears support the cornea by providing oxygen and nutrients, and by washing away germs and debris to prevent infection. When there is an insufficient amount of tears, or the quality of the tears is inadequate, damage to the cornea can occur.

The most common corneal conditions caused by dry eyes include corneal ulcers (sores) and corneal abrasions (scratches).

When to see your doctor

If you have been diagnosed with a systemic disease, schedule an eye exam to prevent dry eyes and learn how to keep your condition under control.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Relieve your dry eyes to protect your vision, enhance your performance of daily activities, and improve your quality of life.

The post Systemic Diseases That Cause Dry Eye appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The demodex mite can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.

Demodex folliculorum is a type of demodex mite that lives mostly within the hair follicles on the face and the eyes and is usually found on the eyelids and lashes.

Demodex mites come out during the night to eat dead skin cells, lay eggs and expel waste products in your eyelid glands and eyelash follicles.

Demodex mites naturally occur on the skin in small amounts and can actually be beneficial for the skin, as they remove the dead skin cells. In small numbers, they typically do not cause any harm or symptoms.

However, if they reproduce in large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the skin and eyes— dry, red, and itchy skin, and/or eczema, as well as severe inflammation of the eyelids, and damage to the oil glands in the eyelid margins, meibomian glands and eyelashes.

How does a demodex mite infestation cause blepharitis?

Blepharitis affects up to 45 percent of people and occurs when the eyelids become inflamed. Blepharitis typically occurs as a result of a blockage in the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes, sometimes as a result of a demodex mite infestation.

Demodex mites become more prevalent with age, and are typically the cause of blepharitis in patients over the age of 60.  

Additionally, patients with chronic rosacea tend to have more demodex mites than people without rosacea, putting them at a higher risk of developing demodex blepharitis.

What are the symptoms of demodex blepharitis?

Common eye symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Redness
• Tearing
• White flakes in your eyelashes
• Burning or stinging
• Eye or eyelid irritation
• Itchy eyes or eyelids
• Foreign body sensation
• Intermittent blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Brittle/loss of eyelashes
• Misdirected eyelashes
• Eye or eyelid infections

Demodex mites can cause blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eyes, styes, chalazion, and ocular rosacea.

If you experience any of these symptoms contact an eye doctor near you so that you can start treating your demodex blepharitis.

SEE RELATED: Do I have Blepharitis?

Diagnosis and treatment

A diagnosis of demodex blepharitis can be confirmed by your eye doctor. Your doctor may use a slit lamp with high magnification to view the mites on your eyelashes or use a microscope to examine an eyelash sample.

The most effective way to eliminate a demodex infestation is to adhere to a daily eye cleansing routine. Cleaning your eyelids with warm water, and applying a warm, wet compress will help to reduce the swelling and keep your eyelids and lashes clean.

Your eye doctor may recommend using a combination of warm compresses and eyelid scrubs. By gently scrubbing your eyelids, you can effectively remove the buildup of excess bacteria from your eyelid margins.

For mild blepharitis, cleaning your lashes with tea tree oil or another antiseptic product may be effective in eliminating the demodex infestation.

However, for moderate to severe cases of blepharitis, your eye doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or anti-parasitic treatment along with a daily cleansing routine. A corticosteroid eye drop or ointment can also help to reduce eyelid inflammation.

In-office eyelid hygiene procedures may be recommended for more intensive blepharitis treatment.

• Eyelid margin cleaning efficiently removes demodex mites from your eyelids and opens clogged meibomian glands.
• Thermal pulsation treatments melt the particles that are blocking the meibomian glands.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy opens clogged eyelid glands to allow for increased oil production into the tear film.

When to see your eye doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of a demodex infestation, blepharitis, or any eyelid discomfort, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

While blepharitis can become a chronic condition, with good eye hygiene and medical interventions, you can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and keep ocular demodex under control.

The post How Does the Demodex Mite Cause Blepharitis? appeared first on Optometrists.org.