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The Pros and Cons of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

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The Pros and Cons of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are definitely a convenient option, but are they the right choice for you? Taking a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these contact lenses will help you make this decision.

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What Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to thirty days before removing them, depending on their type. They’re made of thin, breathable silicone hydrogel, a material that allows more oxygen to pass through the lenses to your cornea. If the cornea doesn’t get enough oxygen, you’re more likely to develop inflammation or infection. Some rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are also suitable for extended wear.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Pros

Extended wear contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

  • Convenience. Since you rarely remove extended wear contact lenses, they’re an excellent option if your job or hobbies make it difficult to remove or clean your lenses. You might prefer to wear these lenses if you enjoy multi-day hikes on mountain trails or work in a job that requires long hours.
  • Less Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your contacts, you’ll love extended wear contact lenses. Since they’re designed to be worn continuously, you’ll spend much less time cleaning them.
  • Less Touching. Do you dislike touching your eyes when putting in contact lenses? When you wear extended wear lenses, you’ll minimize the time you spend putting in and taking out your contacts.
  • Clear Vision Day and Night. If you’re severely nearsighted or farsighted, wearing extended wear contact lenses means you can see clearly from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You’ll no longer have to pat your nightstand in search of your glasses in the morning.
  • Cost. Daily contact lenses cost significantly more than extended wear lenses. If cost is a concern for you, you may decide that extended wear contact lenses offer a better value.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Cons

Extended contact lenses also have a few drawbacks, including:

  • Shorter Actual Wear Schedule. Although extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to 30 days, not everyone can tolerate wearing the lenses that long. Your optometrist will tell you how long you should wear the lenses during the fitting process.
  • Possible Sleep Issues. Some people also find that sleeping in the lenses irritates their eyes. Regardless of how long you wear your extended wear lenses, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends sleeping without the lenses for at least one night after the end of the scheduled removal date. All About Vision notes that a flexible wearing schedule might be a good compromise. If you follow a flexible schedule, you’ll remove the lenses at night but can sleep in them occasionally.
  • Risk of Infection and Eye Issues. Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of eye infections whether you wear daily or extended wear contact lenses, but extended wear lenses carry a higher risk. According to the British Contact Lens Association, wearing contact lenses to sleep increases the risk of an infection by four times, no matter what type of lens is worn.
  • No Swimming or Showering. Any type of contact lens, including extended wear contact lenses, should not be worn while swimming or showering. The lenses can soak up germs in the water that may cause corneal infections. Bacterial keratitis, a common eye infection among contact lens wearers causes eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to your vision if you develop keratitis.

Need help finding the perfect type of contact lenses for your lifestyle? We’ll help you consider all the options and recommend the ideal lens for you. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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How Your Optometrist Can Help with Myopia Control

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Can Your Optometrist Help You Control Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses helps you see better if you have myopia, but won’t prevent your nearsightedness from worsening. If you or a member of your family are nearsighted, your optometrist offers several treatment options that could slow the progression of myopia. Current options include:

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Atropine Eye Drops

Using prescription atropine eye drops may slow the rate of myopia progression. The drops relax the ciliary muscles that change the shape of the lens inside your eye and the size of your pupils.

The lens is a clear, flexible disc inside the eye that focuses light on the retina, a layer of cells at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals. The ciliary muscles relax or tighten to alter the shape of the lens as you look at a near object or shift your focus to something in the distance. These changes ensure that light is focused at the exact point on the retina needed for sharp vision.

Atropine eye drops are usually used before you go to sleep. Although the drops slow the progression of myopia, they can’t cure it. According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care in 2022, atropine drops offer an effective way to slow the progression of myopia in children.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, commonly called ortho-k, involves reshaping a person’s corneas by wearing special contact lenses overnight. The cornea, the clear tissue covering the iris and pupil, refracts light as it enters the eye. Ortho-k lenses flatten the cornea, which helps improve the focus of light on the retina.

