Contact Lenses Wearers Guide
Filed under Vision Care
Reasons for choosing contact lenses
Each wearer has a different reason for using contact lenses. However, in our experience the major reasons why our customers want the option of contact lenses in addition to glasses are:
Convenience: for example daily disposables require no cleaning or care (unlike glasses) “The Look”: many wearers prefer the look of contact lenses to glasses and find that it is a confidence booster Sports Use: many people could not enjoy their favourite sports without contact lenses. Often people will begin wearing contact lenses for sport and end up using them in all walks of their lives because of the benefits they discover
Types of contact lenses
Contact lenses can be split into the following groups:
Daily Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair of every day Two Weekly Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair every two weeks Monthly Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair every month Extended Wear Lenses – can be worn continuously whilst awake and asleep Toric Lenses – for patients who suffer from astigmatism Multi-Focal Lenses – provide all in one vision correction for patients who cannot see clearly over long and short distances Coloured Contact Lenses – fashion lenses for people who fancy a change from their natural eye colour
The majority of contact lenses purchased are soft and Lenstore.co.uk only stocks soft contact lenses. Hard (or “Rigid Gas Permeable”) contact lenses do exist and are typically for patients who suffer from severe astigmatism and irregular corneas. Your Optician will let you know if hard contact lenses are the most appropriate for your eyes but for the majority of people soft lenses provide the best option.
How to get contact lenses for the first time
If you currently wear glasses and want to try contact lenses the first thing you should do is book a contact lens examination with your Optician. He / she will take you through the whole process of getting fitted for contact lenses. Your Optician will first check if your eyes are suited for contact lenses (most people’s are). He / she will then train you in how to insert and remove your lenses and will also show you how to clean and take care of them. Next you’ll be given a trial set of contact lenses which normally last a week. At the end of the trial week you visit your Optician again and he / she will ensure that your eyes have reacted well to the lenses. At that point you’ll buy three months supply of contact lenses from your Optician and wear them. After three months, you’ll visit your Optician for the last time during the fitting period and he / she will write you a prescription. Make sure you grab a copy of your prescription. You’ve now been officially fitted for contact lenses and can buy them from whichever supplier you choose.
Putting your contact lenses in
Step 1: Wash your hands with soap, rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
Step 2: Place the contact lens on the palm of your hand, check that it is clean and not torn.
Step 3: Ensure that the contact lens is not inside out (if it is the edges will flare up slightly) and place it on your forefinger (your pointing finger).
Step 4: Insert the lens. Use the forefinger on your opposite hand hold up your upper eyelid to prevent you from blinking. Use the third finger on the hand in which you have the contact lens to hold down your lower eyelid. Look up and place the contact lens onto the white of your eye. Look downwards to allow the lens to slip into position. Remove your fingers and close your eye momentarily. Your lens should be in place.
Step 5: Repeat the procedure on your other eye.
Helpful Tip: get into the habit of putting your right eye’s lens in first. It’ll reduce the chances of mixing up your contact lenses.
It does take a little practice to perfect your technique so don’t despair if you’re finding it difficult for the first few days or weeks. If you continue to have difficulty inserting your contact lenses then make an appointment with your contact lens Optician who should be happy to observe your technique and help you improve it.
Removing your contact lenses
Step 1: Make sure the contact lens is in the middle of your eye before trying to remove it. To check the lens is centred cover your other eye. If your vision is blurred your lens is not in the correct place. Look into a mirror and centre the lens with your finger.
Step 2: Pull down your lower eyelid.
Step 3: Whilst you have your eyelid pulled down, place your finger on the bottom edge of your lens and slide it down to the white part of your eye.
Step 4: Squeeze the contact lens gently between your finger and your thumb and remove the contact lens from your eye.
Helpful Tip: Get into the habit of removing your right eye’s lens first. It’ll reduce the chances of mixing up your contact lenses.
