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.

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.

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery, an implantable contact lens (ICL) could be an option to provide you with the best vision.

The first ICL surgery was performed in 1993, with over 1 million ICLs implanted globally since then.

With many options in vision correction, it can be difficult to determine which is the best option. While LASIK is the well known name for improving vision through laser eye surgery, it may or may not be the best fit for you and your eyes.

Over the years, ICL surgery has continued to gain in popularity as ICL delivers a lens implant as a no-maintenance and permanent solution to improving vision.

If you are interested in ICL surgery visit your eye doctor to find out if you are a good candidate. 

What is ICL?

The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), or Implantable Contact Lens as it is commonly called, is a successful alternative to laser vision correction surgery.

During Implantable Contact Lens surgery (ICL), a lens implant made from a very thin biocompatible material is placed inside the eye between the iris and the natural lens. The ICL does not replace the eye’s natural lens, but is specifically shaped to help correct vision problems just like glasses or contact lenses.

The ICL lens is not like a regular contact lens (that is placed on the cornea) but rather the ICL is inserted into the eye. The difference between ICL and glasses or contact lenses is that the lens is surgically placed into the eye and requires no maintenance from the patient.

The ICL lens implant can not be seen or felt.

Laser Eye Surgery or ICL

Laser eye surgery, or laser vision correction, uses lasers to reshape the front surface (cornea) of the eyes so that it can focus better. It can correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery is suitable for most people over the age of 18, when the eye stops growing. Lens surgery is also suitable for those who have a high prescription or later in life.

There are 3 main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK, SMILE and PRK;

• LASIK – LASIK uses two lasers, one laser is used to open up a thin flap in the surface of the cornea, the epithelium, and another is used to reshape the cornea underneath. The protective flap is then smoothed back over and stays in place without stitches.
• SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) – SMILE uses a laser to create a small, lens-shaped section of tissue within the cornea, called the lenticule. With the same laser, a small arc-shaped incision is made in the surface of the cornea. The surgeon then extracts the lenticule  through the incision. The corneal incision heals within a few days without stitches.
• PRK (surface laser treatment) – PRK uses a laser to remove the surface epithelium covering the cornea so the surgeon can reshape your cornea. The epithelium then grows back naturally over the next few days.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can conduct a consultation and discuss the ICL option with you.

SEE RELATED: ICL Surgery: What to Expect

Who Is Suitable for ICL Surgery?

Since LASIK removes tissue from the cornea, you might not be a good candidate if you have a thin or irregular cornea. In this case, ICL surgery might be a better choice.

Sometimes laser eye surgery is not an option, and your eye doctor will advise against laser refractive surgery and may recommend ICL.

The best candidates for ICL are patients with;

• a very high prescription: -3.00 to -20.00 diopters
• a thin cornea or a corneal condition
• dry eyes
• irregular astigmatism

Benefits of ICL

Implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery is a safe, effective, and quick procedure that offers long-term vision correction. ICL surgery benefits include:

Minimally Invasive – An ICL procedure is short, requiring only a microscopic incision. There is no need for stitches and minimal downtime afterward.

Completely Reversible – The ICL can be replaced or removed if any problems occur or there is a change in a patient’s vision.

Successful for Patients Ineligible for LASIK – Irregular or thin corneas, large pupils, very high prescriptions, or dry eye syndrome, can disqualify someone from LASIK surgery. An ICL is a great alternative since it does not affect these issues.

Excellent Visual Quality –  With ICL, the quality of vision is excellent because the eye maintains a natural corneal shape, especially with higher prescriptions.

No Dry Eye – During ICL implantation, the corneal nerves are not disrupted, as happens with laser refractive surgery (LASIK), avoiding dry eyes commonly experienced after laser surgery.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are currently looking into corrective vision procedures, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they can discuss the options of laser and ICLs, to see which best suits you and your eyes.

The post Guide to Implantable Contact Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The choice between wearing daily soft contact lenses or monthly soft lenses may be easier for some, while others can find it overwhelming.

Learning more about their differences can help those, debating between the two, make a more informed decision. Both Daily and Monthly lenses can correct for astigmatism and come in a range of multifocal options.

Wearing contact lenses does have tremendous benefits, and following your eye doctor’s advice is essential to allow you to keep enjoying the freedom the contact lenses can offer.

