5 Fast facts about contact lenses

1. MULTIFOCAL LENSES OFFER NEW OPTIONS FOR THOSE MIDDLE-AGED AND BEYOND
Once you reach age 40 or so, many contact lens wearers with nearsightedness -- meaning they have difficulty seeing things at a distance -- discover that they now have trouble reading up close, too. For some, that means having to wear reading glasses in addition to their contacts, which largely defeats the purpose.
"Now, there are blended contact lenses that people can wear for both distance and close-up vision," said Dr. Leslie Goldberg, director of ophthalmology at St. Francis Hospital and an eye surgeon based in Manhasset
These lenses are known as bifocal or multifocal lenses because they allow two or more levels of vision correction.
2. SOFT LENSES ARE AVAILABLE TO CORRECT ASTIGMATISM
Astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred vision, has long been difficult to correct through contact lenses, especially the widely favored soft ones.
But today, more soft contact lenses -- including daily disposables -- are available to treat astigmatism, Goldberg said. However, their availability still may be limited by a particular person's prescription.
Daily disposable lenses, for example, aren't available for some people who need higher levels of correction, he said, because there aren't enough people with those prescription levels for contact lens manufacturers to sell the lenses at a high volume.
3. CONTACT LENSES CAN COMBAT DRYNESS
Though some people can't wear contact lenses because their eyes are naturally too dry and become irritated by the contacts, "there are several new materials and designs which incorporate a lubricating agent within the lens or other treatments that can improve the long-term 'wetability,' " Goldberg said. "Dryness is less of a problem, and some people who couldn't have previously been able to wear contacts can wear them."
However, dryness still can be troublesome for some contact lens wearers, cautioned Dr. Gerard D'Aversa, an ophthalmologist in Valley Stream. "The contacts need to float on the surface of the eye for them to function properly," he explained. "Patients that have a dry eye syndrome could have difficulty wearing the contacts and, in turn, could have complications from the contacts mechanically rubbing up against the surface of the cornea without proper lubrication being present."
4. DON'T WEAR YOUR LENSES OVERNIGHT
"We see the most common problems related to contacts in patients who sleep with the contacts overnight," D'Aversa said.
"The contact lens is placed on the cornea at the front of the eye," he said. "This structure receives its oxygen and nutrients from the tear layer covering the cornea. Contacts slow or may prevent the flow of oxygen and nutrients
from being absorbed by the cornea. This leads to a breakdown of the corneal surface, which, in turn, can lead to infections of the cornea and ultimately scar tissue formation and loss of vision."
To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to allow the cornea "to breathe," he said, by giving it a break from contacts.
5. DAILY DISPOSABLES REMAIN THE SAFEST LENSES
To reduce the chances of developing an eye infection, ophthalmologists recommend that contact lenses be worn for the shortest time possible. The best way to do that is to put in new lenses each day, they say.
Dr. Pamela Weber, an ophthalmologist in Commack and Shirley who specializes in retina disorders, said that daily disposable lenses don't require chemical disinfection or cleaning, nor do they need to be stored in contact lens cases that can become contaminated.
She suggested that people who don't have daily disposable lenses replace their lens cases every month to avoid contamination.
And if you feel an eye irritation, Weber said, contact your eye doctor right away because you could have an infection. "Don't hold off," she said -- and be sure to take the lens with you to your appointment so your doctor can inspect it.

Understanding Vision Problems -- Prevention

Preventive eye care is the first line of defense against vision problems. Early Detection of vision problems may offer more effective treatment options:

• Have periodic eye exams (every 2-3 years for healthy patients under 50, yearly for patients over 50 or those with known health risk factors).
• Know your family's history for any eye problems.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Eat a nutritious diet for eyesight.
• Wear durable eye protection when involved in activities that could cause traumatic risk to your vision, such as sports, dealing with firearms, playing paintball. Occupations where hammering, cutting, sawing, drilling, or working overhead are other examples.
• Avoid hazards such as fireworks.

Maintaining healthy eyesight also depends on getting sufficient vitamins and dietary nutrients. These nutrients play a key role in keeping the eye moist and help protect your eyes from infection. A well balanced diet will provide most of what normal adults need. Foods rich in omega fatty acids, and leafy green veggies contain lots of valuable nutrients. Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for good eyesight. Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect the macula and retina. Watch your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. If you smoke, stop! Toxic cigarette smoke is linked to many serious eye conditions. Do everything possible to stay away from tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes, and other kinds of polluted air. If you have diabetes, you need to schedule regular eye exams and carefully monitor your blood sugar levels.

 

Popular Techniques to Relieve Eyestrain

Eyestrain is common in the healthiest of people, especially today as we spend more time in front of computers. Try these tips to prevent or ease eyestrain.

