Who gives eye exams?

 

Three kinds of eye specialists may perform an eye exam:

• Ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who provide full eye care, such as giving you a complete eye exam, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases, and performing surgery.

• Optometrists. Optometrists provide many of the same services as ophthalmologists, such as evaluating your vision, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing common eye disorders and treating selected eye diseases with drugs. But you'll likely be referred to an ophthalmologist for more complex eye problems and for conditions requiring surgery.

• Dispensing Opticians (DO). DO's dispense spectacles and provide recommendations on th type of lenses that will be most suited to your requirements. Some Dispensing Opticians also fit contact lenses.

Which specialist you choose may be a matter of personal preference, or one specialist may be best for treating your particular eye concern.

 

10 Reasons for Having an Eye Examination

 

The eye examination is a vital health check and should be part of everyone's normal health regime. Here are 10 important reasons to have a regular examination: 

Unless otherwise advised you should have an eye examination every two years. It may be necessary to have examinations more frequently depending on your age and medical history.

 

Visual standards for driving

 

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is responsible for determining a person's fitness to drive. A medical opinion from a doctor to the DVLA does not include an opinion of the patient's fitness to drive. All drivers have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA and their motor insurers if they develop a medical condition or a worsening of a pre-existing condition that might affect their fitness to drive.

Important parameters are:
Decreased central visual acuity
Binocular visual field defects
Double vision
Visual loss in one eye.
Important conditions causing these are:
Cataract
Diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma
Neurological defects (hemianopia, diplopia)

 

Central visual acuity

The number plate test in the driving test roughly equates to a visual acuity of 6/9 to 6/12 on the Snellens chart (the outdoor test allows for glare and contrast sensitivity, which indoor tests do not). Glasses or contact lenses can be worn. Central visual acuity can be affected in a stroke which hits the visual cortex, or an embolus to the eye.

Visual field defects

For driving the minimum uninterrupted field of vision required with both eyes open is a rectangle 120 degrees wide and 40 degrees high with the gaze at a central point of fixation. Visual fields need to be tested in an ophthalmic department. Field defects such as an homonymous hemianopia, bitemporal hemianopia, homonymous quadrantianopia do not meet this standard. The standard is achievable with only one functioning eye. Hemianopias and quadrantianopias would be the commonest field defects caused by stroke they may improve with time and the visual fields can be retested.

Double vision (Diplopia)

Diplopia is unacceptable for driving unless one eye is patched (an adaptive period is recommended before recommencing driving) or if it only occurs at the extreme of gaze. A squint or nystagmus does not in itself disbar a person from driving. Diplopia in stroke occurs when the cranial nuclei 3, 4 or 6 or their interconnections are affected in a brainstem stroke (POCs).

Loss of one eye

Loss of an eye or sight in one eye does not prevent a person holding a private car license (Group 1). If it happens an adaptive period of 3 months is appropriate before recommencing driving. Regulations for driving public service or heavy goods vehicles (Group II license) are stricter and the person may loose such a license.

Cataracts

Cataracts can adversely affect vision, especially in night driving when the bright lights cause the pupil to constrict. In natural daylight the person can test themselves by checking they can read a car registration number (79.4 mm high) at a distance of 20.5 metres. Difficulty with driving is a valid indication for early cataract surgery.

Diabetes

Insulin dependent diabetics are required by law to report their condition to the DVLA. They are granted a 1-3 year Group 1 license if they can demonstrate satisfactory control of their diabetes. They are required to report any deterioration in their condition which may affect their ability to drive. Patients (either insulin or non-insulin requiring) receiving laser treatment must report this to the DVLA - panretinal treatment for proliferatiove diabetic retinopathy may reduce the visual field to an extent that the person cannot meet the standards for driving. Insulin requiring diabetics cannot hold a Group II license. Any insulin requiring diabetic who becomes hypoglycaemic when driving can be charged for driving while under the influence of drugs, they should be advised to eat carbohydaretes when anticipating driving. Non-insulin requiring diabetics can hold a license up to the age of 70 years provided other standard criteria are met. They can hold a Group II license.

Glaucoma

A patients with newly diagnosed glaucoma or further visual field loss should inform the DVLA.

Visual impairment registration

A peron can register as blind through a consulatnt ophthalmologist if their vision is worse than 3/60 both eyes or worse than 6/60 both eyes with a restricted visual field.

 

How should you prepare for an eye exam?