More than 75% of contact lens wearers in the United States use soft lenses

If you wear contact lenses or would like to, the Find an Eye Doctor directory provides a list of eye doctors near you that can help you decide which kind of soft contact lenses would be best for your eyes.

SEE RELATED: The Contact Lens Exam

Daily Lenses

Daily contact lenses are a single-use lens that are removed and discarded at the end of the day. 

The next day, a fresh pair of lenses are inserted. Daily contacts have a high water content and are typically very thin.

Daily contact lenses are made to be thrown away after one use.

While it may be convenient to leave daily contact lenses in overnight, especially after a long day, this should not be done with daily lenses. These lenses are meant to be taken out before bedtime and tossed.

Since a fresh pair is opened every day, there is generally no need to clean daily lenses. This is one of the major bonuses of daily disposable contacts, as they require very little maintenance.

As daily contact lenses are very thin and tend to tear easily, it is always a good idea to carry extra lenses, along with a backup pair of glasses.

Daily disposable contact lenses tend to be more expensive up front. If a more specialized lenses for astigmatism or dry eyes are needed they are typically more expensive.

Monthly Lenses

Monthly contact lenses need to be replaced monthly, depending on the care instructions given by an eye doctor.

Monthly lenses have a thicker composition making them long-lasting and more durable. They are also usually more resistant to drying out.

However, these lenses must be cleaned and disinfected regularly in order to ensure healthy wearing.

Monthly contact lenses can be worn for about 30 days before switching to a new pair. Monthlies are meant to be worn taken out at night and only worn during the day and need to be stored in a disinfecting contact solution overnight. Since monthly contact lenses are built to last longer they might feel a bit thicker on the eyes compared to dailies.

Extended wear lenses

Certain monthly lenses known as ‘Extended Wear’ can be worn full-time for up to 30 days, even while sleeping. 

These lenses are FDA approved for a full month of overnight wear, it is important to know that the longer contacts are worn the higher the risk bacteria can build up on the lenses and infect the eyes.

Monthly lenses are worn for a longer period of time, making them more susceptible to the buildup of lipids and proteins in the eyes, which can collect on contacts, causing blurry or uncomfortable vision.

Monthly contact lenses need storage cases, travel supplies and contact lens solutions these items can add up. So while a six-month supply of monthly contact lenses might cost less upfront, their upkeep might cost more in the long run.

There are plenty of options for both daily and monthly contact lenses. Trying both kinds can help make the decision of dailies or monthlies easier.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you’ve been thinking between daily or monthly soft contact lenses, contact an eye doctor near you to discuss which ones will best meet your eyes’ needs.

The post Soft Contacts: Dailies or Monthlies? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

While LASIK eye surgery has become the most popular refractive surgery in the U.S, there are many misconceptions regarding this procedure that prevent people from even discussing LASIK with their eye doctors.

Myth #1: LASIK surgery is painful.

Fact: LASIK is a quick and painless procedure. 

Prior to the procedure, your LASIK surgeon will apply numbing drops to ensure that you don’t feel any pain. You may feel slight pressure when the corneal flap is made, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure and you will be able to return home after about two hours. In most cases, you will be able to return to your regular activities within a couple of days after your procedure.

Myth #2: LASIK surgery only corrects myopia (nearsightedness).

Fact: LASIK surgery can correct all types of refractive errors.

While in the past, LASIK was first used as a treatment for myopia, it is now used to also correct hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

SEE RELATED: Guide to Implantable Contact Lenses

The Find an Eye Doctor directory can provide a list of eye doctors near you that can discuss the benefits of LASIK surgery and answer any questions you may have about this vision correcting procedure.

Myth #3: A complication of LASIK surgery is permanent vision loss. 

Fact: Blindness is not a complication of LASIK surgery.

LASIK surgery involves the reshaping of the cornea, the front surface of the eye. As with any other surgical procedure, there are possible complications and risks that accompany LASIK surgery, such as dry eye or blurry vision for a couple of days.

However, complications from this procedure are actually quite uncommon and can generally be corrected if needed.

Additionally, your eye doctor will provide detailed instructions regarding any post-surgical medications that may be required to prevent an infection, as well as how to care for your eyes while they heal.

Myth #4: LASIK surgery is not affordable.

Fact: LASIK is generally affordable.