• Stay fresh! When using a computer or doing concentrated activity such as sewing or reading, rest your eyes for five minutes every hour. Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space.
• Blink regularly. Blinking helps reduce evaporation of the tear film that protects the cornea. Forceful blinking also relieves the strain of the continuous focus when you have been reading or looking at a computer screen, increasing the amount of concentrated activity you can perform.
• While driving for long stretches, alternately focus on the dashboard and a faraway object. Changing the focus periodically will relax your eye muscles and prevent eyestrain.

What are the symptoms of pinkeye, and is it contagious?

Children under any suspicion of pinkeye will be quickly isolated from other children at school. The parent will be called, and the child excluded from school until they return with a doctor’s note. Granted, many types of pinkeye (conjunctivitis) are contagious. Combined with the hygiene practices of kids, pinkeye can quickly spread, especially in a preschool or day care.
The eye is very sensitive and easily becomes pink when irritated. Allergies top the list for causing irritation and eye itching. You will see children constantly rubbing or knuckling their watery eyes, with dirty hands of course. Allergies are not contagious, but they can sure set the stage for a secondary bacterial infection.
Highly chlorinated swimming pools cause pink or red eyes, too. This chemical conjunctivitis is not contagious, but a cautious teacher is not going to take the time to sort out the various types. They are going to exclude the child and have the medical provider properly diagnose them.
I often see children excluded with a stye, or babies excluded from child-care facilities with a clogged tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction). These are not contagious.
Eyes get easily scratched during play. Sometimes, a baby with sharp, untrimmed fingernails will scratch his own corneas. A corneal abrasion is very painful, and the eyes will tear and become red or pink in response to this common injury.
Among the most common causes of pinkeye are bacterial and viral infections. These infections can be contagious.
Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require antibiotic treatment and typically resolves in two to four weeks. There may be a thin, watery discharge from the eye. Some types of viral conjunctivitis can be serious, such as that caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic therapy. The discharge from the eye is thicker and can be profuse.
Often people with bacterial conjunctivitis can return to work or school 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy. Those with viral conjunctivitis may need to wait until their symptoms resolve. Be sure to check with your doctor in both cases

Cold Temperatures Affecting your Eyes

Eye injuries caused by cold exposure most often occur in individuals who try to force their eyes open in high winds, cold weather, or during activities such as snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.

Eye symptoms from cold temperature exposure include:

Eye pain.

Loss of vision.

Blurred or decreased vision.

Double vision.

Severe sensitivity to light (photophobia).

In rare cases, the cornea may freeze, which can lead to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eyelid spasms (blepharospasm), excessive tearing, and pain when you try to rewarm the eye.
Snow blindness is not directly caused by cold temperatures but does occur in snow conditions. Sunlight reflecting off the snow causes a corneal injury or burn. Eyelids may become red and swell. The eyes may feel dry and as though they have sand in them.
Treatment includes rewarming the eye and medicine to moisten and protect the eyes.