You’ll remove the contact lenses every morning and enjoy sharp, clear vision during the day. Ortho-k contact lenses must be worn every night to maintain vision results in adults and children. The lenses don’t offer immediately results, but do slowly improve vision over several weeks.

Ortho-k not only reduces reliance on eyeglasses but may also keep myopia under control. A literature review published in Ophthalmology in 2019 noted that ortho-k was effective in slowing myopic progression in children and teens and was most beneficial when started between ages 6 – 8.

Multifocal Lenses

Soft multifocal contact lenses contain several lens powers in one lens, allowing them to provide good near, far, and intermediate vision. The center part of multifocal contact lenses keeps near vision sharp while the outer rings improve intermediate and far vision. The outer rings increase focusing power and keep peripheral light rays focused in front of the retina. According to the National Institutes of Health, focusing light in front of retina slows eye growth in animal studies.

Wearing multifocal lenses slowed myopia progression and eye growth in children aged 7-11 during a three-year study funded by the National Eye Institute.

Multifocal eyeglass lenses could offer the same vision advantages as contact lenses and can be a good option for people who aren’t comfortable inserting contact lenses.

Research studies thus far on myopia control have focused on the benefits for children and teens. Although atropine, ortho-k and multifocal lenses haven’t been extensively studied in adults yet, that doesn’t mean that these options won’t also slow myopia in adults. In fact, they may be a good option if you’d like to keep your nearsightedness from getting worse. Your eye doctor can help you decide which option is best for you or your child.

Would you like to find out if atropine, ortho-k or multifocal lenses could keep your myopia under control? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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What Is Photophobia and How Is It Treated?

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Photophobia: When Your Eyes Are Sensitive to Light

Do sunny days and bright lights make you want to hide in a dark room? You may be experiencing photophobia, or light sensitivity. Photophobia can cause eye pain, discomfort, and squinting when you’re exposed to bright lights. Fortunately, your optometrist can recommend treatments and strategies to improve your comfort.

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What Causes Photophobia?

Photophobia has many causes including:

  • Light-Colored Eyes. People with blue, green, or hazel eyes may be more likely to experience light sensitivity because they have less melanin in their eyes. Melanin, the pigment which gives your eyes their color, helps protect your eyes from UV light. People with brown eyes have more melanin, while those with light eyes have less.
  • Headaches and Migraine. You may notice that you’re unusually sensitive to light when you have a headache or migraine. Photophobia with headaches is particularly common and affects about 80% of people with migraines, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Bright lights can also trigger migraines.
  • Inflammation. Inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye), cornea (the clear tissue over the iris and pupil), or sclera (the white part of the eye) can cause photophobia.
  • Albinism. People with albinism have much less melanin in their bodies, which affects hair, skin, and eye color and can play a role in photophobia.
  • Dry Eyes. Itching, burning, and redness could mean you have dry eye. This common eye condition also increases your light sensitivity. Seventy-five percent of veterans with dry eye reported pain sensitivity to light in a study published in Review of Ophthalmology in 2016.
  • Corneal Abrasion. A painful sore on your cornea could be the reason that you have trouble opening your eyes in bright conditions.
  • Blepharospasm. Blepharospasm, a condition that causes involuntary eyelid twitching or blinking, can increase light sensitivity.
  • Head Injury. You may be more sensitive to light after a concussion or other head injury.
  • Eye Diseases and Conditions. Photophobia can be a symptom of several eye diseases and conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, uveitis, corneal neuropathy, optic neuritis, vitritis, and papilledema.
  • Other Causes. Meningitis, fatigue, depression, anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric disorders, pituitary tumors, fibromyalgia, measles, and medication side effects are among the other causes of light sensitivity.

Treating Photophobia

Let your optometrist know if you’re experiencing sensitivity to light. Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination that will help him or her determine if an eye problem or another condition is responsible for your symptoms. If your optometrist suspects a medical condition, you’ll be referred to the appropriate specialist for treatment.