Cleaning and storing contact lenses
Step 1: Place the contact lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of the recommended contact lens solution to the lens. Use your opposite hand’s forefinger (pointing finger) to rub the lens gently on both sides.
Step 2: Rinse the lens thoroughly using plenty of contact lens solution.
Step 3: Fill your lens case with plenty of contact lens solution and place your cleaned and rinsed contact lens in the appropriate compartment. Secure the cap of the lens case and repeat with your other contact lens. Leave your contact lenses in the lens case for at least four hours. Letting it soak in the solution will disinfect the contact lens.
Step 4: After putting your contact lenses back in your eyes, pour the remaining solution out of the lens case. Rinse the lens case with fresh solution and let the inside of the case dry out in the open air.
Warning: Please never use water to clean or store your contact lenses. Water does not have the necessary contents to disinfect your contact lens correctly. In fact, cleaning your contact lenses with water may lead to a contamination of your lenses and has been known to cause irreparable harm to the eye.
If you wear daily disposables you do not have to worry about storing your contact lenses as outlined above. However, if you drop your lens or something gets caught in your eye you may have to clean it in which case you should follow the procedure outlined in Steps 1 and 2 above.
How long to wear your lenses for
In general most soft contact lenses have a recommended wearing time of not more than 10-12 hours continuously for up to 5 days a week. It’s recommended that you wear glasses for a couple of days a week to ensure that your eyes receive more than enough oxygen to stay healthy. Extended wear lenses can be worn whilst you are both awake and asleep for up to a week. However it’s important to realise that the recommended wearing time for a contact lens will vary by the type of lens and the wearer. Contact lens manufacturers provide wearing guidelines for your lenses (usually found on the packaging). Please follow the wearing schedule suggested by your Optician as he / she is uniquely well placed to advice you.
When to get in touch with your Optician
You should get in touch with your Optician if you are:
Close to the expiry date of your prescription / due for a contact lens examination (typically every 12 months) In need of a copy of your contact lens prescription Experiencing a deterioration in the standard of your vision with contact lenses Considering changing to a contact lens solution which was not recommended by the person who fitted your contact lenses
If you experience any of the following symptoms / irritations in your eyes please firstly take your contact lenses out of your eyes (even if wearing them seems to lessen the discomfort or symptoms) and secondly get in touch with your Optician as soon as possible:
Feeling of discomfort Redness Excessive watering Visual disturbance
If your Optician is not available immediately and the problem is causing your severe disturbance you should consult you GP or go to Accident and Emergency at your local hospital. You can, of course, also call Lenstore.co.uk during our office hours and we will advise you on the best of course of action. We will do our very best to help you.
Aftercare
“Aftercare” is the medical care and advice that should be provided to you after you buy a pair of contact lenses. At a minimum, contact lens aftercare should include both advice on and helping to make arrangements for:
Regular contact lens examinations Where you can go in an emergency What signs or symptoms you should watch out for How to remove your contact lenses during an emergency Who your local contact for advice is
Aftercare is provided by your Optician and supplier of contact lenses. Lenstore.co.uk provides a lot of advice on our website and over the phone about aftercare and your Optician is obliged provide you with all of the access you need to professional medical advice and care.
By: James Cooke
About the Author:
Each wearer has a different reason for using contact lenses. However, in our experience the major reasons why our customers want the option of contact lenses in addition to glasses are:
Convenience: for example daily disposables require no cleaning or care (unlike glasses) “The Look”: many wearers prefer the look of contact lenses to glasses and find that it is a confidence booster Sports Use: many people could not enjoy their favourite sports without contact lenses. Often people will begin wearing contact lenses for sport and end up using them in all walks of their lives because of the benefits they discover
Types of contact lenses
Contact lenses can be split into the following groups:
Daily Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair of every day Two Weekly Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair every two weeks Monthly Disposables – replaced with a fresh pair every month Extended Wear Lenses – can be worn continuously whilst awake and asleep Toric Lenses – for patients who suffer from astigmatism Multi-Focal Lenses – provide all in one vision correction for patients who cannot see clearly over long and short distances Coloured Contact Lenses – fashion lenses for people who fancy a change from their natural eye colour
The majority of contact lenses purchased are soft and Lenstore.co.uk only stocks soft contact lenses. Hard (or “Rigid Gas Permeable”) contact lenses do exist and are typically for patients who suffer from severe astigmatism and irregular corneas. Your Optician will let you know if hard contact lenses are the most appropriate for your eyes but for the majority of people soft lenses provide the best option.
