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Managing Myopia: What You Need To Know

Myopia: The Basics

Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, individuals with myopia have difficulty seeing objects in the distance, while nearby objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops during childhood and tends to worsen gradually until early adulthood. It can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, and various management options are available to help slow down its progression.

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Understanding Child Eye Care

As a parent or caregiver, you undoubtedly want the best for your child’s health and well-being. One crucial aspect of their overall health is eye care. Ensuring that your child’s vision is in top shape can greatly impact their learning, development, and overall quality of life. So, what do you need to know about eye care for children?

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The Best Tool For The Job: Testing for Macular Degeneration with the AdaptDx® Pro

As someone deeply passionate about optometry and optical health, I understand the importance of preserving our eyesight. One vital aspect of this is testing for conditions like Macular Degeneration. Just imagine being able to detect a leading cause of vision loss before it advances significantly! That’s exactly what this advanced technology offers.

This powerful new piece of diagnostic equipment is the latest innovation enabling eye doctors to test the night vision of their patients, testing the eye’s ability to adjust to the dark can catch the early warning signs of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. And eye care specialists armed with this early detection system can more successfully determine a course of preventive treatment.

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Sports Glasses: Choosing the Best Specialty Eyewear for Your Physical Activity

What Types of Specialty Eyewear are Available for Sports Activities, and Why Is It Needed?

If your family leads an active lifestyle that includes sports activity, you might be wondering why specialized eyewear is important. It’s not about style – it’s about providing perfect vision while keeping your eyes safe and healthy.

There are various types of specialty eyewear designed for different sports, such as wraparound sunglasses for outdoor activities and impact-resistant goggles for racquet sports and basketball. These are needed to protect your eyes from potential injuries, harmful UV rays, and glare, all while improving your vision to allow for safe activity.

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Contact Lenses for Vision Correction: The Basics

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are thin, transparent discs that are worn in the eye to enhance vision. These lenses rest on the tear film that covers the cornea.

Similar to eyeglasses, contact lenses correct vision problems caused by refractive errors. A refractive error occurs when the eye fails to properly refract, bend, or focus light, resulting in a blurred image.

Contact lenses can improve vision for individuals with the following refractive errors:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism (distorted vision)
  • Presbyopia (age-related changes in near vision)

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are made from various types of plastic, with hard and soft lenses being the most common.

Hard contact lenses:

The most prevalent type of hard contact lens is the rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens. These lenses are typically composed of plastic and other materials. They maintain their shape firmly while allowing oxygen to pass through to the eye.

RGP lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with astigmatism and keratoconus, a condition characterized by an unevenly curved cornea. People who have allergies or tend to develop protein deposits on their lenses may also prefer RGP lenses.

Soft contact lenses:

The majority of individuals opt for soft contact lenses due to their enhanced comfort and a wider range of options. Here are various types of soft lenses:

 Daily wear contacts: These lenses are worn while awake and removed before sleep. Many are disposable, meaning that a new pair is used each day. Alternatively, there are options that last longer and only need replacement once a week, every two weeks, or every month. If you only wear contacts occasionally, some ophthalmologists recommend disposable daily-wear lenses.

 Extended-wear contacts: These lenses can be worn overnight but should be removed for cleaning at least once a week. However, fewer eye doctors recommend extended wear contacts due to the increased risk of serious eye infections.

Toric contacts: These lenses correct vision for individuals with astigmatism, although not as effectively as hard lenses. Toric lenses can be worn daily or for extended periods, but they often carry a higher cost than other soft contact lenses.

Colored (tinted) contacts: Vision-correcting contact lenses can be tinted to change the color of the eyes. They are available as daily wear, extended wear, and toric lenses.

Decorative (cosmetic) contacts: These lenses are primarily used to alter the appearance of the eyes but do not correct vision. They include colored contacts and lenses that can make the eyes resemble vampires, animals, or other characters. Additionally, they are utilized to conceal certain eye problems present from birth or caused by injuries. Although they do not correct vision, a prescription is required for decorative contacts. These lenses must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned as instructed to prevent dangerous eye infections.

It’s important to note that decorative contact lenses can lead to serious eye problems. Your eyes are incredibly important and delicate. Ensure that your contact lenses are medically safe and FDA-approved.

Contacts should not be treated as fashion accessories or cosmetics. They are medical devices that necessitate a prescription from an eye care professional.

Non-prescription costume contacts can result in cuts, open sores, and potentially blinding infections in the eyes. In addition to experiencing severe pain, surgical intervention such as a corneal transplant may be required, and in some cases, permanent blindness may occur.

If you desire decorative contact lenses, consult an eye care professional.