As a result of advanced technology and an increase in the number of people undergoing LASIK surgery, the cost of the procedure has significantly decreased over the years. 

Don’t let the cost of the procedure prevent you from discussing it with your eye doctor. There are many vision insurance plans as well as financing options that can help you to cover the cost of the procedure, without breaking the bank.

Myth #5: You have to be a certain age to benefit from LASIK surgery.

Fact: There is no ideal age to undergo LASIK surgery. 

Though, most eye doctors will recommend waiting until age 18— when the eyes have stopped growing.

Your eye doctor may explain to you that as you age, your risk for developing serious eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, increases. These eye conditions can prevent you from being a candidate for LASIK surgery.

LASIK surgery is a safe procedure that has helped millions of people correct their vision, without the need for eyewear.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK surgery, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Understanding the facts about LASIK surgery as well as its benefits can help you to make an informed decision that can change the way you “view” life.

The post LASIK Eye Surgery: 5 Myths and Facts appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you notice a sudden appearance of halos or they’re accompanied by pain, blurred vision or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical care, as this can signal a serious eye condition.

Why do halos appear?

Halos are bright, colorful circles that appear around lights. They are most often noticed at night time around street lights and headlights and can significantly affect vision clarity while driving.

The appearance of halos around light sources can be caused by a variety of eye conditions, specifically those that alter the shape of the cornea and cause the light that enters the eye to bend in an unusual way.

How is a clear image produced?

In order to produce a clear image, the eyes must complete a specific process that heavily relies on the integrity of each of the ocular structures.

When we look at an object, the light that is reflected off of the object enters the eye through the clear front layer of the eye, called the cornea. The cornea bends the light before it passes through a watery substance that fills the area behind the cornea (aqueous humor), on its way to the pupil.

The light then passes through the pupil to the lens behind it. The lens adjusts its shape to bend and focus the light a second time, to ensure that a clear image will be seen.

After it bends a second time, the light travels to the back of the eye which is filled with a clear, gelatinous substance (vitreous) until it reaches the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

From the retina, the visual information is sent to the brain where it is interpreted and processed for the production of a clear image.

The process of seeing is dependent on the perfection of the eye and all of its structures, including:

• Eyeball shape
• Corneal shape and integrity
• Lens clarity and curvature
• Retinal health

If any of these components do not function properly, or are irregularly shaped, vision problems can occur.

Since the cornea is responsible for bending light as it enters the eye, if you are seeing halos around lights, you may have an eye condition that is affecting the shape of your cornea.

If you see haloes, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat any underlying vision condition.

SEE RELATED: Headaches and Migraines 

Eye conditions that affect corneal shape

1. Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when the eyes are chronically dry. When this occurs, it can alter the shape of the cornea and cause light entering the eye to scatter— resulting in the appearance of halos around lights.

2. Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped. This can cause the light that enters the eye to bend in an unusual way and result in the appearance of halos.

3. Cataracts

Seeing halos around lights is one of the most common symptoms of cataracts. 

A cataract develops when the eye’s naturally transparent lens becomes cloudy or opaque. Cataracts are most often seen in older adults, though they progress slowly over time and usually begin to develop around age 50.

When the lens becomes cloudy, light is bent in an unusual way and scatters as it enters the eye, causing the appearance of halos around lights.

Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a plastic intraocular lens can also lead to the appearance of halos— this is a common side effect immediately following cataract surgery.

4. Fuch’s dystrophy 

Fuch’s dystrophy is a progressive genetic disease that causes the cornea to swell. When the cornea swells, its shape is altered and light can no longer enter the eye at the correct angle. This often results in the appearance of halos around lights.

Symptoms of Fuchs’ dystrophy usually appear between the ages of 50 and 60.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged due to elevated pressure within the eye, and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Seeing halos around lights can be an early sign of acute-angle glaucoma, which is considered a medical emergency.

If you notice a sudden appearance of halos around lights, along with a headache, vomiting, blurred vision, eye pain or weakness, seek immediate medical care. 

6. LASIK surgery

The appearance of halos is a common side effect following LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) surgery and is generally not a cause for concern. The halos will typically disappear after a few weeks.

When to see your eye doctor 

Seeing halos around lights could indicate the presence of an eye condition such as cataracts or glaucoma, but may also be a common side effect of dry eye or LASIK surgery. 