How to get contact lenses for the first time
If you currently wear glasses and want to try contact lenses the first thing you should do is book a contact lens examination with your Optician. He / she will take you through the whole process of getting fitted for contact lenses. Your Optician will first check if your eyes are suited for contact lenses (most people’s are). He / she will then train you in how to insert and remove your lenses and will also show you how to clean and take care of them. Next you’ll be given a trial set of contact lenses which normally last a week. At the end of the trial week you visit your Optician again and he / she will ensure that your eyes have reacted well to the lenses. At that point you’ll buy three months supply of contact lenses from your Optician and wear them. After three months, you’ll visit your Optician for the last time during the fitting period and he / she will write you a prescription. Make sure you grab a copy of your prescription. You’ve now been officially fitted for contact lenses and can buy them from whichever supplier you choose.
Putting your contact lenses in
Step 1: Wash your hands with soap, rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
Step 2: Place the contact lens on the palm of your hand, check that it is clean and not torn.
Step 3: Ensure that the contact lens is not inside out (if it is the edges will flare up slightly) and place it on your forefinger (your pointing finger).
Step 4: Insert the lens. Use the forefinger on your opposite hand hold up your upper eyelid to prevent you from blinking. Use the third finger on the hand in which you have the contact lens to hold down your lower eyelid. Look up and place the contact lens onto the white of your eye. Look downwards to allow the lens to slip into position. Remove your fingers and close your eye momentarily. Your lens should be in place.
Step 5: Repeat the procedure on your other eye.
Helpful Tip: get into the habit of putting your right eye’s lens in first. It’ll reduce the chances of mixing up your contact lenses.
It does take a little practice to perfect your technique so don’t despair if you’re finding it difficult for the first few days or weeks. If you continue to have difficulty inserting your contact lenses then make an appointment with your contact lens Optician who should be happy to observe your technique and help you improve it.
Removing your contact lenses
Step 1: Make sure the contact lens is in the middle of your eye before trying to remove it. To check the lens is centred cover your other eye. If your vision is blurred your lens is not in the correct place. Look into a mirror and centre the lens with your finger.
Step 2: Pull down your lower eyelid.
Step 3: Whilst you have your eyelid pulled down, place your finger on the bottom edge of your lens and slide it down to the white part of your eye.
Step 4: Squeeze the contact lens gently between your finger and your thumb and remove the contact lens from your eye.
Helpful Tip: Get into the habit of removing your right eye’s lens first. It’ll reduce the chances of mixing up your contact lenses.
Cleaning and storing contact lenses
Step 1: Place the contact lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of the recommended contact lens solution to the lens. Use your opposite hand’s forefinger (pointing finger) to rub the lens gently on both sides.
Step 2: Rinse the lens thoroughly using plenty of contact lens solution.
Step 3: Fill your lens case with plenty of contact lens solution and place your cleaned and rinsed contact lens in the appropriate compartment. Secure the cap of the lens case and repeat with your other contact lens. Leave your contact lenses in the lens case for at least four hours. Letting it soak in the solution will disinfect the contact lens.
Step 4: After putting your contact lenses back in your eyes, pour the remaining solution out of the lens case. Rinse the lens case with fresh solution and let the inside of the case dry out in the open air.
