It’s easy to fall asleep in your contact lenses; one minute you’re reading a book or watching TV, and the next you’re fast asleep.

In some cases, a person can wake up with their lenses on and just blink any discomfort away.

Sleeping with contact lenses make you up to 8 times more likely to experience a contact lens-related eye infection, such as damage to your cornea.

Contact an eye doctor near you to learn more about contact lens safety.

SEE RELATED: Contact Lenses: What Can Go Wrong?

Does sleeping in contacts increase the risk of infection?

Yes. Corneas need oxygen to remain healthy, but they receive their oxygen directly from the air and do not receive oxygen from the lungs. The flow of oxygen and nutrients keeps the cornea clear, balanced, and functioning properly.

During the day, open eyes allow oxygen to reach the cornea directly through the tear film.

When a person sleeps with contact lenses overnight, the contact forms a barrier between the cornea and the tears, limiting the amount of oxygen delivered to the cornea at night. This is known as ‘corneal hypoxia’.

Even though a person’s eyes are closed when they sleep, different parts of the eye, such as the aqueous humor and tears, provide only limited oxygen and nutrients to the corneas.

A lack of oxygen may potentially cause these corneal problems;

• Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea
• Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva
• Corneal neovascularization: the influx of new blood vessels into the cornea

In serious but rare cases, dozing off in contact lenses — particularly repeatedly — can cause vision loss due to corneal scarring, necessitating the use of medicated eye drops or even surgery.

What to do if you sleep with your contacts?

As soon as you wake up, remove your contacts and don’t insert them again for at least one day, to give your corneas some air.

Be sure not to tug at the lens, as sleeping in contacts can make the lens harder to remove from your eye and it could tear.

Apply a few drops of artificial tears before removing the lenses as that will help loosen them from your eye.

If you find yourself sleeping in your contact lenses on a regular basis it could impact your eye health to the point that you may not be able to wear the lenses for many days or even weeks.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you notice any symptoms like redness, eye discharge, very watery eyes or blurred vision after a night of wearing your lenses or at any other time, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

The post Is Sleeping in Contact Lenses Dangerous? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Do you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops? While eye drops may provide satisfying and quick relief for itchy or irritated eyes, exceeding the daily recommended dosage can cause serious eye health problems..

How does over-usage of eye drops happen?

Most people over-use eye drops when they view their eye drops as a cure to their condition rather than a temporary treatment.

This may lead to inserting too many drops into the eyes or using the eye drops too frequently throughout the day. If you think you may be overusing your eye drops, contact an eye doctor near you to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Risks of overusing eye drops

When overusing eye drops, you can run the risk of:

• Masking a more serious problem. Alleviating the symptoms while ignoring their root cause can allow a condition to worsen.

• Rebounding. The original eye symptoms may return stronger than before as the effects of the eye drops wear off or when the drops are no longer being used.

• Washing away your natural tears. Artificial tears help with insufficient tear production and feel great as they lubricate the eyes. But overuse can literally wash away natural tears and the natural moisturizers that protect the eyes.

SEE RELATED: Are Eye Drops Confusing?

Conditions that eye drops could be masking

Red, itchy eyes are a symptom of several conditions, including:

• Allergies – Allergies to the environment or pets can cause dry, itchy eyes.
• Blepharitis – Red and inflamed eyelids, caused by dry eye, a bacterial or fungal infection, parasites, or gland dysfunction, all of which require treatment beyond over-the-counter eye drops.
• Dry eye syndrome – Redness, itchiness and irritation are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, DES can damage the cornea.
• Eye strain – Focusing on work all day  can cause eyes to become tired, strained and irritated.
• Eye trauma – Rubbing or scratching the eye can cause blood vessels to break, making the eye red and itchy. More serious traumas will require prescription eye drops or surgery.
• Foreign objects – An eyelash, dust, or something worse could be in the eye. If an individual has long-term issues with dry or itchy dry eyes, they need to make sure a foreign body isn’t the culprit.
• Pink eye – A viral or bacterial eye infection, also called conjunctivitis, can cause swelling, itchiness and burning.

Regardless of why you may be using eye drops, the only way to get to the root cause of your symptoms is by scheduling  an eye exam to receive a complete diagnosis and treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you’re suffering from irritated, dry eyes that haven’t resolved on their own, contact an eye doctor near you who can help you find the long-lasting relief you’ve been looking for.

The post Can Eye Drops Be Overused? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind and increases a child’s chances of achieving the most optimal treatment results.

When it comes to pediatric eye care, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical attention is vital for both you and your child.

Every year, over 125,000 children in the US receive urgent medical care by emergency eye doctors.

Here are the five most common types of pediatric eye emergencies, and tips on how to manage them.

1. Acute conjunctivitis 

This severe type of pink eye, formally called pediatric acute bacterial conjunctivitis, affects about 1 in 8 children every year. Acute conjunctivitis typically affects preschool children, toddlers and babies.

