Contacts and Eyeglasses: Helping You to See

Contacts and Eyeglasses Helping You to See: Contacts and eyeglasses are two important tools available for those who need corrective help to see clearly. Vision is one of the most important of the five senses and it is imperative that people take steps to protect their eyesight. Screening for eye conditions, having your eyes checked on a regular basis, and ensuring that you wear contacts or eyeglasses as prescribed by your optometrist are important steps you can take to help give your eyes their best chance. Those who wear prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses must make certain to know the pros and cons associated with each. It is also important to remain aware of the possible risks associated with contact use. By staying in touch with your optometrist and notifying him or her immediately of any eye concerns, you can identify problems early and address any concerns in a timely manner.

Eye Health and Conditions

There are a wide number of eye conditions and many of these can lead to permanent vision loss or damage. Some conditions occur as a person grows older, such as cataracts or glaucoma, while other conditions are rarer. Those with diabetes are in a vulnerable position as the disease may ravage their eyesight and cause vision loss. Sometimes vision is blurred due to the anatomical structure of the eye. This is often corrected with prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses. Other conditions may be more severe and could require the use of surgery. With so many conditions that can wreak havoc on the eyes, it is imperative that everyone has their eyes checked on a regular basis.

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The Importance of Getting Your Eyes Checked

People of all ages need to have their eyes checked on a regular basis. There are numerous conditions that affect the eye and some of these have very few early symptoms. The best way to determine eye health is to have an eye examination performed by a professional. Individuals of all ages should have regular eye exams and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants have their first eye exam by the age of six months. Children should have them at least every three years following. Those diagnosed with eye conditions may be prescribed contact lenses or eyeglasses. It is important that those diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (presbyopia) follow their optometrist’s recommendations and wear their glasses or contact lenses as directed.

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Wear your Corrective Contact Lenses or Glasses                                                                      

Though many adults will readily wear their contact lenses or eyeglasses if prescribed to them, many children might have difficulty wearing them. Some children are worried they will be bullied or made fun of for wearing glasses. Whether an adult or child, the old saying is true: glasses will not help if you do not wear them. There are certain situations when an optometrist prescribes glasses to be worn only for certain occasions. Some conditions require the use of glasses or contact lenses for reading up close or for distance viewing. Other prescriptions require the wearing of glasses or contacts throughout the day. Speak to your child’s teacher if you are concerned your child is not wearing his or her glasses during school hours.

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Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses: Pros and Cons

Those given a prescription for corrective lenses may choose between eyeglasses and contact lenses. Both have pros and cons and it is important to weigh both and make your decision accordingly. Some find eyeglasses cumbersome and feel they are uncomfortable to wear. Those who live active lifestyles might feel that contact lenses are a more convenient alternative to eyeglasses. Though eyeglasses are generally considered safer than contact lenses, they can result in injuries. Those who play sports while wearing eyeglasses most often experience this. It is important to wear safety glasses instead of regular prescription glasses for the best protection.

Contact lenses, though popular, do carry a degree of risk. Sometimes wearing contact lenses can cause ulcers to form as well as eye infections. Irritation is common and it takes a while for wearers to adjust to wearing contact lenses. If you experience any pain, excessive tearing, burning, pain or other discomfort while wearing contact lenses, call your optometrist immediately.

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Contacts and Eyeglasses: Wear, Care, and Maintenance

Taking care of your contacts and eyeglasses is an important aspect for making sure they last. Eyeglasses should be cleaned with a soft cloth and either dish soap or a solution formulated specifically for eyeglasses. Those who wear contacts must make certain to regularly clean, rinse, and disinfect their lenses. Failing to do so can result in serious eye infections. It is best to use commercially prepared solutions rather than attempt to make cleaners at home. Contact wearers must be on guard to prevent falling asleep with their contacts in. Those who accidentally fall asleep while wearing contacts should remain on the lookout for signs of irritation or infection. Seek your eye doctor immediately if you develop any negative symptoms. If you have difficulty remembering to remove your contact lenses, speak to your eye doctor about extended wear contacts. These can be worn for up to 30 days at a time.

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Fashionable Contacts and Eyeglasses

Contact lenses and eyeglass frames come in a wide assortment of styles and designs. Select eyeglass frames based upon the shape of the face and the natural coloring of the hair and skin. There is a full line of eyeglass frames created by top designers. These frames are a bit more expensive but ensure that the wearer can select from the latest styles in frames. Fashionable eyeglass frames are an important aspect to the eye care industry.

Fashionable contact lenses run the gamut from colored lenses designed to give the iris of the eye a different appearance to those that are designed for unnatural looks. Many contact lenses designed for fashionable purposes contain some degree of risk and should be chosen accordingly. Obtain contacts through a prescription in order to ensure proper fit. To stay on the safe side, treat contact lenses as the medical device they are, and not as a fashion accessory. Failure to obtain contact lenses from a reputable dealer may result in harm to the eye. 

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