Warning: Please never use water to clean or store your contact lenses. Water does not have the necessary contents to disinfect your contact lens correctly. In fact, cleaning your contact lenses with water may lead to a contamination of your lenses and has been known to cause irreparable harm to the eye.
If you wear daily disposables you do not have to worry about storing your contact lenses as outlined above. However, if you drop your lens or something gets caught in your eye you may have to clean it in which case you should follow the procedure outlined in Steps 1 and 2 above.
How long to wear your lenses for
In general most soft contact lenses have a recommended wearing time of not more than 10-12 hours continuously for up to 5 days a week. It’s recommended that you wear glasses for a couple of days a week to ensure that your eyes receive more than enough oxygen to stay healthy. Extended wear lenses can be worn whilst you are both awake and asleep for up to a week. However it’s important to realise that the recommended wearing time for a contact lens will vary by the type of lens and the wearer. Contact lens manufacturers provide wearing guidelines for your lenses (usually found on the packaging). Please follow the wearing schedule suggested by your Optician as he / she is uniquely well placed to advice you.
When to get in touch with your Optician
You should get in touch with your Optician if you are:
Close to the expiry date of your prescription / due for a contact lens examination (typically every 12 months) In need of a copy of your contact lens prescription Experiencing a deterioration in the standard of your vision with contact lenses Considering changing to a contact lens solution which was not recommended by the person who fitted your contact lenses
If you experience any of the following symptoms / irritations in your eyes please firstly take your contact lenses out of your eyes (even if wearing them seems to lessen the discomfort or symptoms) and secondly get in touch with your Optician as soon as possible:
Feeling of discomfort Redness Excessive watering Visual disturbance
If your Optician is not available immediately and the problem is causing your severe disturbance you should consult you GP or go to Accident and Emergency at your local hospital. You can, of course, also call Lenstore.co.uk during our office hours and we will advise you on the best of course of action. We will do our very best to help you.
Aftercare
“Aftercare” is the medical care and advice that should be provided to you after you buy a pair of contact lenses. At a minimum, contact lens aftercare should include both advice on and helping to make arrangements for:
Regular contact lens examinations Where you can go in an emergency What signs or symptoms you should watch out for How to remove your contact lenses during an emergency Who your local contact for advice is
Aftercare is provided by your Optician and supplier of contact lenses. Lenstore.co.uk provides a lot of advice on our website and over the phone about aftercare and your Optician is obliged provide you with all of the access you need to professional medical advice and care.
By: James Cooke
About the Author:
Advice on contact lenses from the UK's responsible supplier. Personal customer service and huge savings on all major brands of contact lenses at Lenstore.co.uk
An Approach To Natural Vision Care
Filed under Vision Care
The usual step is to treat the symptom of bad vision health, which is poor eyesight, with glasses or contact lenses. This at first looks like it solves the problem, but for a lot of people this is the beginning of a cycle of failing vision and therefore the need for stronger glasses. This is the time for you to invest your efforts in natural vision care.
How to improve your vision? The natural vision system is to teach people how to see without strain. Poor eyesight originates from bad vision habits, like staring and straining to see. Fine natural eyesight can be obtained by education and applying proper vision techniques and habits.
By prescribing more and more stronger lenses to patients whose eyesight grew increasingly worse, did not help their vision health improve.
Natural Vision Improvement is a holistic way to vision care.
Many people start Natural Vision Improvement so they can see more clearly. And, strange enough, they are often surprised when it works. Each person's development is unique, and each person will benefit in different ways.
Vision Educators teach people how to improve their eyesight. They can teach activities and habits to help with:
* Nearsightedness (myopia) * Farsightedness (hyperopia or hypermetropia) * Presbyopia ('middle-age sight') * Astigmatism * Eye fatigue and discomfort * Discomfort in bright light (photosensitivity and photophobia) * Vision related headaches * Computer eye strain (CSS) * Eye teaming difficulties, strabismus and amblyopia * Eye Diseases (for people with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration etc, who are under the care of an ophthalmologist.)