 

If you're seeing a new Optometrist or if you're having your first eye exam, expect questions about your vision history. Your answers to these questions help your eye care professional to understand your risk of eye disease and vision problems. Be prepared to give specific information, including:

• Are you having any eye problems now?

• Have you had any eye problems in the past?

• Do you wear glasses or contacts now? If so, are you satisfied with them?

• What health problems have you had in recent years?

• Are you taking any medications?

• Do you have any allergies to medications, food or other substances?

• Has anyone in your family had eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma?

• Has anyone in your family had diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or any other health problems that can affect the whole body?

If you wear contact lenses, bring them to your appointment. Your  Optometrist will want to make sure your prescription is the best one for you. Also be prepared to remove your contacts for certain exams. Tests that use orange dye (fluorescein) to temporarily color your eye may permanently dye your contact lenses. You'll want to take them out before those types of tests.

 

What Happens in an Eye Examination?

 

An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and usually takes about 20 - 40 minutes (but may take longer if extra tests are required). As well as testing your sight, the optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems. The examination will normally include the following elements:

 

History and symptoms

 

At the start of the eye examination, your optometrist will ask why you are having your eyes examined, whether it is a routine check-up or if you have you come for a specific reason. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision your practitioner will need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them and whether any changes have happened suddenly or slowly over a period of time.

 

Your optometrist will also need to know about your general health including any medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems. You will be asked about your previous spectacles or contact lenses. Additional information, which will help your practitioner to make an accurate assessment, includes your occupation, whether you play sports or have any hobbies.

 

Examining the eye

 

Your eyes will be examined both externally and internally. This will enable an assessment to be made of the health of your eyes and may identify any other underlying medical problems. The interior of your eye will be examined using an ophthalmoscope, a special torch which shines a light through the pupil allowing a detailed study of the internal structures. Your pupil reflexes will also be tested.
 
Other tests which may be carried out, if necessary, include for example those for glaucoma or colour vision deficiency. If you are over 40, the College of Optometrists recommends you should be checked to make sure you are not developing glaucoma.  If you have glaucoma you will not normally notice until some sight has already been lost.  Checking for glaucoma involves a combination of two or three of the following three tests: looking inside your eye; measuring the pressure inside your eye (which may be done with a puff of air or after using drops to gently numb your eyes); and checking your visual fields to make sure you don't have have any abnormal blind spots.  Many optometrists now offer extra tests, such as photography of the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be made. Extra tests are also needed for contact lens fitting and check-ups.

Vision

 

Remember to take your spectacles or contact lenses with you when you attend for an eye examination. Your vision will be measured both with and without spectacles or lenses to check for any problems with your eyesight. The optometrist would normally assess your distance vision (for TV and driving), your near vision (for reading and close work) and your intermediate vision (for computer use).
 
Your optometrist will then carry out a series of tests to measure the type and extent of any problem with your vision. You will then be asked to choose between different lenses to see which ones help the quality and clarity of your vision. 

Eye movements and co-ordination

 

Eye movements and co-ordination are checked to make sure that both eyes are working together, and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. Good muscle balance is particularly important for those who use computers or read for prolonged periods.
 
After the eye examination

 

Your practitioner will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision and any special requirements that you may have. This information will be explained to you but if you do not understand anything or require more information, ask your optometrist who will be only too pleased to help. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the best form of vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs.
 
At the end of the examination you will be advised on the appropriate interval until your next examination and be handed a prescription for spectacles or contact lenses, or a statement which confirms that your eyes don't need correction. If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor or hospital.
 
When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing spectacles or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, the procedures for fitting lenses and further information about caring for and cleaning your lenses.
 
If you are not satisfied with your spectacles or contact lenses make sure that you contact your practice so that the matter can be dealt with promptly. As part of continuing care and service your optometrist will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your spectacles where possible.

Most optometrists will send you a reminder when your next appointment is due. Remember that if you have a problem with your vision or your eyes before your next eye examination is due there is no need to wait – contact the practice and make an appointment for a check-up.

 

What does my Optical Prescription mean?

 

At the end of your eye examination you will be given a prescription which will probably look something like the example below.

 

Bloggs Optometrists

23 High Street

Anytown

Tel: 020 123 456

 

Name of Patient:

Address:

 

               SPH               CYL               AXIS               PRISM               VA

R:

 

L:

 

ADD:                            NEAR VA 

 

 I have today examined the patient in accordance with the regulations with the following results:

 

* The prescription above was issued

* No clinical change in prescription was necessary

* No prescription was required

* The patient was refered to a medical practitioner

 

The next eye examination is recommended in ______ months

 

Signature of Optometrist______________(Mr JB Bloggs, MCOptom)

Date:________

 

You can see that the findings for the right eye are presented on the top line and for the left eye on the bottom line. Another way is to show the right eye on one side the form (normally the left) and the left eye on the other side of the form.

