Many times, parents are hesitant to get their child contact lenses because they are concerned about their eye health and safety.

Below are commonly asked questions about children and contact lenses.

#1 When is a child ready for contact lenses?

Although even some babies are fitted with contact lenses, most optometrists feel that the best age to begin wearing contacts is between 10-12 years old.

There are two questions to consider before getting a child contact lenses:

1. Is my child showing signs of maturity and responsibility?
2. Does my child have good personal hygiene habits?

If the answer is yes to these two questions, then your child may be a great candidate for contact lenses.

A child’s motivation, as well as their maturity level, is a good indication of whether a child is ready to wear contact lenses. The willingness of a child to be responsible for contact lenses and the required hygiene regimen are just as important.

#2 What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses? 

Some of the benefits of  wearing contact lenses include:

• Clear vision without eyeglasses
• Enhanced feeling of ‘natural vision,’ especially if the child has a high prescription
• Increased self-esteem
• No risk of lost or damaged glasses
• Improved vision for sports:
  • Better peripheral vision
  • More stable vision
  • Reduced risk of eye injuries

Schedule an eye exam for contact lenses with an eye doctor near you who can help determine the best fit for your child.

SEE RELATED: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Children 

#3 What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?

There are also some disadvantages of wearing contact lenses:

• Additional expenses
• Disinfecting and cleaning can be inconvenient
• There is a small risk of eye infections and scratches
• Lenses can fall out, get damaged, or lost during the day
• Higher frequency of visits to the eye doctor

#4 How can I prevent an eye infection from contact lenses?

By taking preventative measures, a child can minimize their risk of developing an infection by:

• Always washing hands with soap and water before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Replacing contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor
• Cleaning contact lenses and cases as directed by your doctor
• Keeping fingernails short and clean
• Attending all appointments with your eye doctor

#5 My child has astigmatism, are contact lenses an option?

Yes! Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing a refractive error and blurry vision.

Recently, many styles and brands of contact lenses, called toric lenses, have been designed for patients with astigmatism. These lenses are available as daily, biweekly, and monthly replacement options.

Multifocal contact lenses that contain lens powers for astigmatism and near vision problems are also available, as well as lenses designed for overnight wear. There are also special order toric lenses that can essentially correct any amount of astigmatism.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to determine if your child is ready for contacts, and to ask  any questions you and your child may have.

The post Contact Lenses and Children: Part 2 Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dust, mold, smoke, and pet dander can also cause allergic reactions in the eye.

If you have any concerns regarding wearing contacts lenses with allergies, contact your nearest eye doctor to find answers to all your questions.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are some commonly asked questions of eye doctors regarding allergies and contact lenses.

#1 I have allergies, can I still wear contact lenses?

Yes, you may find daily disposables are more comfortable.

Since contact lenses attract airborne allergens, if you wear the same pair for a month, they accumulate a month’s worth of allergens and debris. Whereas disposable daily lenses are worn for just one day, giving allergens less time to accumulate.

#2 If I have allergies, how often should I clean my contact lenses?

Cleaning your contact lenses often will help keep them clean of allergens. Use preservative-free solutions because some people develop allergies to preservatives.

#3 My allergies cause dry eyes. What should I do?

Keep your eyes moist with artificial tears. They will help keep your eyes from drying out, which  causes additional discomfort. Use only preservative-free eye drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can advise which drops are best for you and how frequently to apply them.

#4 If I have eye allergies, can I still wear makeup?

Use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics to decrease allergic reactions, especially if you apply them around your eyes.

Moisture particles from sweat and tears can bring the cosmetics that you place around your eyse into contact with the eye’s surface.

#5 If I have an allergy attack, can I still wear my contacts?

During an allergy reaction, it is recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses if your eyes are itchy, red, and swollen from an allergy.

#6 Should I take anti-allergy medications to reduce my symptoms?

While anti-allergy medications (antihistamines) reduce your allergy symptoms, they can cause dry eyes, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

If you have any known allergies, inform your eye doctor at the time of your eye exam, so they can recommend lenses that are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near who can help you choose the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.

The post Allergies and Contact Lenses: Part 2 Q appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dust, pet dander, smoke and mold can all cause allergic reactions in the eye. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your eyes while maintaining comfort.

If you have allergies, speak to an doctor about how you can reduce your symptoms.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

1. Wear daily disposable lenses

Contact lenses attract allergens in the air. Not surprisingly, lenses worn for an entire month collect the most allergens and debris for the entire month.

However, disposable daily contact  lenses are only worn for one day only before being discarded, allowing allergens less time to accumulate.