Treating eye conditions and underlying health problems may improve your photophobia. For example, if you have blepharospasm, Botox injections can stop your eyelids from twitching and improve your comfort in brightly lit environments. If you have keratitis, a condition that occurs when the cornea is inflamed, artificial tears or prescription antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral eye drops may be helpful.

If photophobia is a chronic problem for you, these strategies may make spending time in bright environments more comfortable:

  • Wear Sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses improve eye comfort by filtering out horizontal light. Sunglasses you get from your optometrist will also filter out UV light that may cause cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Transitions eyeglass or contact lenses that darken in bright conditions and lighten in dimmer conditions can be a good option if you don’t want to carry a pair of sunglasses with you. Although you may be tempted to wear sunglasses indoors, that’s a bad idea, according to Kathleen Digre, MD, professor of ophthalmology and neurology at the University of Utah. She told the AAO that wearing dark glasses indoors may actually increase your light sensitivity.
  • Don’t Forget Your Hat. Wear a hat with a brim to keep the sun off your eyes.
  • Use Eye Drops. Lubricating eye drops keep your eyes moist and may reduce photophobia symptoms.
  • Keep It Dim. Use dimmers on lights that are too bright. Avoid fluorescent lights if possible. If you can’t, ask your eye doctor about special eyeglass lenses. Rose-colored FL-41 lenses can reduce migraines triggered by lights, while blue-blocking lenses may also reduce light sensitivity. Blue-blocking contact lenses are also available.
  • Turn It Down. Adjust brightness settings on phones and other devices, like laptops, tablets, and televisions.

Are you tired of being in the dark? We can help you with your photophobia symptoms. Call our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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Does Ocular Hypertension Affect Your Vision?

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Does Ocular Hypertension Affect Your Vision?

Ocular hypertension happens when the pressure inside your eye becomes too high. The condition doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms but may increase your risk of developing glaucoma.

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What Is Ocular Hypertension?

Intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) helps your eyeball keep its round shape. Optometrists become concerned when your pressure is 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHG) or higher. High ocular pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, doesn’t always affect your vision or damage your eyes but can be a warning sign.

Some people with ocular hypertension eventually develop glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. Optic nerve damage interferes with the nerve’s ability to send electrical signals from the eyes to the brain and makes it difficult for the brain to produce clear, complete images. As a result, you may notice a decrease in peripheral (side) vision or blind spots.

What Causes Ocular Hypertension?

Ocular hypertension occurs due to a drainage problem in the eye. Aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the inside of your eye, is responsible for maintaining normal pressure inside the eye. If your eye makes too much fluid or the fluid doesn’t drain properly, the pressure inside the eye rises.

Ocular hypertension risk factors include:

  • Age. If you’re 40 or older, you have a greater chance of developing the condition.
  • Race. Hispanics and African Americans have a higher risk for ocular hypertension, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
  • Systemic (Overall) Blood Pressure. Your risk may also increase if your blood pressure is relatively low or higher than normal.
  • Family History. Have others in your family been diagnosed with ocular hypertension or glaucoma? Your chances of an ocular hypertension diagnosis may be higher
  • Other Factors. You may also be at increased risk of developing ocular hypertension if you have high myopia (nearsightedness), have taken steroid medication for a long time, have a thin central cornea, or have certain conditions or diseases, like diabetes, pseudoexfoliation syndrome or pigment dispersion syndrome.

When Is Treatment Needed?

High intraocular pressure doesn’t always damage the optic nerve, but it is a concerning sign. Whether you need treatment or not depends on your pressure reading and risk factors. If your pressure is only slightly high, your optometrist may recommend regular monitoring and pressure checks.

If your intraocular pressure is too high, you may be more likely to develop glaucoma. If this is the case, your eye doctor may prescribe special eye drops that lower the intraocular pressure and reduce your risk of glaucoma. You’ll need regular exams to check the health of your optic nerve and ensure that the drops are working.

