More than 30 million people in the United States wear contact lenses; yet, according to the CDC, between 40% – 90% of these wearers do not properly follow the care instructions for their lenses. That’s a staggering number of people who aren’t taking proper care of their contacts, and are at risk for vision problems.
There are a variety of contact lens problems that could put your eye health at risk. If you don’t follow the correct care procedures, maintenance and replacement schedules and use, you may experience one or more of the following problems:
- Dry eyes
- Discomfort
- Red eyes
- Blurred or reduced sharpness of vision
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately. Inspect them for any kind of damage and remember to never put a damaged contact back in your eye! Instead, put it back in its case. If the lens wasn’t damaged, there’s a chance that the issue was caused by a more serious condition. Be sure to keep the lens off your eye, and immediately call your eye doctor. Keeping your eyes safe and healthy is your number one priority!
Underlying Issues
- Ill-Fitting Lenses: If your lenses do not conform to your eyes’ size and shape, they’ll cause a fair amount of discomfort and loss of visual acuity. This problem is easily fixed – your optometrist will take some measurements and provide you with a better fitting lens.
- Dry Eyes: Sometimes contact lenses create or contribute to a condition known as dry eyes. People with dry eyes do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes lubricated. If you’re routinely experiencing itchy, dry, uncomfortable eyes, your eye doctor can provide a treatment solution to keep your eyes moist.
- Allergies: People with allergies often have difficulties with contact lenses when they’re exposed to allergens, or during times when the pollen count is especially high (during spring and fall). Certain allergens can stick to the surface of your lenses, leading to irritation and discomfort. If you have allergies, it’s even more important to stick to a regular cleaning schedule to prevent buildup. If problems persist, try switching to daily disposable lenses.
Are your contact lenses bothersome? Successful contact lens wear always begins with a comprehensive eye examination and a thorough fitting by your optometrist. The fitting includes: an evaluation of your cornea, a lens care kit, individual instruction for wear and care and follow-up visits. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, need bi-focals or are simply looking to enhance the color of your eyes, there is a contact lens available for you.
Our Optical Boutique carries a complete line of contact lenses including:
- Disposable
- Multi-Focal
- Tinted
- Toric for astigmatism
- Specialty lenses for those with certain corneal conditions
Give us a call at (309) 243-2400 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our eye care specialists today.
