Contact lenses have been around for decades, starting from rigid gas permeable lenses to soft lenses made with synthetic resin and now the more advanced silicone hydrogel lenses that are currently on the market today. Contacts are an alternative method to obtain clear and comfortable vision without the restrictions of glasses.

There are currently 45 million people in the US who wear contact lenses. It is estimated that 40-90% of contact lens wearers do not properly follow the care instructions for their contact lenses. Noncompliance with proper contact lens care instructions is known to increase the risk of serious eye infections and complications.

Despite the conveniences of disposable contact lenses, there are risks with wearing a lens over the cornea, the outer most part of the eye, for prolonged periods of time. Some of the complications from improper contact lens use are:

 
• -microbial keratitis (inflammation)
• -giant papillary conjunctivitis (bumps on the eyelids)
• -corneal abrasions or ulcers
• -limbal stem cell deficiency
• -corneal neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth)

These adverse events can arise from not adhering to the recommended wear and replacement schedules, sleeping in lenses over night, inadequate disinfection and lens storage case hygiene, and exposure to contaminated water. Contact lens wear should be discontinued if any redness, eye pain, light sensitivity or discharge occurs and seek professional care as soon as possible.

Here at Optometry At The Shops, we are dedicated to providing the latest innovations in contact lens therapy. Daily disposable soft contact lenses are a good option for all ages. Instead of having to clean and store the lenses in a solution over night, it can simply be tossed in the trash and a new fresh pair is used the next morning to be worn that day. Daily disposable contacts also do not get buildup from the protein, lipid or calcium that is present in your tear film on the surface of the lenses which can occur with biweekly or monthly lenses that could lead to irritation and inflammation. Therefore, the use of daily disposable lenses reduces the risk of eye infections and contamination.

Come by today and see what is available for you and your vision demands. We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Choi

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