Prescription eye drops could help you avoid vision loss if you have ocular hypertension, even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. According to a research study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, eye drops could delay or prevent primary open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve and doesn’t cause sudden vision changes. Unfortunately, the damage is usually permanent by the time people notice vision loss.

More than 1,600 people between the ages of 40 and 80 with high intraocular hypertension participated in the study. One group received prescription eyedrops to lower intraocular pressure, while the only group was only monitored. After five years, 9.5% of people in the observation group had developed open-angle glaucoma, compared to 4.45% who used prescription eyedrops.

Scheduling regular visits with your optometrist can help you avoid the devastating effects of ocular hypertension. A quick, simple test during your exam provides important information on eye pressure and helps your eye doctor determine if you need treatment if you have ocular hypertension.

Reduce your risk of ocular hypertension with a visit to the optometrist. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

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What Causes Yellow Eyes and How Are They Treated?

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Common Causes of Yellow Eyes

It’s only natural to be concerned if you’ve noticed that the sclera, the white part of your eye, has become yellow. Yellow eyes can be a sign of an underlying health condition and warrant a visit to the optometrist.

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What Does the Sclera Do?

The sclera is a tough connective tissue that covers most of the eye. It protects the inner eye from injury and helps your eyeball keep its round shape. Although the sclera is normally white, several diseases and conditions can make it look yellow.

Is Part of Your Sclera Yellow? You May Have a Pinguecula

Pingueculae are yellowish growths on the sclera that can develop if you spend a lot of time outdoors without wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light or are exposed to wind or dust. Although pingueculae are harmless, they can turn into larger growths called pterygia.

Jaundice Could Be to Blame if Your Entire Sclera Is Yellow

Jaundice might be the reason that the whites of your eyes are yellow. The condition affects people of all ages but is particularly common in newborn babies. Jaundice occurs in about 60% of newborns, according to the March of Dimes.

An excess amount of bilirubin causes your eyes to take on a yellow hue if you’re jaundiced. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when old red blood cells are broken down in the liver. The cells then leave the body in your urine and feces. If the liver doesn’t do a good job of removing the old cells or removes them too slowly, your eyes may appear yellow due to the bilirubin buildup.

Common jaundice causes include:

  • Gallstones. Gallstones form when bile, a digestive fluid, hardens into stones. Bile is made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. If the gallstones block the bile ducts between the liver and gallbladder, bilirubin collects in your bloodstream and may eventually turn the whites of your eyes yellow. Gallstones that move into the bile ducts are called bile duct stones. These stones were responsible for 92% of jaundice cases in a study of adults 45 and older with jaundice, according to a cohort study published in Family Practice.
  • Hepatitis. Hepatitis inflames the liver, making it harder for the organ to do its job. The infection can occur if you’ve been infected by the hepatitis A, B, or C virus, but can also happen due to heavy alcohol use, toxins, or use of some medications, like steroids or penicillin.
  • Parasites. It’s not a pleasant thought, but an invasion of parasites could be responsible for the change in your appearance. Jaundice can occur if roundworms block your bile ducts or liver flukes.
  • Cirrhosis. Alcohol-associated cirrhosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease could kill cells in your liver and replace them with scar tissue, affecting the normal function of the liver.
  • Birth Defects. Some people develop jaundice due to a birth defect or condition that affects the body’s ability to break down bilirubin. Diseases that can increase the risk of jaundice include Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and Gilbert Syndrome.
  • Pregnancy. In some cases, pregnancy hormones can slow bile flow in the gallbladder and cause jaundice.
  • Cancer. A cancerous tumor in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts may interfere with the normal flow of bile, causing bilirubin to accumulate in your bloodstream.
  • Other Causes. Yellow eyes due to jaundice can also occur if you have malaria, hemolytic anemia, an autoimmune disorder, or pancreatitis.

What Are the Treatments for Yellow Eyes?