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Since halos can appear from a variety of conditions, if you are seeing halos around lights, it is always a good idea to schedule an eye exam to rule out any serious eye conditions.

An early diagnosis of an eye condition can increase your chances of optimal treatment results. 

The post Why Am I Seeing Halos? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

High-index lenses are eyeglass lenses that are designed to be thinner and lighter than regular lenses. They are generally recommended for people who have significantly high refractive errors and strong prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Regular lenses that contain a strong optical prescription usually require a thicker and heavier lens in order to bend light more effectively and correct the high refractive error.

While both regular and high index lenses function in the same way, high index lenses are designed to bend light more efficiently — leading to thinner and lighter lenses.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to find out if high-index lenses are a good fit.

What is a refractive index?

The refractive index is the number that represents how efficiently a lens material bends light, and is dependent on how quickly light travels through the material. 

Regular plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.50.

This index is adequate for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors, but is not as effective for the correction of higher refractive errors.

A high-index lens may be recommended if your optical prescription is above 2.00 diopters.

High-index lenses have a refractive index above 1.50— ranging from 1.53 to 1.74. 

The image below compares the lens thickness of a regular plastic lens (1.50) to the most commonly prescribed high-index lenses. 

        Note: The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens.

According to this table, a lens with an index of 1.74 could be up to 50 percent thinner than a regular plastic lens with an index of 1.50, with the same optical prescription.

Polycarbonate lenses have a refractive index of 1.59.

Polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant and offer increased durability, but are generally only recommended for children’s glasses, sports eyewear and safety goggles because they don’t provide the same level of visual clarity, when compared to other plastic lenses.

If you need high-index lenses contact an eye doctor near you to start improving your vision.

SEE RELATED: Glass or Plastic: Which Type of Lens Should You Choose?

Why choose a high-index lens?

If you have a strong prescription and are looking for thinner, lighter lenses with a more attractive appearance, high-index lenses are the way to go. 

Thinner lenses

In general, the stronger the prescription, the thicker the lens will be.

A lens for nearsightedness is designed to be thinner in the center but thicker around the edges. With a strong prescription and regular thick lenses, your choice of eyeglass frames will be limited— especially if you were hoping to purchase rimless or semi-rimless frames.

More recently, the newest trends in eyeglass frames include plastic and metal rimless frames, as well as frames that contain thinner rims which expose the edge of the lens.

With a thicker lens, these types of frames can be less attractive and also more difficult to wear, as thicker lenses are not as secure within the frame and are more likely to pop out.

With thinner high-index lenses, you will no longer need to worry about the appearance of your lenses and you will gain a larger variety of frames to choose from. 

Lighter lenses

High-index lenses contain less material than regular lenses and are therefore lighter and more comfortable. 

Regular lenses for a strong farsightedness prescription can be quite heavy. High-index lenses however, don’t require as much lens material and will result in longer lasting comfort.

Also, as opposed to lenses for nearsightedness which are thicker on the edges, lenses for farsightedness are thicker in the center. With regular lenses, this can significantly magnify your eyes and may make you feel a bit self conscious at times.

High-index lenses contain a unique aspheric design which facilitates a flatter lens curvature, leading to reduced magnification and improved appearance.

Other advantages

High-index lenses are generally scratch resistant and can fit into almost any type of frame. They can also be treated with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV-protection coatings to improve vision and lens durability.

Disadvantages of high-index lenses

Before choosing high-index, speak with your eye doctor to determine if these lenses are necessary for your individual prescription. 

While high-index lenses can be beneficial for certain optical prescriptions, they can also be more expensive than regular lenses.

Many eye care professionals also recommend adding anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings to high-index lenses to improve vision and lens durability — this will further increase the overall cost of your new eyeglasses.

Also, it is important to know that high-index lenses are typically more fragile than regular lenses and need to be handled with a bit more care.

Before purchasing new lenses, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of high-index lenses with your eye doctor.

High-index lenses can improve lens comfort and appearance, and can even open the door to a larger variety of frames.  High-index lenses may be just the solution you have been searching for.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses 

Contact an eye doctor near you to find out which lenses are best for you and your eyes.

The post Guide to High-Index Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye that covers the pupil and iris. In a healthy eye, the cornea is clear and dome-shaped.

When keratoconus develops, the cornea becomes thinner and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape causes blurry and distorted vision as the light that enters the eye can no longer focus accurately onto the retina.