 

A prescription is usually valid for two years, but your optometrist may be recommended that you have your eyes examined more frequently than this, depending on your particular circumstances.

 

Remember, an eye examination does not only check that your prescription is right for you; it is also a check on the health of your eyes and visual system. Many eye diseases can go unnoticed until it is too late to treat them effectively so it is important to have regular eye examinations even if you feel you can still see well.

 

The "sph" box for "sphere" represents the amount of long or short light that is present.  The larger the number the stronger, and therefore the thicker the spectacle lens will be.  Plus lenses are used to correct long sight and minus lenses are used to correct short sight.

 

 

 

 

 

                       

                     Long-sighted corrected                      Short-sighted corrected 

                     with plus lenses                                    with minus lenses 

 

The "cyl" box for "cylinder" represents the amount of astigmatism that is present.  Astigmatism is caused when the eye is not completely spherical (like a football) its shaped more like a rugby ball.  This causes the vision to be distorted for both distance and near objects.  The cylinder may be plus or minus regardless of whether the sphere is positive or negative.

 

The "axis" box represents the orientation of the cylinder (from 0-180 degrees) and is the angle at which the lens is set into the frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    An astigmatic eye. The red rays represent the

                                                    sphere and the blue rays represent astigmatism.

 

The "prism" is the correction needed (if any) to align the eyes, so that they are looking straight and working well together.  A prism is a lens that bends the path of light without altering its focus.

 

"VA" stands for visual acuity. This indicates the standard of vision (for each eye) when corrected. It may or may not be included in the prescription and is usually presented as a fraction. In the UK, VA is conventionally measured at 6m, so the numerator is 6 (eg 6/6). In the US, VA is measured at 20 ft (eg 20/20). The larger the denominator, the worse the eye sees, so a VA of 6/12 is half as good as 6/6. 
 

"Rdg add" (reading addition) shows the additional positive power that is needed to enable the eyes to focus for close work. This is usually only needed for patients over 40-45, since focusing ability declines as we get older (presbyopia). If a reading addition is stated, this means you need different spectacle prescriptions for reading and for distance.

 

"Near VA" represents the smallest sized print that can be read with the prescription. This is usually written as Nx where x is a number representing the print size. N5 is the smallest sized type that you will normally find and N8 is approximately the size of normal newsprint.

 

Can my Optometrist Treat Eye Disease?

 

Under new regulations introduced in 2004, optometrists now have access to a wider range of eye drugs for diagnosing and treating eye diseases.

 

All optometrists can now sell or supply certain eye medicines to their patients.  Alternatively they may give you a written order for you to obtain the medicine via a pharmacy.  These drugs include anti-bacterial eye drops for treating conjunctivitis (‘red eye’). Optometrists may also sell or supply you with selected medicines previously only available from pharmacies, provided this is in the course of their professional practice. Examples of these drugs are certain anti-allergy drugs and ocular lubricants.

 

In addition, optometrists who undertake extra training now have access to an additional list of drugs allowing them to manage a wider range of eye conditions.

 

Eye conditions identified as those optometrists are most likely to encounter and manage in the community are: infective conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), dry eye and superficial eye injuries.

 

The new regulations also introduced a system called ‘supplementary prescribing’, for various health professionals, including optometrists. Under this system, you are assessed first by a GP or eye specialist (ophthalmologist) who then agrees an individual management plan with your optometrist. The optometrist can issue repeat prescriptions for eye drugs and may adjust the dose, although you would undergo regular reviews by the GP or specialist. Optometrists undertaking this work require a higher level of training.

See also:

 

Eye Examination Cost Exemptions

 

Many people are entitled to a NHS sight test for which there is no charge. You may be one of them.

The Department of Health estimates that 17.2 million eye examinations were conducted in the UK in the 12 months to 31 March 2004 and, of these, 11.4 million were paid for by the NHS.
 
Check the following list to see if you are entitled to a free examination provided by the NHS. If so, you may also be entitled to a voucher to offset the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses prescribed.

 

 

If your doctor has referred you to a hospital to have an eye examination it will always be free.
 