Different Types of Contact Lenses

Presbyopia Contacts: These contact lenses are specifically designed to address the vision issues that typically arise after age 40, making it difficult to see nearby objects clearly. Various options are available for these corrective lenses, including bifocal or multifocal contacts and monovision correction. In monovision correction, one eye wears a lens for near vision while the other eye wears a lens for distance vision.

Hybrid Contact Lenses: These lenses have a rigid center surrounded by a soft outer ring. They offer the sharp vision provided by rigid lenses while ensuring the comfort of soft lenses.

Scleral Contact Lenses: Gas permeable (GP) lenses that cover the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. These lenses are larger in size and are effective in correcting vision problems caused by irregularly shaped corneas, such as corneal scars, keratoconus, or previous surgeries. Some individuals may find them more comfortable than regular GP lenses.

Bandage Lenses: These contacts do not have a prescription but cover the cornea’s surface for added comfort after an eye injury or surgery.

Proper Care for Contact Lenses

It is crucial to clean, disinfect, and store your contact lenses correctly to avoid the risk of serious eye infections. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care provider precisely.

Risks Associated with Contact Lenses

Wearing old or ill-fitting contact lenses can lead to eye scratches and the growth of blood vessels into the cornea, a dangerous condition that poses a threat to your vision.

Using certain eye drops with contact lenses can also cause complications. It is advisable to avoid using any eye drops while wearing contacts, except for wetting drops or preservative-free lubricating drops recommended by your eye doctor.

If you experience symptoms such as intense redness, pain, excessive watering, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or discharge (ooze or pus) from your eyes, it is essential to remove your contact lenses and promptly seek assistance from your eye doctor. These symptoms could indicate serious eye problems.

Taking Proper Care of Your Contacts

Always clean and disinfect any contact lens you remove from your eye before reinserting it. Various types of cleansing systems are available, so consult your eye doctor to determine the appropriate cleaning solutions for your specific lenses, considering factors such as lens type, allergies, and protein deposits.

To prevent dangerous eye infections, it is crucial to clean and store your lenses correctly. Follow these guidelines:

Cleaning and Storage Instructions:

Adhere to the schedule provided by your eye doctor for wearing and replacing your lenses.

Follow the directions given by your doctor, the contact lens manufacturer, and the lens cleaning solution manufacturer regarding cleaning and storing your lenses.

If your lenses have been stored for a long time, consult the instructions to see if re-disinfection is necessary before wearing them. Never wear contact lenses stored for 30 days or longer without re-disinfecting.

Have regular eye exams: To ensure proper fit and prescription accuracy, it is important to visit your eye doctor regularly. Over time, contact lenses can warp, and changes in your cornea can occur.

Avoid water contact: Refrain from wearing contacts while showering, swimming, using a hot tub, or engaging in activities where water may enter your eyes. Contact lenses and water are not compatible.

Don’t sleep with daily wear lenses: Do not sleep while wearing daily wear contact lenses. Remove them before sleeping and follow the recommended usage guidelines.

Clean and rewet carefully:

  • Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them using a lint-free towel.
  • Regardless of the type of lens cleaning solution you use, employ a “rub and rinse” cleaning method.
  • Gently rub your contact lenses with clean fingers, then rinse them with the solution before soaking.
  • Never moisten your contacts with saliva or put them in your mouth. Saliva is not a sterile solution.
  • Avoid rinsing or storing your contacts in water, whether it’s tap water or sterile water.
  • Homemade saline solutions should never be used.
  • Saline solution and rewetting drops are not suitable for disinfecting your lenses. They do not possess disinfectant properties.
  • Use a fresh batch of solution each time you clean and disinfect your contact lenses. Refrain from reusing or topping off old solution.
  • Do not transfer contact lens solution into a different container, as it will compromise its sterility.
  • Ensure that the tip of the solution bottle does not come into contact with any surface. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Care for your contact lens case:

Maintain the cleanliness of your contact lens case. Rinse it with sterile contact lens solution (not tap water) and leave it open to air dry.

Replace your contact lens case at least every three months, or immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged.

Are Contacts Suitable for You?

While millions of people choose to wear contact lenses, they may not be suitable for everyone. You may not be able to wear contacts for the following reasons:

  • Frequent occurrences of eye infections.
  • Severe allergies or persistent dry eyes that are challenging to manage.
  • Working or residing in excessively dusty environments.
  • Inability to properly care for your contact lenses.

For comfortable and clear vision with contact lenses, it is essential that your cornea and tear film are healthy. Commitment to proper care and timely replacement of lenses is crucial. Consult with your ophthalmologist or eye care professional to discuss your vision needs and expectations. They can guide you in determining whether contact lenses are a suitable option for you.