Keratoconus generally causes mild to severe astigmatism and nearsightedness, but can also cause corneal swelling and scarring, and even vision loss.

The most effective treatment for keratoconus is a procedure called corneal cross-linking.

What is corneal cross-linking?

Corneal cross-linking is the most effective treatment for keratoconus as it strengthens the cornea by creating new bonds between the collagen fibers in the center of the cornea. These new bonds help to stiffen the cornea, support its circular shape and provide extra resistance to the effects of worsening keratoconus.

Corneal cross-linking is the only treatment method that can stop keratoconus from worsening and reduce your chances of a corneal transplant later on in life.

Cross-linking may also be used to treat severe corneal ulcers and infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics.

In some cases, eye doctors may also recommend corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea prior to undergoing LASIK eye surgery.

How is corneal cross-linking performed?

Cross linking is an in-office  procedure that involves exposing the collagen fibers of the cornea to ultraviolet (UV) light.

There are two different types of procedures:

• Epithelium-off (epi-off). During this procedure, the epithelium is completely removed to allow the collagen fibers to be fully exposed to the UV light.
• Epithelium-on (epi-on). This procedure is less invasive, as the epithelium is loosened, instead of removed completely.

During both procedures, an eye drop of liquid riboflavin (vitamin B2) is applied to the surface of the eye. The eye is then exposed to the UV light at varying levels of time and intensity, to be absorbed by the cornea.

The UV light functions to stabilize the collagen fibers in the cornea and slow the progression of disease.

The epi-off procedure has proven to be 95 percent effective in stopping the progression of keratoconus.

The epi-on procedure is also effective, though the long term effects are still being studied.

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

SEE RELATED: Keratoconus

Is corneal cross-linking recommended for all patients?

Corneal cross-linking is generally recommended for patients in the beginning stages of keratoconus. This is generally due to the fact that the cornea at this point is not yet significantly irregularly shaped and any vision problems that have developed are generally not severe.

When corneal cross-linking is performed in the early stages of keratoconus,  this treatment can help to  prevent further corneal distortions and the need for specialized contact lenses

Are you a candidate for corneal cross-linking?

To determine if you are a good candidate for a cross-linking procedure, your eye doctor will assess your cornea’s shape and thickness using a corneal topography test. This test provides a detailed, color-coded map of the layers and shape of your cornea.

Your eye doctor will also measure your visual acuity, and examine your general eye health.

What to expect during your corneal cross-linking procedure

This outpatient procedure typically takes about an hour to complete, although the duration may vary depending on the procedure used.

After the procedure, your eye doctor will place a special contact lens on your eye to protect your cornea while it heals. You will also be given a prescription for an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drop to prevent infection and post-operative swelling.

To reduce your risk of complications, follow your eye doctor’s instructions on self-care and take all your medications as prescribed.

Corneal cross-linking is an effective solution for patients with keratoconus.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Corneal Conditions

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

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, speak with your doctor for more information on how corneal cross linking (CXL) can help you.

The post Keratoconus Treatment: Corneal Cross-linking  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived at our doorstep in late 2019, and now almost a year later we are still trying to understand how this contagion will change the world we live in.

Being forced to stay at  home, many people have rediscovered the wonders of their local environment — many people are spending more time with close family members and introducing themselves to neighbors.

Other people have devoted more time to home improvement projects, as evidenced by the dramatic increase in mid-year Home Depot earnings and the busy schedules of building contractors.

These seemingly small things are helping people to cope with the stress of the pandemic.

Moreover, an increasing number of people have also begun to appreciate the need for focusing on their medical care— which they may have ordinarily delayed or maybe even ignored altogether.

COVID-19 and visual health concerns

In the last few months, eye doctors have noticed an increase in the amount of patients looking to correct their vision once and for all. The most sought after surgical procedures include refractive eye laser surgery (LASIK), and cataract surgery. 

Some eye surgeons have more than doubled their number of scheduled eye surgeries as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

Away from usual distractions, and with more time to reexamine life priorities, many people seem to have discovered a truth about eye care and eye health. More specifically, that improved sight leads to an improved life.

Market research studies have repeatedly shown that 80% of people that need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, would strongly consider refractive laser surgery if they fully understood the benefits. Though, for some reason, most people don’t ask their eye doctors for information…until now.