Ask your eye doctor about the most suitable regular lenses for your eyes.

2. Minimize lens wear time

If your allergic reaction is very mild, you may still be able to wear your contacts during the allergy attack. However, consider reducing the amount of time you wear your lenses.

3. Temporarily wear glasses 

If your eyes are red, itchy and swollen from an allergy, it’s recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses. Glasses with transition lenses, which are clear when you are indoors and darken in sunlight, are ideal for this time.

4. Initiate a cleaning routine

Cleaning your contact lenses on a more regular basis will help keep them free of allergens. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in lens cleaning solutions, so be sure to use preservative-free solutions.

Ask your eye doctor about peroxide-based disinfectants, which have a more thorough cleaning effect.

5. Keep your eyes moist

To help keep your eyes from drying up or experiencing any additional discomfort, use artificial tears. Make sure they are preservative-free eye-drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Ask your eye doctor for specific eye drops that can be used with contact lenses.

6. Use hypoallergenic makeup

Pay attention to the types of cosmetics you apply around your eyes. Moisture particles from tears or sweat can bring makeup in contact with the eye’s surface.

To decrease allergic reactions, use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics.

7. Take anti-allergy medications

While antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) can help with an allergy attack, they often cause dry eye and may, therefore, intensify symptoms.

Consult your eye doctor if you are taking antihistamines.

8. Inform your eye doctor

It’s best to let your eye doctor know if you have any allergies at the time of your eye exam. They will advise you on which type of lenses are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

There is no reason you should go through unnecessary suffering with your contact lenses just because you also have allergies.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you so that you can receive the care and information you need to manage your allergies and contacts all year long.

The post Top 8 Tips for Allergies and Contact Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Eye herpes, also known as herpes keratitis, is a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two major types of the virus; Type I and Type II. While both types of herpes can spread to the eye and cause infection, Type I is by far the most frequent cause of eye infections. It is rare to transfer Type II to the eye.

Here are commonly asked questions about eye herpes.

#1 Is this condition serious? 

Yes. Eye herpes is a serious infection of your cornea, possibly causing life-long blindness.

Once treated, eye herpes usually lasts 1-3 weeks, sometimes even longer.

Treatment normally lasts two weeks, and you should see results within five days.

#2 What are common symptoms of eye herpes?

At the first sign of an outbreak, contact your doctor to begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of vision loss.

Common symptoms of herpes keratitis may include:

• Blurred vision
• Discharge
• Pain
• Rash
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Tearing

If the infection only involves the cornea’s outer layer, it will usually heal without scarring. However, if it involves the deeper layers of cornea, the infection may lead to scarring of the cornea, loss of vision and sometimes even blindness.

Left untreated, eye herpes can cause severe and permanent vision loss.

If you suffer with persistent red eyes, it is vital to contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat eye herpes with the appropriate medication.

SEE RELATED: Corneal Ulcers

#3 How often do flare-ups recur? 

20% of people who’ve had eye herpes will have another outbreak within a year of the initial infection.

While several factors contribute to a recurrence, if you experience multiple flare-ups, your doctor may recommend taking a daily antiviral medication for prevention.

#4 What causes flare-ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include:

• Fever
• Trauma
• Emotional distress
• Excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays)
• Refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.)
• Major surgical or dental procedures

A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of an eye herpes flare-up, and potentially lead to an outbreak.

#5 How is eye herpes treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, general health, and the severity of the outbreak. .

Possible treatments may include:

• Antibiotic drops for your eyes (to prevent further infection by bacteria)
• Antibiotic ointment for your eyelids (to prevent infection by bacteria)
• Antiviral drops for your eyes
• Antiviral ointment for your eyelids
• Antiviral medicines taken by mouth
• Steroid drops for your eyes (to reduce inflammation)

While most of these treatments are fairly short-term, you may also need to take antiviral oral medicine on a long-term basis. This is to help prevent future flare-ups. Some complications of eye herpes may require additional treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat your eye herpes.

The post Eyes and Herpes: Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The most common type of eye herpes is called epithelial keratitis, which tends to infect the cornea, causing redness, inflammation, excessive tearing of the eye, and eventually affecting your visual clarity.

Left untreated, eye herpes can cause scarring and corneal ulcers, which may lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

What is eye herpes?

Eye herpes, also known as ocular herpes, is a potentially serious infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the lips and mouth.

Eye herpes is typically contracted by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life.

Many people with eye herpes are unaware that they have it because it can lie dormant in the nervous system for years without causing any symptoms. It’s not unusual for HSV to reactivate months or even years after it was first contracted. Flare-ups can resolve after 2-3 weeks, though the infection can reappear, even after 10 years.