If you are interested in obtaining contact lenses, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to begin the process. At Kirman Eye we can provide the best technology, the latest scientific information, and the highest quality treatment available. We are always happy to answer your questions and will work with you to find the ideal solution for you.

Your partners at Kirman Eye are passionately dedicated to providing our patients with the best and most effective eye-care options available when anticipating all of your optical needs.

Contact us to work with you today!

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

Where eye care is concerned, protecting your overall health is a key part of the strategy to keep your eyes in tip-top condition! It’s important to make healthy choices and to take good care of yourself. As we age, our eyes age with us, increasing our chance of developing certain conditions that can directly affect the development of various eye diseases. These conditions include hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes. Diabetics risk the onset of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder that can potentially result in partial vision loss and eventual blindness.

If you’re worried you might be at risk for eye disease, talk to your doctor. There are steps you can take to lower your risk. Talk with your family members about any eye problems they may have had and inform your eye doctor if any eye diseases run in your family.

 Eat Eye-Healthy Foods

Eat healthy foods that support eye health! Carrots, squash, and pumpkin are full of vitamin A—an essential ingredient to good vision and long-term eye care. Also be sure to eat plenty of dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, which are high in the eye-friendly antioxidant, lutein. Another nutritional source that is good for your eyes is found in foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This includes many types of fish, including salmon, halibut, and tuna.

Don’t Smoke

Quitting smoking not only lowers the risk of heart and lung disease, but it also seriously lessens your chance of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions.

 Shield Your Eyes

To protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, you should consider wearing the best sunglasses available. Even on cloudy days, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from ultraviolet exposure, a known cause of cataracts and certain cancers. The best sunglasses for this purpose are equipped with lenses capable of blocking 99%-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.

Wear protective eyewear when needed! Safety goggles are designed to protect your eyes during hazardous activities, like doing construction work or making home repairs. Don safety goggles or eye guards when using tools that might result in flying debris, drifting gas or fumes, or splashing chemicals.

Sports goggles are also a wise precaution when playing any sport that involves thrown objects.

Keep Your Eyes Clean

If the wrong types of bacteria get into your eyes, they can cause an infection, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, swelling, discharge, pain, and/or difficulty seeing. To avoid this, be sure to throw away old eye makeup and replace your mascara about every three months. If you wear contact lenses, thoroughly wash your hands before you put your contacts in or take them out, and remove them at night even if they’re labeled for long-term wear—sleeping in them will increase the risk of infection by allowing bacteria ample time to multiply in the eyes. Always be sure to clean and disinfect the lenses regularly, and replace them as needed.

Limit Your Screen Time

If you spend too much time staring at TVs, smartphones, or computer screens, it can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision, or headaches. One reason for this is that when we are focused on electronic screens, we blink less often than we normally would.

Too much screen time will tire out your eyes and can eventually lead to a decline in your vision health. To avoid that, try using the 20-20-20 Rule to refresh and rewet your eyes: rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes, to look at something about 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

Use Eye Drops To Flush Your Eyes When Needed

There are a number of very efficient eye drop brands on the market designed to soothe dry eyes or calm itching from allergies or other irritants. You can use these to wash out your eyes and flush away any foreign particles you may have picked up, keeping your eyes clean and properly irrigated.

Monitor Changes To Your Eyes

You should pay close attention to any changes in the conditions of your eyes. Many eye ailments are painless, and some have symptoms that are easily overlooked.

Symptoms to be concerned about include persistent pain in the eye, reduced or blurred vision, double vision, hampered peripheral vision, or painful eye movement. You should also seek immediate care if one eye looks noticeably different from the other, or if you start to consistently see rainbow-colored rings or halos around light sources.

If you notice any changes to your eyes that seem to be getting worse, or if you experience eye discomfort that does not go away within a few days, you should make an appointment to see an eye care specialist right away.

Get Regular Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams

Dilated eye exams are quick, simple, and painless, but they are still the single best way to maintain your long-term eye health. Remember: even though your eyes may feel perfectly normal and seem healthy, you might still have a hidden problem that you can’t detect yourself. Many eye ailments don’t present noticeable symptoms at first, or even in their latter stages. A dilated eye exam allows your eye care professional to diagnose the inner workings of your eyes and is the most effective way to detect many eye problems early when they are easier to diagnose and treat.

There are a number of things that you can do to protect your eyes and keep them healthy. The most important action you can take is to get regular eye checkups. Regular eye exams will enable your eye doctor to keep track of your eye health and preemptively spot conditions that could put your vision at risk.

Your partners at Kirman Eye are passionately dedicated to providing our patients with the best and most effective eye-care options available when anticipating all of your optical needs.

Contact us to work with you today!