According to studies, 95% of people are satisfied with the results of their laser eye surgery and state that LASIK surgery has improved their quality of life.

Additionally, evidence strongly suggests a positive correlation between cataract surgery and quality of life. When it comes to cataracts, one of the greatest fears of the older population is falling. With cataract surgery, not only does the patient experience a sense of freedom— from both eyeglasses and blurred vision— but also a reduction of anxiety.

If you have been thinking about laser eye surgery or are concerned about your worsening cataracts, visit your eye doctor to discuss the benefits of eye surgery.

Your improved sight can lead to an improved quality of life.

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Scleral lenses are the best option when you want to wear contact lenses, but neither soft or regular hard lenses are suitable.

What are scleral lenses?

Scleral lenses are a type of gas permeable (GP) lens that are specially designed for patients with corneal irregularities and other eye conditions that make contact lens wear difficult.

Their unique design enables them to arch over the cornea and sit on the sclera, or the white part of the eye. 

Scleral lenses are larger than standard GP lenses, and are therefore more stable on the eye. Their increased stability enhances comfort and makes them less likely to move around or fall out when you least expect it.

Types of scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are available in three different options:

• Corneo-scleral lenses and semi-scleral lenses are the smallest of the scleral lenses, and are positioned on the eye where the cornea and sclera meet.
• Mini-scleral lenses are the mid-sized scleral lenses. They arch over the cornea and are positioned on the front part of the sclera.
• Full scleral lenses are the biggest scleral lens option and provide the largest arch over the cornea, increasing the space between the lens and the cornea.

When are scleral lenses prescribed?

Although anyone can benefit from scleral lenses, they are generally prescribed for patients diagnosed with:

• Irregular corneal shape
• Sensitive cornea
• Corneal conditions
• Keratoconus
• Pellucid marginal degeneration
• Post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKP)
• Corneal irregularities post refractive surgery 
• Moderate to high astigmatism
• Sensitive eyes
• “Hard-to-fit” eyes
• Severe dry eye syndrome

Scleral lenses are custom designed for each patient to provide increased comfort, along with clearer, sharper vision.

If you have told you cannot wear soft contact lenses, contact an eye doctor near you, to discuss whether scleral lenses might be the solution.

SEE RELATED: How to Insert and Remove Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses and dry eye syndrome

Scleral lenses may be a solution for patients who have been told to avoid contact lenses due to their severe dry eye condition.

Standard contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and can therefore cause discomfort and irritation, and even increase the risk of corneal injury.

Scleral lenses do not touch the cornea at all, and are designed to keep the eye hydrated throughout the day.

Prior to scleral lens insertion, fresh saline solution is applied to the “bowl” of the lens. The solution remains in the space between the lens and cornea to provide continuous hydration and dry eye relief.

Some eye doctors recommend adding a gel eye drop or artificial tears solution to the “bowl” of the lens for further dry eye relief.

Artificial tears and other lubricating eye drops prescribed by your doctor may also be used during scleral contact lens wear to further lubricate your eyes. However, many patients discover that they are able to reduce the frequency of these drops as they begin to wear their scleral lenses.

As a result of the constant hydration provided by the scleral lens, patients with normally red, irritated dry eyes can obtain healthier looking eyes.

Scleral lenses are a great option for patients with dry eye syndrome, providing dry eye relief, improved visual acuity, and improved quality of life. 

What are the benefits of scleral lenses?

There are many benefits to wearing scleral lenses, including:

• Customized to your needs
• Higher oxygen permeability
• Durable and scratch resistant
• Comfortable, without any adaptation period
• Provide clear, sharp vision
• Stable on the eye
• Correct vision for hard to fit ocular conditions
• Provide dry eye relief
• Easy care and handling

What are the disadvantages of scleral lenses?

In order to obtain accurate eye measurements and a precise optical prescription, a scleral lens exam involves the use of special imaging devices and automated instruments. As a result, a scleral lens exam may be more expensive than a regular contact lens exam.

Additionally, scleral lenses should last around one to three years, but if you need to replace your scleral lenses for any reason, the cost of replacement lenses will typically be higher than standard contact lenses.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are interested in learning more about scleral lenses and if they are right for you, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

Scleral lenses are a great contact lens option for those with special eye conditions, and may provide the comfort and visual clarity you have been searching for. 

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