Treatments for yellow eyes vary depending on the cause. Pingueculae or pterygia usually aren’t removed unless they interfere with vision or are unsightly. Newborns with jaundice are treated with special lights that help their bodies break down and remove excess bilirubin. Jaundice is usually a temporary problem that improves as the baby’s liver becomes more adept at processing blood cells.

If your optometrist suspects that your yellow eyes are related to jaundice, you’ll be referred to a general practitioner. Treating underlying conditions, like hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, anemia, or parasites, can return your eyes to their normal color. Blood tests or other types of tests, like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help your doctor determine the cause of your yellow eyes.

Are you worried about a change in the appearance of your eyes? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Choosing the Right Lenses for You

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Daily or Monthly Contact Lenses: Which Is Right for You?

Are your current contact lenses the best option for you? Comfort, convenience, and fit can vary from person to person and may be affected by many factors. If you’ve been reconsidering your contact lens options, this daily vs. monthly contact lens comparison can help you make your decision.

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Daily Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

Daily disposable contacts make wearing contacts easy. You simply insert a pair of contacts in the morning and throw them away before you go to bed.

Daily Contact Lens Pros

Benefits of wearing daily contact lenses include:

  • Thin Lenses. Daily contact lenses are much thinner than monthly contact lenses, which may make them feel more comfortable.
  • No Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your lenses every night, daily disposable lenses may be the ideal choice for you. Since you discard them every day, there’s no need to clean them.
  • Many Prescription Options. Daily wear lenses can be a good option if you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.
  • Convenience. If your lens tears or just doesn’t feel comfortable, you’ll simply take it out and replace it with a new lens. When you have a six- or 12-month supply of daily lenses available, there’s no concern about wasting a single lens.

Daily Contact Lens Cons

  • Lipid and Protein Buildup. Protein and lipid deposits tend to build up faster on thin disposable lenses. This usually isn’t a problem since you throw the lenses out every evening, but it may affect comfort for some people.
  • Can’t Reuse Lens. Reinserting your lenses after removing them could increase your risk for an eye infection. In a research study published in Optometry & Vision Science, daily disposable lens wearers were asked to put their lenses back in the saline blister packs. The next day, 95% of the participants had at least one contaminated lens.
  • Cost. Daily disposable lenses can be two to three times more expensive than extended-wear lenses, according to Time.

Monthly Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

Monthly contact lenses are worn every day for 30 days before being thrown out. This type of lens must be cleaned every evening.

Monthly Contact Lens Pros

Advantages of monthly contact lenses include:

  • Thicker Lenses. Thinner lenses tear more easily and can be a little more difficult to insert. Thicker lenses are more durable, make insertion easier, and are less likely to tear when handling.
  • More Prescription Choices. Although daily disposable lenses can be a good choice, they’re best for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. If you have a complicated prescription, monthly contact lenses may offer a better option.
  • Cost. Depending on the type, monthly contact lenses may cost much less than daily disposable lenses. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, monthly lenses are a good choice.

Monthly Contact Cons

  • Comfort. Some people find thicker lenses less comfortable than thin lenses. Although proteins and lipids don’t build up as quickly on monthly lenses, lens buildup can interfere with comfort near the end of the month.
  • Cleaning Schedule. Monthly lenses must be carefully cleaned and stored each night to remove proteins, lipids, and bacteria. If you don’t follow the cleaning schedule recommended by your eye doctor, you may be more likely to develop an infection, like keratitis. Keratitis can cause pain, redness, and blurry vision and could damage your vision if it’s not treated promptly.
  • Less Convenient. You’ll need to make sure you have an ample supply of contact lens cases and cleaning and storage solutions when you wear monthly contact lenses. Lens cases should also be replaced every three months, according to the American Optometric Association.

Whether you’re due for a new contact lens prescription or you want to try contacts for the first time, we can help you choose the perfect lens type. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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Can an Eye Exam Reveal Heart Problems?

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Can an Eye Exam Reveal Heart Problems?