A child with this very contagious infection may experience eye discharge, itchiness and redness, usually in both eyes. Along with these eye symptoms, about 39% of children will also have a severe ear infection.

Treatment involves either oral or topical antibiotic medication, or in severe cases, both.

If your child shows any signs of acute conjunctivitis, contact an eye doctor near you for immediate treatment.

2. Blunt eye trauma

Blunt eye trauma can cause internal bleeding within the eye called hyphema. In severe cases, the extra blood within the eye can cause elevated inner eye pressure and lead to permanent vision loss. It usually happens during rough play or sports.

Typical symptoms after being struck in the eye include:

• Redness and swelling
• Eye drainage
• Eye pain that won’t go away
• Vision changes
• Visible abnormalities of the affected eye
• Visible bleeding in the white of the eye (sclera)

If your child has any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

If you suspect your child has an eye injury, urgently contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What to Do for a Black Eye

3. Chemical exposure to the eye

A variety of household cleaning products  can damage a child’s eyes and result in an eye care emergency. To protect your child’s eyes, keep these things locked away and out of reach.

If a child’s eye is exposed to a chemical, look for a phone number on the product’s label to dial in the event of an emergency or contact your nearest pediatric emergency eye care department.

Immediately after the incident: Hold your child’s eye open for about 20 minutes while you flush the eye area with clean water or saline drops. If both eyes have been exposed, place your child in the shower and have them face the water so it goes into their eyes.

4. Cuts or scrapes to the eye

Particles of dust, sand, wood shavings and other tiny objects can get into a child’s eye and cause a scratch on the surface of the eye, called a corneal abrasion.

Corneal abrasions may cause:

• Vision problems
• Stinging
• Burning
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes

If you suspect that your child has a corneal abrasion, immediately contact an eye doctor near you for treatment.

Corneal abrasions are typically treated with eye drops, medicated ointments, and sometimes pain relievers.

To get the object or particle out of the child’s eye, rinse the affected eye with saline solution or clean tap water. They can also blink several times to try and flush out whatever is scratching the eye. Avoid rubbing the eye, as that can make almost any eye condition worse.

5. Foreign objects stuck in the eye

If your child is complaining that something is stuck in their eye, the first thing to do is to tell them not to rub their eyes. Visually inspect their eyes and see if you find anything. If a foreign object is on the sclera, the white part of the eye, try flushing the eye with saline solution or clean water.

If it looks like something is lodged in the eye or has penetrated the eyeball, do not try and remove it. Seek pediatric eye care immediately.

When it comes to pediatric eye emergencies, remaining calm is important for both you and your child.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

If your child has had an eye emergency, immediately contact an eye doctor near you who can help with eye emergencies and other eye care services.

While pediatric eye emergencies can be alarming, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do if a child has an eye emergency gives parents and caregivers peace of mind.

When it comes to pediatric eye care emergencies, remaining calm and seeking immediate medical care is vital for both you and your child.

The post Top 5 Pediatric Eye Emergencies appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you are experiencing any eye discomfort, visit your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are many eye conditions that cause sore eyes.

Dry eye syndrome (DES)

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is the most common cause of sore eyes. Healthy tears consist of a combination of oil, mucus and water. When one of these components is missing, or their quality or quantity are reduced, the eyes can become dry, irritated, or sore.

Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is a highly contagious infection caused by a virus or bacteria in the eye. Pink eye can affect either one or both eyes, and cause the eyes to burn, itch, or feel sore.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that causes red, sore and itchy eyelids, and is commonly marked by a crusty debris on the eyelash margins. Blepharitis may also cause the eyes to burn or sting, resulting in uncomfortable sore eyes.

There are also environmental factors that cause sore eyes.

Allergies

Allergens in the air, such as pollen, mold, and pet dander can cause your eyes to become dry, itchy, watery, and sore.

Foreign particle in your eye

When small foreign particles such as dust, dirt, and sand blow into the eye, they can get stuck under your eyelid or the corner of your eye. Not only does this cause pain and discomfort, but it can also cause a significant amount of burning and soreness that may last several minutes.

If you experience eye pain or vision loss, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty?

Chemicals

Certain chemicals found in household cleaning products, such as aerosol sprays and disinfectants can be irritating to your eyes and cause them to burn or feel sore.

Note: It is important to wear eye protection and gloves when using any type of cleaning product to reduce your risk of an eye injury caused by accidental eye contact. Avoid touching your eyes or face until you have washed your hands thoroughly and put the cleaning product away.

Fragrances

Sensitivity to certain fragrances, such as perfume, cologne, skin cream, and even shampoo can cause eye irritation and even temporary sore eyes.

How to relieve sore eyes

Below is a list of some tips and lifestyle changes that could help relieve sore eyes and improve your quality of life.