If you think you may qualify for a free eye examination, pick up the leaflet HC11 - Are you entitled to help with health costs? This is available from optometrists, post offices, social security offices, NHS hospitals and your local GP surgery.
 
If you are not on this list you can expect to pay around £20-£25 plus for a 20 - 40 minute examination, although you may pay extra for an extended examination or for additional tests, the fee charged will depend upon various factors including the exact content of the eye examination.

 

What are the different types of Contact Lenses?

 

 

There are two general categories of contact lenses – soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP). All contact lenses require a valid prescription.

 

Soft Contact Lenses

 

Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft contact lenses may be easier to adjust to and are more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses. Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydrogels to provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses.

 

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

 

Extended wear contact lenses are available for overnight or continuous wear ranging from one to six nights or up to 30 days. Extended wear contact lenses are usually soft contact lenses. They are made of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. There are also a very few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. Length of continuous wear depends on lens type and your eye care professional’s evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear. It’s important for the eyes to have a rest without lenses for at least one night following each scheduled removal.

 

Disposable (Replacement Schedule) Contact Lenses

 

The majority of soft contact lens wearers are prescribed some type of frequent replacement schedule. “Disposable,” as defined by the FDA, means used once and discarded. With a true daily wear disposable schedule, a brand new pair of lenses is used each day.

Some soft contact lenses are referred to as “disposable” by contact lens sellers, but actually, they are for frequent/planned replacement. With extended wear lenses, the lenses may be worn continuously for the prescribed wearing period (for example, 7 days to 30 days) and then thrown away. When you remove your lenses, make sure to clean and disinfect them properly before reinserting.

 

Specialized Uses of Contact lenses

 

Conventional contact lenses correct vision in the same way that glasses do, only they are in contact with the eye. Two types of lenses that serve a different purpose are orthokeratology lenses and decorative (plano) lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a lens fitting procedure that uses specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses to change the curvature of the cornea to temporarily improve the eye’s ability to focus on objects. This procedure is primarily used for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight Ortho-K lenses are the most common type of Ortho-K. There are some Ortho-K lenses that are prescribed only for daytime wear. Overnight Ortho-K lenses are commonly prescribed to be worn while sleeping for at least eight hours each night. They are removed upon awakening and not worn during the day. Some people can go all day without their glasses or contact lenses. Others will find that their vision correction will wear off during the day.

The vision correction effect is temporary. If Ortho-K is discontinued, the corneas will return to their original curvature and the eye to its original amount of nearsightedness. Ortho-K lenses must continue to be worn every night or on some other prescribed maintenance schedule in order to maintain the treatment effect. Your eye care professional will determine the best maintenance schedule for you.

 

More than 3 million people in the UK enjoy the many benefits that contact lenses have to offer. As well as the obvious cosmetic advantages, many people actually see better with their contact lenses than they do with their spectacles, as contact lenses provide a more natural form of vision correction. There are also many practical advantages to contact lens wear for sports and recreational use.

 

There are basically two types of contact lenses available: rigid gas-permeable and soft. However, there are many different lens materials and designs. Lenses may be used on a daily wear basis, and either discarded each day (daily disposables) or disinfected and re-used, or an extended wear basis where they are kept in overnight. Your contact lens practitioner will advise you on the most suitable lens type, wearing schedule, replacement frequency and care regime for your needs. Never switch the type of lens or solution you use except on the advice of your practitioner.

 

Remember that contact lenses can only be fitted by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, qualified dispensing optician or medical practitioner. Regular aftercare check-ups, at intervals specified by your practitioner, are essential to ensure that your eyes remain healthy and that you are using the best lenses for your particular needs. Contact lenses are constantly improving so even if you have been unsuccessful in the past it is worth trying again. Nowadays almost all those who need vision correction and want to wear contact lenses can do so.

 

Safe contact lens wear

For most people, contact lens wear is safe and completely trouble free. However,
research studies have shown a slightly increased risk of eye infection associated with contact lens wear when compared with no lens wear. Sleeping with your lenses in carries a higher risk than taking them out each night, although the new, highly permeable silicone hydrogel lenses may carry a lower risk than traditional extended wear lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses and daily disposables have an extremely low incidence of infection.

 

Other important risk factors highlighted by research include the following:
 
Poor patient compliance - Wearers not caring properly for their lenses.
Dirty storage cases - Wearers not cleaning their storage case regularly.
 