Clearer vision isn’t the only benefit of scheduling an annual visit to your optometrist. Eye exams also offer important information about the health of your heart. During your exam, your optometrist will look for these common heart disease signs:

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A Ring Around Your Cornea

A white, blue, or gray ring around your cornea, the clear tissue covering your iris and pupil, isn’t automatically a cause for concern. The rings tend to be related to aging, but can also develop in younger people. In some cases, a ring, or arcus senilis, may be a sign that you have high cholesterol, a condition that affects almost 40% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If your “bad” cholesterol level is too high, fatty plaque begins to build up in your blood vessels, including those in your eyes. Plaque prevents normal blood flow and can be a factor in heart failure or heart attack.

Changes in the Retina

A healthy retina is essential for good vision. This layer of cells at the back of the eye captures light rays and converts them to electrical signals that the brain uses to create images.

If you have heart disease, your optometrist may notice these changes in your eyes:

  • Red or White Spots. Dilating your pupils with special eye drops helps your eye doctor see your retina clearly and detect signs of trouble, such as red or white spots. The spots may mean that an artery in your retina is blocked due to a heart valve or rhythm issue, a tumor or carotid artery disease, a disease that happens when fatty plaque clogs blood vessels. Blockages in branch arteries may only cause mild blurriness or might not cause any noticeable vision changes. If the central retinal artery is blocked, sudden loss of vision can occur.
  • Lesions. Tiny lesions on your retina could occur if cells die when blood vessels are blocked. These lesions, which eye doctors call retinal ischemic perivascular lesions, are significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to the research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2023. AFib is a rapid, irregular heart rate that affects blood flow to the heart. It can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure, or blood clots.

Bumpy Eyelids

Do you have yellow bumps on your eyelids? Called xanthelasma, the bumps are another sign of high cholesterol but may also form if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Xanthelasma may be unsightly, but luckily, they won’t cause any changes in your vision.

Preventing new bumps is as simple as getting your cholesterol under control. While improving your cholesterol will stop new bumps from appearing, existing bumps are here to stay unless you have a procedure to remove them. Xanthelasma can be removed with traditional or laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), chemical peels, or an electric needle, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Drusen

Like xanthelasma, drusen are fatty deposits. Drusen, unlike xanthelasma, form inside your eye. The yellow deposits collect under the macula and are made up of fatty compounds and proteins. The macula, located in the center of the retina, is essential for color and central vision.

Drusen are often found in people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD happens when cells in the macula die, while wet AMD occurs due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid. AMD can cause blurry vision and blind or dark spots in your central vision.

In some cases, drusen may be a sign of heart disease, according to research from doctors at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Their study, which was published in Retina in 2022, noted that subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) are linked with blood vessel diseases. SDD are a lesser-known type of drusen that can only be detected with special eye tests.

Regular eye exams not only help you protect your vision but offer an important means of early detection for heart problems. Ready to schedule your visit? Contact our office to make a convenient appointment.

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Tips to Keep Your Contact Lenses Comfortable During the Winter

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10 Tips to Keep Your Contact Lenses Comfortable During the Winter

If you’ve noticed that your contact lenses don’t feel quite as comfortable lately, you’re not alone. Many contact lens wearers struggle with comfort during the winter. Following a few of these tips just may make it easier to wear your lenses on dreary winter days.