These are benefits from using and practicing the Natural Vision Improvement system:
* Increased clarity of sight in the distance
* Increased ability to see clearly close-up
* Increased speed of focus
* Healthier eyes
* Greater ease and comfort in and around your eyes
* Less computer eyestrain
* Reduced dependence on glasses
* Enhanced depth perception
* Faster adaptation to bright light and to the dark
* A more relaxed way of being
* Greater connection with yourself and the world around you
* Better balance and coordination
Have you always sought after better vision without glasses, and have you been looking for simpler ways to improve vision? Well, natural vision improvement and rebuilding is possible.
Tip: Most vision problems begin with eye strain and eye stress.
Does natural vision care take up a lot of time?
No, it doesn't. It is mainly about establishing good vision habits by integrating them throughout your day and to replace your current visual habits.
Natural vision care is not just about doing half an hour of exercises a day, and then to do hours of sight activities. No, successful natural vision therapy is about recognizing your habits that are bad for you and, adjusting those habits to become good habits and repeating them till they become natural to you. Meaning that natural vision care is about constantly striving to improve your vision. And, it can be done.
By: Ruth Bird
About the Author:
How to improve your vision? The natural vision system is to teach people how to see without strain. Poor eyesight originates from bad vision habits, like staring and straining to see. Fine natural eyesight can be obtained by education and applying proper vision techniques and habits.
By prescribing more and more stronger lenses to patients whose eyesight grew increasingly worse, did not help their vision health improve.
Natural Vision Improvement is a holistic way to vision care.
Many people start Natural Vision Improvement so they can see more clearly. And, strange enough, they are often surprised when it works. Each person's development is unique, and each person will benefit in different ways.
Vision Educators teach people how to improve their eyesight. They can teach activities and habits to help with:
* Nearsightedness (myopia) * Farsightedness (hyperopia or hypermetropia) * Presbyopia ('middle-age sight') * Astigmatism * Eye fatigue and discomfort * Discomfort in bright light (photosensitivity and photophobia) * Vision related headaches * Computer eye strain (CSS) * Eye teaming difficulties, strabismus and amblyopia * Eye Diseases (for people with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration etc, who are under the care of an ophthalmologist.)
These are benefits from using and practicing the Natural Vision Improvement system:
* Increased clarity of sight in the distance
* Increased ability to see clearly close-up
* Increased speed of focus
* Healthier eyes
* Greater ease and comfort in and around your eyes
* Less computer eyestrain
* Reduced dependence on glasses
* Enhanced depth perception
* Faster adaptation to bright light and to the dark
* A more relaxed way of being
* Greater connection with yourself and the world around you
* Better balance and coordination
Have you always sought after better vision without glasses, and have you been looking for simpler ways to improve vision? Well, natural vision improvement and rebuilding is possible.
Tip: Most vision problems begin with eye strain and eye stress.
Does natural vision care take up a lot of time?
No, it doesn't. It is mainly about establishing good vision habits by integrating them throughout your day and to replace your current visual habits.
Natural vision care is not just about doing half an hour of exercises a day, and then to do hours of sight activities. No, successful natural vision therapy is about recognizing your habits that are bad for you and, adjusting those habits to become good habits and repeating them till they become natural to you. Meaning that natural vision care is about constantly striving to improve your vision. And, it can be done.
By: Ruth Bird
About the Author:
Ruth is actively involved with the internet and she finds it very exciting. Her
passions are people and pet health. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. She is married for almost 30 years to Chris who has been, and
still is, battling the monster MS. Naturally Rebuilding Vision is a new interest Ruth has delved into. Her
About Page And Her Vision Page
Children’s Vision Care - Keep Their Focus on Fun
Filed under Vision Care
When we were children we all loved to play. We loved to ride our bicycles and were constantly playing with toy cars or dolls. Most children enjoy active pastimes and sports of all sorts such as soccer, softball and basketball. If, however, a child suffers from one of the many eye conditions they cannot always fully enjoy these types of activities. It is therefore vitally important that we, as parents, monitor our children’s vision from an early age so that we can detect any eye condition that may affect them in the long term.