For lenses that are re-used, rather than worn once and discarded, the following guidance applies:

Disinfection

After removing your contact lenses it is essential that you disinfect them. This prevents harmful organisms building up on the lens. Your contact lens practitioner will advise you of the best contact lens system and care regime for your type of lenses. This may include additional cleaning procedures, such as rubbing or rinsing. Disinfection involves soaking your lenses in solution in a storage case for a specific period of time. Never re-use disinfecting solution or top up – it must be discarded and replaced with fresh solution each time the lenses are stored. Only use the care products recommended by your practitioner and follow the instructions carefully.

 

Case care

Rinse your storage case, leave it open to dry after use each day, and replace monthly. A dirty case is a major source of infection. Clean the storage case using a clean toothbrush and contact lens solution on a weekly basis.
 
With daily disposable lenses, no cleaning and disinfection is required after wear since the lenses are worn only once and thrown away. Do not re-use these lenses since disinfecting solution will not be available and they are unsuitable for repeated use. Wearing daily disposables does not decrease the importance of regular check-ups with your contact lens practitioner.

 

Extended wear lenses are specially designed for overnight wear and can be continuously worn for up to a week or a month at a time before being discarded. Do not sleep in lenses unless advised to do so by your practitioner to do so. Your practitioner will also advise you on how to look after the lenses if you have to remove them during this time. You may need to attend more frequently for check-ups if you wear this type of lens.       
 
Useful tips for contact lens care

The following tips apply to all contact lens types:

 

ALWAYS

• Wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.

• Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses.

• Replace the lenses at the interval specified by your practitioner.

• Have regular check-ups with your practitioner as recommended.

• Seek professional advice if you are having problems with your contact lenses.

• Ask yourself these three important questions each day that you wear your lenses:
   
  Do my eyes look good?
  Do my eyes feel good?
  Do I see well?
   
  If you cannot answer ‘yes’ to all of these, or you have any other doubts concerning your contact lenses, remove your lenses immediately and seek the advice of your contact lens practitioner.

NEVER

• Go to bed with a painful red eye - seek advice immediately.

• Bring any contact lens in contact with tap water.

• Wet your lenses with saliva.

• Wear your lenses for swimming (unless you use goggles) or showering.

 

FAQ'S about Contact Lenses

 

Q. Disposable lenses are supposed to be discarded after a single use. Can I continue to wear my lenses if they are still comfortable after the recommended wearing period?

A. Lenses should not be worn for longer than the recommended wearing period. The purpose of replacing contact lenses on a frequent basis is to prevent discomfort, dryness, blurred vision and allergic reactions that can result from a build-up of protein and lipid deposits on the lenses. As the deposits age and chemically change on the lens, they contribute to these irritations. The changes in the chemical composition of the deposits also increase the probability that bacteria may adhere to a contact lens, increasing the health risk even without any subjective deterioration in comfort. Check with your eye care practitioner for the lenses and lens replacement frequency that are most appropriate for you.

 

Q. I have dry eye problems. Can I wear contact lenses?

A. You’re less likely to have success with contact lenses than someone who does not have this condition. This does not mean that you cannot wear contact lenses at all. It simply means you may have a shorter contact lens wearing period than normal or that you may choose to wear your lenses only occasionally. You can increase the comfort of your lenses by inserting eye lubrication drops. As always, it is best to consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding whether you should wear contact lenses and what type of lenses may be suitable.

Q. Which type of contact lens is best for me?

A. Each individual is different, although there are some broad guidelines that may be followed. If you are interested in initial comfort, soft contact lenses may suit you better than rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. On the other hand, RGP lenses tend to last longer. However, it is easier for dust to get behind RGP lenses, causing irritation and discomfort. 

 

Q. I wear contacts only occasionally, at most once or twice a week. Which type of contact lens may be best for me?

A. A soft (hydrophilic) lens is more appropriate for occasional wear. Often customers find daily lenses the most convenient - no solutions and cases to bother with. Comfort is better from the outset and adapting is easier. Some types of these lenses are Sauflon New Day &  Ciba Focus Dalies.

 

Q. My Optometrist told me I couldn't wear regular contact lenses for presbyopia. Why not?

A. Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the eye cannot focus on near objects. In most cases, reading glasses or bifocal glasses are prescribed to correct presbyopia. But contact lenses can be prescribed also. Special bifocal contact lenses are available, such as the Acuvue Bifocal. As an alternative, many practitioners prescribe a system called monovision where one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other with a reading lens. Approximately two-thirds of patients adapt to this type of contact lens wear, with the brain automatically switching to the eye more clearly in focus.