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  • Raise the Humidity Level. Dryness is a common complaint among contact lens wearers during the winter when humidity is naturally lower. Unfortunately, the dry air produced by heating systems only worsens the problem. Adding a humidifier or two to your home will increase moisture and reduce your discomfort.
  • Stay Out of the Wind. Winter winds also dry your eyes, making your contacts feel hard and uncomfortable. Cut down on wind exposure by wearing sunglasses when you venture outside on a windy day. Any style will help block the wind, although wraparound styles provide the best protection. Make sure the sunglasses you choose block 100% of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
  • Avoid Blowing Air. Blowing air, whether it’s inside or outside, may dry your eyes. Sit far away from forced air heating vents in your home and aim vents away from your face in the car. Hot air from your hair dryer could also be the reason that your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. Solve the problem by putting your contacts in until after you style your hair.
  • Skip the Fire. Tempted to make a cozy fire in your fireplace to banish winter chills? Spending time in a smoky room can dry your contacts and make your eyes burn and itch.
  • Blink More. Blinking spreads moisturizing tears over your eyes and helps you avoid dry eyes. If you use digital screens at work or home, you may not be blinking enough. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that people using digital devices only blink 5 to 7 times per minute rather than the normal rate of 15 times a minute. Reminding yourself to blink could keep your contact lenses more comfortable.
  • Keep Rewetting Drops with You. You may be able to control the humidity at home, but what about when you’re out? If you notice your eyes are irritated, remove your lenses and apply a liberal amount of rewetting drops. Preservative-free artificial tears can also help keep your eyes moist.
  • Drink More Water. Drinking more water may or may not make your eyes more moist, but it typically won’t hurt to increase your water intake during the winter.
  • Store Your Glasses Nearby. If your contact lenses become too uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to pop out your contact lenses and put on your eyeglasses. You may find that your eyes need more frequent breaks during wintry weather due to wind and low humidity.
  • Keep Other Factors in Mind. Winter weather isn’t the only cause of dry eye. Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause could also be to blame, according to All About Vision. Diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and other diseases and conditions can also cause or worsen dry eye.
  • Talk to Your Eye Doctor. When dry eyes become a frequent problem, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your optometrist. He or she might recommend trying another type of lens that retains moisture better than your current lenses. Your eye doctor can also provide tips that will help you endure winter weather in comfort.

Dealing with contact lens discomfort this winter? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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The Benefits of Multifocal Contact Lenses

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The Benefits of Multifocal Contact Lenses

Reading the small print becomes a challenge when presbyopia changes your ability to focus on nearby objects. The age-related eye condition happens when the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to see close objects clearly. If you’re already nearsighted or farsighted, a presbyopia diagnosis used to mean wearing trifocals, bifocals, or progressive eyeglass lenses. Luckily, that changed with the introduction of multifocal contact lenses that provide clear vision at any distance.

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How Multifocal Contact Lenses Work

Multifocal lenses feature several different vision zones in one contact lens, allowing for clear vision near, far, and in-between. When you switch your focus from the traffic light several car lengths away to the dashboard in front of you, your vision seamlessly transitions from far to near.

Concentric multifocal lenses have alternating bands of near and far lens powers, while the center of the aspheric multifocal lens contains one power that gradually strengthens or weakens over the surface of the lens. A segmented, or translating, multifocal lens contains two distinct lens powers, just like bifocal eyeglass lenses. These gas-permeable lenses are made of rigid plastic, while the concentric and aspheric lenses use soft plastics.

Multifocal contacts are available in disposable, daily-wear and extended-wear lenses. Although they’re frequently prescribed for people who have presbyopia in addition to other refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness, multi-focal lenses can be worn by people of any age.