Oftentimes, eye herpes is confused with other types of pink eye, such as bacterial or other viral eye infections.

If you suffer with persistent red eyes, it is vital to contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat eye herpes with the appropriate medication.

SEE RELATED: Eyes and Herpes: Q&A

How does eye herpes affect the eyes?

Many parts of the eye can be affected by eye herpes, including:

• Cornea – the clear layer on the front of your eye
• Conjunctiva – the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera
• Sclera – the white part of your eye
• Eyelids – specifically the lid margins
• Retina – the light-sensing sheet of cells in the back of your eye
• Iris – the colored part of your eye

What are the symptoms of eye herpes?

Eye herpes is associated with various signs and symptoms, including:

• Blisters or rash on the eyelids
• Persistent sore, red or pink eyes
• Eye discomfort and irritation
• Headache and lethargy
• Reduced or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Watery eye discharge

While eye herpes usually affects only one eye, it’s not uncommon for both eyes to be infected.

If you suspect you have eye herpes, contact an eye doctor near you who can help prevent further complications.

How to reduce the risk of eye herpes?

Although there is no way to totally prevent an eye herpes infection, or any other form of eye infection for that matter, the following measures will reduce your risk.

• Keep your eyes and hands clean
• Avoid touching your eyes if you have a herpes outbreak
• Seek medical treatment for any form of herpes as soon as possible
• If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow your eye doctor’s instructions on contact lens care.

While there’s no ultimate cure for eye herpes, certain treatments can help control future outbreaks and prevent vision loss.

Early diagnosis and treatment of eye herpes can help avoid severe and life-long eye damage and significantly improve your symptoms.

Treatment usually includes antiviral medication, which can be eye drops, ointment, or oral medication.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you’re experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

The post How Does Herpes Affect the Eyes? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

You may easily find answers to your questions below. If you still have questions, contact your nearest eye doctor experienced in children’s vision.

Over 2.5 billion children have vision problems, yet 80% of those are preventable.

A comprehensive eye exam will assess not only a child’s vision, but can also detect problems with their eye health and general health.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you for a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your child has healthy vision and to check for eye diseases and other health problems.

SEE RELATED: Does your Child have a Learning Difficulty?

Here are some frequently asked questions related to pediatric eye health:

1. How regularly should children visit an eye doctor?

The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association recommend that children have their first eye exam at 6-12 months of age.

After their first eye exam your optometrist will let you know when their next exam is due. At a minimum, they should return for an eye exam every 1-2 years.

Once a child starts school, they should have  a comprehensive eye exam once a year, or as recommended by their eye doctor.

2. Is a school vision screening sufficient for my child?

No.

School vision screenings are insufficient since they are only intended to detect a few vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness).

A thorough eye exam, on the other hand, allows an eye doctor to evaluate a child’s vision and eye health, as well as visual skills like focusing and eye tracking. Since a child’s visual skills are important to their academic success, eye doctors suggest that children have a comprehensive eye exam before starting school and every year after that.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to have your child’s vision checked.

3. How does vision play a role when children are diagnosed as dyslexic or learning disabled?

Not every child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability and/or ADHD actually has one or both of these conditions.

Undiagnosed vision problems sometimes present with the same signs and symptoms as dyslexia and attention disorders.

Of course, children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions can experience vision problems at the same time. When children’s vision issues are addressed, they also find it easier to learn.

It is estimated that 25% of school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem that could interfere with learning.

4. At what age can a child wear contact lenses?

There is no set age when a child may begin wearing contact lenses. In fact, 4 million children under the age of 18 in the United States wear contacts.

Contact lenses are particularly well suited for children after the age of 8 years.

Many children love wearing contacts especially for active or sports-loving children, and they are an excellent treatment choice for children with myopia.

They may be prescribed for children as young as six months old due to congenital cataracts or other infant eye disorders.

5. My child keeps breaking their glasses. Are there effective long-lasting glasses for children?

There is a wide selection of frames for children that are specifically built to be flexible and withstand a sufficient amount of mechanical stress.

Some children, on the other hand, can manage to break, bend, or damage their glasses, that is why having a spare pair of glasses is advised.

Early vision care can help your child reach their full learning potential.

LEARN MORE: Vision for School

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to ensure your child’s vision remains clear and healthy.

The post Children’s Vision: FAQs appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Contact lenses are a great choice for people who want convenience and clear vision. But now you have to decide between monthlies and dailies. While choosing may be easy for some, others find it a difficult choice to make, and like many other aspects of life, price is an important considerations

The newer design or materials provide added eye health benefits, but can be more expensive.