Note: It is important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you are experiencing significant discomfort. Your eye doctor will carefully diagnose the cause of your discomfort and prescribe an effective treatment plan.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body healthy and your eyes hydrated.
• Remove contact lenses. If your eyes are irritated and sore, remove your contact lenses until your eye doctor has instructed that it is safe to begin wearing them again. Contact lenses can further irritate your sore eyes and lead to serious complications if proper care is not taken.
• Avoid allergens. Stay away from known allergens to reduce eye allergies and discomfort.
• Wear sunglasses. Protect your eyes with sunglasses whenever possible. Sunglasses will not only provide you with UV protection, but can also reduce the chances of a small foreign particle blowing into your eyes.
• Remove makeup. Wash off your eye makeup every night before going to bed to eliminate dirt and debris from your eyelids and eyelashes and reduce your chances of developing blepharitis.
• Clean your eyelids. Clean your eyelids daily with a gentle scrub or baby shampoo to ensure that your eyelid glands remain clear and healthy. This will ensure that your tear film remains healthy and balanced and will reduce your chances of dry eye symptoms.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, and to discuss any questions you may have about treating your sore eyes.

Comfortable eyes will not only improve your vision, but will also enable you to enjoy the activities you love, without the distraction of sore eyes. 

The post Why Do My Eyes Feel Sore? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Here are the answers to the six most commonly asked questions:

Q: If COVID-19 droplets land in your eye, can you get infected?

A: The evidence of ocular transmission of the COVID virus has not been well studied.

However, mucous membranes, which line many body cavities and organs including the respiratory tract, are most susceptible to the coronavirus and viruses in general.

The surface of the eye and inner eyelids are also lined by a mucous membrane called the conjunctiva.

Therefore, if COVID infected droplets land in your eye, you may be susceptible to infection— but this only happens in very rare cases.

The primary method of COVID-19 transmission is still believed to be through respiratory droplets from person-to-person. However, the virus can also live on surfaces for up to a few days. Therefore, touching an infected surface, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands may lead to infection.

Q: Does cleaning your eyes with water or over the counter eye drops decrease your risk of COVID-19 infection?

A: The ocular surface of the eyes has its own protective mechanisms, including antimicrobial proteins and natural lubrication in the tears. 

Therefore, routine cleaning or flushing of the eyes with water is not necessary and may actually strip away some of the ocular surface’s natural protective barriers, leading to an increased risk of infection.

If your eyes become irritated or red, using over-the-counter artificial tears may help alleviate your symptoms, but most likely will not reduce the chances of possible infection.

If symptoms are persistent, you should contact an eye care provider near you.

SEE RELATED: COVID-19 and the Eyes: What Do the Numbers Say?

Q: Do contact lens wearers have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection?

A: As long as you practice proper hygiene, there is no evidence that suggests that wearing contact lenses increases your risk of COVID-19. 

However, contact lens wearers do touch their eyes more often than the average person. If you have a tendency to touch or rub your eyes, it may be best to switch to glasses temporarily, given the risk of transmission from rubbing your eyes without proper hand hygiene.

Wearing eyeglasses minimizes the risk of irritation from contact lens wear and also serves as a barrier that forces you to pause before touching your eyes.

Glasses can also serve as a partial shield from respiratory droplets.

If you do continue contact lens wear, make sure you carefully adhere to contact lens hygiene and wash your hands before inserting and removing your lenses. If you develop redness or irritation, discontinue contact lens wear and contact an eye doctor.

Q: Is it true that pink eyes are an early sign of COVID-19?

A: Pink eye (conjunctivitis) has been reported to be a possible sign of infection from COVID-19, but the evidence is not clear yet.

It is still uncertain exactly what percentage of patients with COVID-19 have conjunctivitis as different sources are reporting varying numbers.

Although a recent study in JAMA Ophthalmology reported up to one-third of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had ocular abnormalities, additional studies are still needed.

Q: Can COVID-19 cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes?

A: Although conjunctivitis has been linked to COVID-19, at this point, permanent eye damage from COVID-19 has not been reported. 

If a patient has difficulty breathing long enough, theoretically, poor oxygen flow could lead to possible damage to the optic nerve or retina—but this has yet to be reported in COVID-19 related cases. In this instance, eye damage would be caused by decreased oxygen, rather than the virus itself.

Q: Can COVID-19 be transmitted through tear droplets?

A: Reports of transmission through infected ocular tissue or fluid have been controversial. The novel coronavirus has been detected in tear samples, though only in a small number of cases. 

Given the presence of viral particles in your tears, it is possible to transmit COVID-19 through tear droplets, although the risk is very low and additional studies on this are required.

It is important to state that the COVID-19 situation is always evolving and more information about the virus is uncovered every day.

Contact your primary care physician if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Conditions

If you have irritation or pain in the eye or difficulty seeing, please reach out to an eye care provider.

The post Answers to Your Top 6 Questions about COVID-19 and Your Eyes 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.