Q. Wearing contact lenses while traveling by plane can be uncomfortable. Why, and what can be done to lessen the discomfort?

A. The low humidity in aircraft cabins contributes to dry eye symptoms and contact lens discomfort. It may help to put lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the airplane or during flight. If symptoms persist or become severe, it is probably easiest and best to wear eyeglasses when flying.

 

Q. Can contact lenses be "blinked" out?

A. With normal use, contact lenses will stay firmly in position. However, they can come out under certain conditions. High winds can cause the eyes to water and pull the eyelid tight against the eye, increasing the chance of lens loss. A sharp blow to the head may dislodge rigid gas permeable lenses. And rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a lost lens. Describe to your eye care practitioner all of the circumstances in which you are likely to wear your contact lenses. This will help him or her prescribe a type of lens that is less likely to be dislodged given your activities.

Q. Is it OK to swim while wearing contact lenses?

A. Only if you’re wearing goggles with a firm seal. If you don’t wear goggles, the contact lenses may float from your eyes and/or they will absorb the pool water, one consequence of which may be that they adhere quite firmly to the eye. If this occurs, it is advisable to leave the lenses alone for 10-15 minutes until the water in them has been replaced by natural tears before trying to remove them. Exposing your contacts to pool water also places you at risk of discomfort due to chlorine and infection from bacteria or other microorganisms.

 

Q. Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?

A. Wearing contact lenses for sports is a more flexible and stable form of eye correction than eyeglasses. If your sport involves vigorous exercise, a soft contact lens is an appropriate choice. Your eye care practitioner can help determine the best type of lenses based on your sport or activity.

 

Q. Which type of lens care system is best?

A. Recently, there has been a strong movement to "one-bottle" systems. These all-in-one solutions are the easiest and quickest to use. However, if you are particularly sensitive to chemicals, it may be better to use a hydrogen peroxide system. In most countries, lens care systems go through rigorous testing to meet government regulations to ensure that they are safe and effective. Your eye care practitioner will recommend the care system most appropriate for you. You should not make your own lens care solutions, nor should you mix different brands of solutions unless instructed by your eye care practitioner.

 

Q. Is it necessary to use protein remover tablets in additions to my normal daily cleaning procedure?

A. The need to use protein remover tablets depends on the amount of protein deposits your eyes produce and how often you replace your lenses. Protein deposits are normal. But as they age, they can change in chemical composition, contributing to discomfort and poor vision or leading to allergies. If these deposits become a problem, your eye care practitioner may recommend a type of contact lens that you replace more frequently. Depending on the replacement frequency, using a protein remover in addition to your daily cleaning regimen may not be necessary. Regardless of your lens replacement schedule, however, daily cleaning is important for eye health. Consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding your replacement and cleaning schedules.

 

Q. Can my contact lens be "lost" behind my eye?

A. No, a thin, but strong, membrane, called the conjunctiva, lines the inside of your eyelids and curls back on itself to cover the white part of the eye. Lenses cannot pass through it. However, your contact lenses may slide under your eyelids or become displaced. If this occurs, try looking in the direction of the lens to get it to move back to the correct position. If you wear soft contact lenses, they will tend to center automatically on the cornea. If you wear rigid gas permeable lenses, you may need to manipulate a displaced lens through the eyelid.

Q. Can contact lenses block ultraviolet light?

A. Although some manufacturers have added UV blocking properties to some lenses, none block all of the harmful UV light. Health organizations state that contact lenses are not a substitute for UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing sunglasses in part because contact lenses cover only a portion of the eye. It is recommended to wear UV absorbing sunglasses over your prescription contact lenses, even if they contain UV blocking properties. 
 

Q. Can contact lenses be fit if I have had refractive surgery?

A. Yes, but the refractive surgery will have altered the contour of your eyes, requiring a more specialized lens than normal. It is best to consult your eye care practitioner who will have details of your specific history and requirements.

Q. How often should contact lenses be changed?

A. The recommended life of contact lenses varies depending on the type of lenses, from 1-day, 1-week, 2-weeks, 1-month, and longer. With any contact lens, you should follow the prescribed wear and care instructions that include guidelines for replacement.

Contact Lens Insertion and Removal Technique:

 

Please follow the following hyperlink:

 

http://www.us.cibavision.com/for_your_eyes/insert_remove.shtml

 

 

Eximer Laser Surgery In Detail:

 

Please follow the following hyperlink:

 

http://www.sheinman.com/Alasikcont1..htm