Learn more about the two types of lenses, to help you make an informed decision.

1. Daily lenses

Daily contact lenses are single-use lenses that you remove at the end of the day and discard. They’re usually designed to have a high water content and be very thin.

Daily contact lenses are designed to be used once and then discarded, so they require very little upkeep.

It’s crucial to understand that leaving daily lenses on your eyes overnight could cause corneal damage and eye infections.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you decide which contact lenses best meet you and your eyes’ needs.

SEE RELATED: The Contact Lens Exam

2. Monthly Lenses

Monthly contact lenses must be replaced on a monthly basis, and usually on a particular date, according to the eye doctor’s instructions. They are more durable than daily lenses since they are made of a thicker material.

Monthly lenses are even more resistant to drying out, but you must clean them according to the instructions to ensure your wearing comfort and eye health.

Before you’ll need to switch to a new pair, monthly contact lenses can be worn for about 30 days.

Another good thing about monthlies is that there are certain brands of monthly lenses, called ‘extended wear’ contact lenses, that are FDA approved for overnight or even full-time wear for the entire month.

Although these lenses are safe to wear overnight, the longer you wear contacts, the greater the risk of complications, including infection.

Is there a cost difference?

As a general guide daily lenses are more expensive than monthly lenses, especially if you are wearing lenses 4 or more days a week.

Daily lenses work out to be under or close to $1 per lens, expect to pay $25 – $40 for a box of 30, and $55 to $90 for a box of 90 lenses.

Monthly contact lenses are usually $3-4 per lens, expect to pay around $30 to $40 for a box of 6 lenses.

As you can imagine, wearing daily lenses is usually more expensive than monthly lenses, however there are a few considerations;

1. Frequency of wear:

If the daily lenses are only worn 3-4 times per week then the overall cost is virtually the same as monthly lenses.

2. Storage and cleaning solutions:

With monthly lenses, it is important to add the cost of your contact lens solutions to the overall calculation.

3. Damaged or lost lenses:

The cost per lens of the monthly lenses are more expensive, so if you are prone to damaging or loosing lenses, then daily might be cost effective

There are plenty of choices for both monthly and daily contact lenses, regardless of the kind you select. You should always discuss all the pros and cons of each type with your eye doctor.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you decide which ones best meet you and your eyes’ needs.

The post Contact Lenses: Daily or Monthly? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

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.

Myopia affects 1.45 billion people worldwide and is the most common refractive error among children and young adults.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye elongates, and rays of light entering the eye are focused in front of the light-sensitive retina rather than directly on it. This causes blurry distance vision.

Myopia is not just blurry vision, but can lead to serious sight-threatening eye diseases.

If you think you or your child may have myopia, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an eye exam.

SEE RELATED: What’s Worse: High Myopia or Smoking?

Myth 1: Myopia only affects children

Fact: While in most cases nearsightedness develops in childhood, it is also possible to develop this condition during your adult years.

Eye examinations for children showing early signs of blurry vision are vital to rule out blurry vision due to an eye condition known as ‘pseudo-myopia’.

The blurry vision is due to eyestrain or a binocular vision dysfunction and vision therapy or reading/computer glasses might be prescribed to clear up the vision, without needing distance glasses for full-time use.

Myth 2: Wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses makes myopia worse

Fact: Prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses do not worsen myopia. Corrective glasses help you see clearly and comfortably.

There are even certain types of optical lenses that your eye doctor may prescribe to help manage myopia progression.

Some people mistakenly believe that wearing weaker lenses than the ones prescribed by your eye doctor will prevent your eyesight from getting worse.  In reality, wearing a weaker prescription contradicts the purpose of using corrective eyewear, which is to correct your vision.

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor to find out which type of lens can help manage the progression of myopia.

Myth 3: To cure myopia, take vitamins

Fact: Vitamins have been proven to prevent and slow the progression of some eye conditions including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

However, no vitamin has been shown to cure or prevent myopia. All vitamins and supplements should only be taken under the advice of your healthcare professional.

Myth 4: Vision therapy can’t help control progressive myopia

Fact: Vision therapy can help with progressive myopia.

People who have reduced focusing skills, have a greater risk of developing progressive myopia.

Vision therapy is an effective treatment for people whose myopia is caused by  poor eye focusing skills and not the shape of the eye.

Vision therapy is a personalized program that trains the visual system, including the brain-eye connection, to work more efficiently— thereby improving focusing abilities.