7 Advantages of Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

  • No Need for Glasses. You won’t need to rely on reading glasses to decipher labels or instructions when you opt for multifocal contact lenses. Scratched or fogged eyeglass lenses, and painful earpieces or nose pads won’t be problems either. Of course, you should keep a pair of backup eyeglasses on hand for those times when you aren’t wearing your contact lenses. Be sure to follow your optometrist’s recommendations for maximum contact lens wear times.
  • No More Head Tilting. When you use progressive eyeglass lenses, trifocal, or bifocals, seeing well often involves moving your head slightly to correspond with the specific vision power you need for a task. Since multifocal contact lenses adjust automatically, you’ll no longer have to tilt your head to see clearly. That may seem like a minor benefit, but it’s a big advantage if you happen to have arthritis in your neck.
  • Better Vision. Since multifocal lenses don’t have abrupt shifts in lens powers, you may notice that everything looks sharper and clearer.
  • A Good Option for Astigmatism. Were you told that multifocal lenses weren’t right for you because of your astigmatism? Recent advances in multifocal lens technology mean that people with astigmatism can now take advantage of the many benefits of multifocal contact lenses.
  • Better Sports Performance. Multifocal lenses help you see the field, court, track, or your opponents clearly, no matter the distance. They can be paired with sports goggles to offer excellent vision when you’re participating in your favorite activity or sport.
  • Good Depth Perception. Poor depth perception can be an issue with progressive eyeglass lenses, especially during the transition period when you’re getting used to them. Multifocal contact lenses make it a little easier for the brain to combine and process the information it receives from your eyes while using this type of lens.
  • Slower Progression of Myopia. Wearing multifocal lenses could slow the rate of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. When researchers evaluated the differences between wearing high- and medium-power lenses, they discovered that high-power lenses slowed the myopia progression rate significantly compared to medium-power lenses. Their study, which was published in JAMA in 2020, focused on children aged 7 to 11.

Would you like to find out if multifocal contact lenses are a good choice for you? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

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Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter

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Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter

Sunglasses aren’t just a summer fashion accessory. The tinted lenses protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun no matter what the season. In fact, wearing sunglasses during the winter could reduce your risk of several common eye diseases.

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Sun Exposure Affects Your Eyes Year-Round

When it’s cold and windy outside, sun damage is probably the last thing you’re worried about. UVA light damages the skin and eyes, although it can’t be seen or felt. Two types of ultraviolet light rays, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), can cause eye disease or conditions ranging from cataracts to cancer. UVA and UVB rays aren’t just a problem during sunny days. The rays also affect your skin and eyes on cloudy days.

Shielding your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun is a simple way to protect your eyes and prevent vision changes. Specially tinted sunglass lenses block UVA and UVB light, preventing it from entering your eyes.

3 Eye Conditions Caused by Sun Exposure

If you don’t protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses, you may be more likely to develop one of these eye conditions:

  • Dry Eye. A layer of tears constantly covers the eyes, keeping them moist and lubricated. Exposure to sun and wind, whether on a sunny summer day or a cloudy winter day, may cause tears to evaporate too quickly causing painfully dry eyes.
  • Sunburned Corneas: Have your eyes ever felt sore after shoveling snow or spending the day on the ski slopes? You may have photokeratitis, a condition that occurs when the clear corneal tissue that covers your iris and pupil becomes sunburned. Snow reflects sunlight, which increases your risk for developing photokeratitis. Spending time around fresh snow doubles your sun exposure, according to the World Health Association.
  • Growths. Sun exposure may also cause bumpy growths on your sclera, the white part of your eyes. Called pterygium, these growths usually aren’t a cause for concern unless they grow over your cornea and affect your vision. Pinguecula, another sun-related condition, occur when raised yellow growths appear on the whites of your eyes.

Want to Avoid These Serious Eye Diseases? Start Wearing Sunglasses Now

Exposure to UV light may be a factor in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and cancer. These diseases take years to develop and can be affected by other factors in addition to the sun. Although you may not always be able to prevent one of these eye diseases, you can reduce your risk by wearing sunglasses every day of the year.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Removal of the lens and replacement with an artificial lens implant is the only way to improve your vision if you have cataracts. In addition to causing cloudy or blurry vision, cataracts make colors look faded, worsen glare, and make night driving difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when cells begin to die in the macula, the center part of the retina. The retina captures light, interprets that light, and sends impulses to the brain, which processes and stores them as images. AMD causes blurry vision or a blind spot in your central vision.

Cancer on your eyelids or in your eye may also be a hazard of sun exposure. The American Cancer Society expected almost 3,500 cases of cancer affecting the eye or orbit (the structures around the eye) to be diagnosed in 2023.

Protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Follow the American Optometric Association’s advice and wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB, in addition to scheduling regular visits with the optometrist. Need to make an appointment? Contact our office to schedule your visit.

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