Eye Examinations Before Learning Begins
The American Optometric Association suggests that young children have a comprehensive vision examination when they are six-months-old, this should be followed up when they reach three-years-of age and again when they are five-years old. In particular, children should receive a thorough eye examination during the summer before starting kindergarten. After testing is completed, an expert will review the data and then write a comprehensive report. Children’s vision care examinations can reveal that children suffer from one of several types of eye conditions.
These common eye conditions include conjunctivitis or "pink eye" which is an infection that involves the eye’s outermost layer. It includes three types of condition (namely allergic, bacterial and viral), each of which require unique types of treatment. With the exception of the allergic variety, this disease is generally extremely contagious.
Another common condition that young children are prone to is crossed eyes (also referred to as wandering eye or wall eye), which is an eye condition that can be readily detected through regular children’s vision care and examination. This condition affects approximately 4% of American children. This visual defect causes both eyes to point in different directions. For example, one eye may look straight ahead, while the other looks either up, down, in or out. Accordingly sufferers of this condition experience eyes that cannot see as a single unit, and cannot see in a three dimensional form. Children with this condition should receive professional vision therapy as early as possible.
Thirdly, slightly more than 10% of the entire U.S. population suffers from Binocular Vision Impairment, which can be detected via children’s vision care. It causes the two eyes to not function collectively and as a consequence the child will experience a partial or complete inability to function simultaneously. People who suffer from this condition are not be able to view and gauge depths nor are they able to see in three dimensions.
Finally, Amblyopia (or lazy eye) is a visual impairment that regular children’s vision care and examination can also readily detect. This condition affects roughly 2-3% of children in the U.S. and is as a result of poor control of muscles in a single eye, or reduced visual clarity. Children with this eye problem often develop problems relating to depth perception, and seeing in three dimensions. It is very important that this visual problem be detected early, as visual therapy can have a positive impact on it.
Vision Problems Can Affect Learning
Further, it is vitally important to detect if your child has learning-related visual problems as soon as possible. If you think that your child is experiencing difficulties in this regard then spend some time observing your child to determine if he:
* Blinks, squints or rubs his eyes constantly after doing close visual work
* Complains about cloudy vision after reading or schoolwork
* Holds objects extremely close to his face so as to see clearly
* Has difficulty differentiating left from right, tying shoelaces, or catching a ball
* Complains of eyestrain or regular headaches
* Experiences low reading compression
* Avoids reading
* Complains of being exhausted after reading
* Periodically reverses letters or words
Childhood is a fun and wonderful time which should be one of the best time of a person’s life. Take the time to ensure that your children’s vision care is a part of your family's health routine. By taking precautionary steps early in their lives the optometric experts can determine if your child has vision problems and then subsequently introduce the appropriate treatment. Keep your children's eyes healthy and let them focus their attention on having fun and living life to the fullest.
By: Madonna Jeffries
About the Author:
Eye Examinations Before Learning Begins
The American Optometric Association suggests that young children have a comprehensive vision examination when they are six-months-old, this should be followed up when they reach three-years-of age and again when they are five-years old. In particular, children should receive a thorough eye examination during the summer before starting kindergarten. After testing is completed, an expert will review the data and then write a comprehensive report. Children’s vision care examinations can reveal that children suffer from one of several types of eye conditions.
These common eye conditions include conjunctivitis or "pink eye" which is an infection that involves the eye’s outermost layer. It includes three types of condition (namely allergic, bacterial and viral), each of which require unique types of treatment. With the exception of the allergic variety, this disease is generally extremely contagious.