Myth 5: There is no way to slow down the progression of myopia

Fact: There are a number ways to slow the progression of myopia.

Myopia Management is an evidence-based treatment that has been clinically proven to slow down the myopia progression.

Myopia Management may also prevent serious life-changing vision loss.

This treatment program includes:

• Multifocal lenses, which offer clear vision at various focal distances. There is scientific evidence that wearing multifocal glasses or multifocal soft contact lenses during the day can limit the progression of myopia compared to single-vision glasses or contact lenses.
• Orthokeratology/Ortho-k are specialized custom-fit contact lenses that have been shown to decrease the rate of myopia progression. Ortho-k gently reshapes the cornea overnight, during sleep.

Spend more time outdoors. Studies have found that children who spend significant time playing outdoors in the sunlight may have slower myopia progression than children who spend more time indoors.

Take a break. Doing close work, such as reading, doing homework, and spending an excessive amount of time looking at a digital screen has been linked to myopia.

Taking frequent breaks to focus on objects farther away can help. One well-known eye exercise is the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Regular eye exams are essential to determine whether early detection can help prevent or slow the progression of myopia.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Pediatric Eye Conditions

Schedule an eye exam with a vision therapy eye doctor, who can diagnose and manage your myopia.

The post Top 5 Myopia Myths appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you are one of the millions that wears contact lenses, then you know how easy and convenient and easy they are to wear. But sometimes, wearing contact lenses doesn’t always go smoothly.

If you have been having issues with your eyes while wearing contact lenses contact an eye doctor near you to help find a solution for your contact lens problem.

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

Here are 8 common problems that can emerge while wearing contact lenses their solutions – pun intended.

1. Burning and itchiness

Experiencing itchiness and burning, after wearing contacts for a short period of time, may be a sign that you are allergic to the contact lens material or to your lens solution.

Speak to an optometrist near you about other brands of contacts or solutions that won’t irritate your eyes.

However, itchiness and burning that is accompanied by a mucous discharge could indicate something more serious than allergies. If this is the case, make sure to contact your eye doctor for prompt treatment.

2. Grittiness

Feeling like there is a grain of sand stuck in your eye can be annoying.

If something is stuck under a contact lens, it can cause grittiness. Remove the contact lens from the affected eye and clean it on both sides with solution.

Store the lens in its case, then flush your eye with cool, sterile water. This will help remove anything that is stuck under the lens eliminating that gritty feeling.

If the grittiness comes back, then you may want to visit your eye doctor to rule out eye conditions like dry eye syndrome and allergies, which can also cause that grittiness discomfort.

3. Blurred vision

When contact lenses aren’t cleaned properly or become damaged can cause blurred vision.

Corneal hypoxia which means that your cornea is starved of oxygen can cause blurred vision. This can happen if contacts are overworn.

Corneal hypoxia requires treatment, if you experience blurred vision, contact an eye doctor near you.

4. Red eyes

A buildup of pollen, smoke particles, dust, pollen, and dirt on your contact lens can redden and irritate your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and make them feel uncomfortable.

The best way to counteract the redness is maintain the highest level of contact lens hygiene.

5. Eye dryness

Sometimes, contact lenses can interfere with the eye’s natural hydration process. Over time, dry eye syndrome can develop, causing uncomfortable symptoms like redness, grittiness, dryness, and watery eyes.

An eye doctor can thoroughly assess the condition and suggest the appropriate treatment. Dry eye syndrome can be caused by several factors, and treatment may vary from patient to patient.

6. Difficult to insert

When contacts aren’t fit properly they can be hard to put in.

It may also be difficult for people with smaller eyes or eyelid openings to insert contact lenses. However, no matter how big or small your eyes are, try to avoid blinking when inserting them. If this inserting contact lenses is difficult, try gently holding your eyes open.

7. Difficult to remove

If trying to remove contact lenses is difficult try the following for an easier removal process:

• Apply a drop or two of artificial tears to your eyes as contacts tend to get stuck on dry eyes
• Slide the lens to the white of your eye (sclera) before pulling it off
• Pull the lens downward towards your bottom lid

If trouble persists, speak with an eye doctor for further assistance.

8. Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea

When the cornea does not get enough oxygen hypoxia occurs.

This is the most common complication of contact lens wear, especially those who wear them for an extended period of time. 

The cornea has no blood supply of its own, so it gets oxygen only from tears and directly from the atmosphere.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you have experienced any of the mentioned problems when handling or wearing your contact lenses contact an eye doctor near you so they can help find the best solution to your contact lens problems.

The post Top 8 Contact Lens Problems  appeared first on Optometrists.org.