Eye Problems

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
Begin Here
1. Is your eye tearing?	Yes	Go to Question 11.**
No
2. Do you have blurred vision?		Go to Question 8.*
No
3. Have you recently injured your eye, and are you experiencing any of the following symptoms: sudden appearance of spots and strings floating in your field of vision; flashes of light in 1 or both eyes; partial loss of vision?	Yes	You may have a serious and urgent problem, such as a DETACHED RETINA.		URGENT CALL YOUR EYE DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
No
4. Is your eye red, do you have severe eye pain, or has your vision suddenly decreased or become cloudy?	Yes	Your symptoms may be from ACUTE GLAUCOMA, a condition caused by a rise in eye pressure that can cause permanent vision damage or blindness.		URGENT If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
No
5. Are you experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches and a pain in one or both temples?	Yes	Your symptoms may be a sign of a serious inflammatory condition called TEMPORAL ARTERITIS.		SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
No
6. Do you have thick nasal drainage and pain or pressure on your forehead and behind your eyes?	Yes	SINUSITIS (an infection of the sinuses) may be the cause of your pain.		Use a cold or sinus medicine, and drink lots of fluids. Warm facial compresses may also help relieve the pain. If your symptoms don't improve, or if you have constant fever or severe pain, see your doctor as soon as possible.
No
7. Are your eyes red or sensitive to light, are you experiencing eye pain, and do you see dark, floating spots?		You may have an inflammation inside the eye called IRITIS.		See your doctor or an eye specialist right away.
No
*8. Do you have diabetes, and have you noticed any changes in your vision?	Yes	Over time, too much glucose (sugar) in the blood can cause eye problems.		Tell your doctor about the vision changes you have experienced. He or she can give you advice on preventing eye problems.
No
9. Does your toddler have crossed eyes?	Yes	Crossed eyes, or STRABISMUS, can occur when eye muscles become weak or when there is a loss or lack of vision in one eye.		Have your child checked by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
No
10. Are your eyes red, itchy or swollen, or is there a bite-like swelling on one of your eyelids?	Yes	Your symptoms may be from an ALLERGY or an INSECT BITE.		Use a cool compress and take an antihistamine to relieve discomfort. See your doctor if the swelling doesn't get better or if you have a fever.
No
**11. Do you have a fever, and is your eye swollen and tender to the touch?	Yes	These may be signs of a serious eye infection called PERIORBITAL CELLULITIS.		URGENT SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
No
12. Is there a firm, painful lump in the eyelid or a tender "pimple" on the edge of the eyelid?	Yes	You may have either a CHALAZION or a HORDEOLUM; both are types of STIES.		Sties usually heal in 5 to 7 days. To relieve the pain, apply warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, 4 times a day and take mild pain relievers. If the bump grows or doesn't go away, see your doctor. If the redness spreads or swells quickly, seek help promptly.
No
13. Is the white of the eye pink, red or irritated, and are there any secretions or mucus from the eye?	Yes	CONJUNCTIVITIS, also called "PINK EYE," can be caused by a virus or bacteria.		Conjunctivitis is very contagious, so avoid contact with the eye and wash your hands often. Try over-the-counter eyedrops and apply warm compresses to relieve any discomfort. If there's no improvement, you may have a more serious form of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. See your doctor promptly.
No
14. Is your eye red, is your vision blurry and do you feel like you have sand in your eye?	Yes	This sensation may be from a SCRATCHED CORNEA or from a small particle under the eyelid.		Rinse your eye with clean water or a saline solution. If the sensation doesn't go away, see your doctor as soon as possible.
No
15. Do you have a burning sensation in the eye, is the eye red and itchy, and is the skin around the eye scaling?	Yes	This chronic irritation is called BLEPHARITIS.		Apply warm compresses and wash your eye gently with an eyewash and washcloth. If the problem doesn't resolve, see your doctor.
No
16. Do you wear contact lenses, and do you have eye pain?	Yes	You may have an irritation from contact lens overuse or a more serious eye condition caused by your contact lenses.		Remove your contact lenses and let your eyes rest for a while. If the redness or irritation doesn't go away, see your eye care professional.
No
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

IOL

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens implanted in the eye used to treat cataracts or myopia. The most common type of IOL for cataract treatment are known as pseudophakic IOLs which work by replacing the crystalline lens which has been clouded over by cataracts. The second type of IOL, more commonly known as a phakic intraocular lens (PIOL), is a lens which is placed over the existing natural lens used in refractive surgery to change the eye's optical power as a treatment for myopia or nearsightedness.^[1] IOLs usually consists of a small plastic lens with plastic side struts, called haptics, to hold the lens in place within the capsular bag inside the eye.^[2] IOLs were traditionally made of an inflexible material (PMMA), although this has largely been superseded by the use of flexible materials. Most IOLs fitted today are fixed monofocal lenses matched to distance vision. However, other types are available, such as multifocal IOLs which provide the patient with multiple-focused vision at far and reading distance, and adaptive IOLs which provide the patient with limited visual accommodation.
Insertion of an intraocular lens for the treatment of cataracts is the most commonly performed eye surgical procedure.^{[citation needed]} The procedure can be done under local anesthesia with the patient awake throughout the operation. The use of a flexible IOL enables the lens to be rolled for insertion into the capsule through a very small incision, thus avoiding the need for stitches, and this procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes in the hands of an experienced ophthalmologist. The recovery period is about 2–3 weeks. After surgery, patients should avoid strenuous exercise or anything else that significantly increases blood pressure. They should also visit their ophthalmologists regularly for several months so as to monitor the implants.
IOL implantation carries several risks associated with eye surgeries, such as infection, loosening of the lens, lens rotation, inflammation and night time halos, but a systematic review of studies has determined that the procedure is safer than conventional laser eye treatment.^[3] Though IOLs enable many patients to have reduced dependence on glasses, most patients still rely on glasses for certain activities, such as reading.

Cataract surgery is the removal of the natural lens of the eye (also called "crystalline lens") that has developed an opacification, which is referred to as a cataract. Metabolic changes of the crystalline lens fibers over time lead to the development of the cataract and loss of transparency, causing impairment or loss of vision. Many patients' first symptoms are strong glare from lights and small light sources at night, along with reduced acuity at low light levels. During cataract surgery, a patient's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens to restore the lens's transparency.^[1]
Following surgical removal of the natural lens, an artificial intraocular lens implant is inserted (eye surgeons say that the lens is "implanted"). Cataract surgery is generally performed by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) in an ambulatory (rather than inpatient) setting, in a surgical center or hospital, using local anesthesia (either topical, peribulbar, or retrobulbar), usually causing little or no discomfort to the patient. Well over 90% of operations are successful in restoring useful vision, with a low complication rate.^[2] Day care, high volume, minimally invasive, small incision phacoemulsification with quick post-op recovery has become the standard of care in cataract surgery all over the world.