Another common condition that young children are prone to is crossed eyes (also referred to as wandering eye or wall eye), which is an eye condition that can be readily detected through regular children’s vision care and examination. This condition affects approximately 4% of American children. This visual defect causes both eyes to point in different directions. For example, one eye may look straight ahead, while the other looks either up, down, in or out. Accordingly sufferers of this condition experience eyes that cannot see as a single unit, and cannot see in a three dimensional form. Children with this condition should receive professional vision therapy as early as possible.
Thirdly, slightly more than 10% of the entire U.S. population suffers from Binocular Vision Impairment, which can be detected via children’s vision care. It causes the two eyes to not function collectively and as a consequence the child will experience a partial or complete inability to function simultaneously. People who suffer from this condition are not be able to view and gauge depths nor are they able to see in three dimensions.
Finally, Amblyopia (or lazy eye) is a visual impairment that regular children’s vision care and examination can also readily detect. This condition affects roughly 2-3% of children in the U.S. and is as a result of poor control of muscles in a single eye, or reduced visual clarity. Children with this eye problem often develop problems relating to depth perception, and seeing in three dimensions. It is very important that this visual problem be detected early, as visual therapy can have a positive impact on it.
Vision Problems Can Affect Learning
Further, it is vitally important to detect if your child has learning-related visual problems as soon as possible. If you think that your child is experiencing difficulties in this regard then spend some time observing your child to determine if he:
* Blinks, squints or rubs his eyes constantly after doing close visual work
* Complains about cloudy vision after reading or schoolwork
* Holds objects extremely close to his face so as to see clearly
* Has difficulty differentiating left from right, tying shoelaces, or catching a ball
* Complains of eyestrain or regular headaches
* Experiences low reading compression
* Avoids reading
* Complains of being exhausted after reading
* Periodically reverses letters or words
Childhood is a fun and wonderful time which should be one of the best time of a person’s life. Take the time to ensure that your children’s vision care is a part of your family's health routine. By taking precautionary steps early in their lives the optometric experts can determine if your child has vision problems and then subsequently introduce the appropriate treatment. Keep your children's eyes healthy and let them focus their attention on having fun and living life to the fullest.
By: Madonna Jeffries
About the Author:
For more details on children's vision care, maintaining your family's eye health and vision correction options visit The Vision and Eye Care Guide.
Eye Care for Computer Users
Filed under Vision Care
Eye care for computer users
Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.
Which is why these tips should come in handy.
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
i. Know your eyes
Tears: The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.
Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.
Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.
Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.
Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.
Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.
Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.
ii. Exercise your eyes
Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: "First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work." It serves as a good workout for the eyes.
iii. Look away
While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.
iv. Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
v. Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
vi. Take a walk
After you're done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.
vii. Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
viii. Drink water
Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.
ix. Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.
x. Know your contact lenses
"Ideally, a person who uses lenses should wear it for not more than 10-12 hours a day and occasionally for 14 hours a day,"
Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. The pool water houses various micro-organisms as there are several people using it. This may lead to fungal infections in the eyes. In addition, the chlorine in the water can damage your contact lenses.
"Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt,"
xi. Eye dos and don'ts
~ Visit your doctor
"One should ideally visit their Optician / ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,"
In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don't forget to check the prescription.
~ Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work
"Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light such as full beam car headlights and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer,"
Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.
~ Use re-wetting eye drops
An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.
In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? "When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates),"
"Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when required, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible."
The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.
~ Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake
"Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight," warns Dr Belvi.
~ Never rub your eyes
If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. "Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt," advises Dr Belvi. "If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist's help immediately."
Quick tips
~ Shelf life
Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.
~ Discard
All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.
~ Protective eye gear
While driving, wear protective eye gear especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.
Being healthy is a personal choice and one has to work hard at it. A balanced diet, regular sleep habits, a balance between work and rest, ad exercises all play a vital role in restoring our health and helping us maintain our eyesight
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
By: Status Eye Care
About the Author:
Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.
Which is why these tips should come in handy.
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
i. Know your eyes
Tears: The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.
Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.
Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.
Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.
Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.
Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.
Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.
ii. Exercise your eyes
Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: "First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work." It serves as a good workout for the eyes.
iii. Look away
While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.
iv. Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
v. Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
vi. Take a walk
After you're done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.
vii. Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
viii. Drink water
Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.
ix. Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.
x. Know your contact lenses
"Ideally, a person who uses lenses should wear it for not more than 10-12 hours a day and occasionally for 14 hours a day,"
Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. The pool water houses various micro-organisms as there are several people using it. This may lead to fungal infections in the eyes. In addition, the chlorine in the water can damage your contact lenses.
"Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt,"
xi. Eye dos and don'ts
~ Visit your doctor
"One should ideally visit their Optician / ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,"
In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don't forget to check the prescription.
~ Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work
"Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light such as full beam car headlights and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer,"
Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.
~ Use re-wetting eye drops
An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.
In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? "When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates),"
"Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when required, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible."
The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.
~ Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake
"Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight," warns Dr Belvi.
~ Never rub your eyes
If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. "Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt," advises Dr Belvi. "If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist's help immediately."
Quick tips
~ Shelf life
Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.
~ Discard
All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.
~ Protective eye gear
While driving, wear protective eye gear especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.
Being healthy is a personal choice and one has to work hard at it. A balanced diet, regular sleep habits, a balance between work and rest, ad exercises all play a vital role in restoring our health and helping us maintain our eyesight
Source: www.statuseyecare.com
By: Status Eye Care
About the Author:
Vision Care Alert for Ultraviolet Radiation
Filed under Vision Care
The sun is a large body which emits harmful short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation. This, in turn, is absorbed by the ozone layer in the stratosphere. Unfortunately, the protection afforded by the ozone layer is being reduced by the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which break down the ozone molecules.
In the human body, harmful free radicals are formed as a by-product of the process that converts food into energy. They are mopped up by antioxidants (principally Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene) which help counter the cell damage to the eyes associated with free radical activity.
Ultraviolet radiation could be described as solar "free radicals". As it is wise to limit free radical damage to the eyes by eating an antioxidant-rich diet, so it is sensible to take precautionary measures to guard against solar "free radicals" or ultraviolet radiation.
How hazardous is this solar radiation to our vision? Most of us are familiar by now with its associated risks of skin cancer, but it also contributes to various types of damage to the eyes (e.g. snow blindness or photokeratitis, and various opacities on and within the eyes, including fat deposits and cataract).
Although there is little evidence that ultraviolet levels have increased substantially in non-polar regions of the world, the breakdown of the ozone molecules by man-made chemicals does continue apace. It is wise, therefore, to put yourself on vision care alert on sunny days.
Amounts of potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation have always been at their highest around noon local-time at the height of summer. These harmful rays also increase the nearer you move to the equator and the higher the altitude reached.
Sand and snow reflect large amounts of ultraviolet radiation. Skiing or other activities on snow (especially during summer) certainly requires you to wear adequate protection for your eyes. Similarly, bathing on beaches near the equator increases the risk of damage to your vision and cells for category 2 (20% transmittance) sunglasses.
Besides sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat reduces considerably the amount of light striking the eyes when walking or standing. Although, as we have seen, good quality sunglasses provide the best protection against ultraviolet radiation, ordinary clear plastic or high-index glass lenses also provide considerable protection as well.
It is important to remember that ultraviolet rays do not just come from above. Ambient ultraviolet radiation can also come from the side or be reflected from below. So, protection against ambient ultraviolet is desirable, and care should be taken when buying the currently fashionable small-sized frames to check that these also give adequate protection from above.
Everyone can benefit from improved ocular comfort in bright, sunny conditions, but are they really necessary when skies are cloudy? You might be surprised to learn that many types of cloud have only a small effect on the levels of ultraviolet reaching the ground. It is, then, only sensible to continue to protect the eyes in high-risk environments even when it is cloudy.
As exposure of the skin to too much short wavelength ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer, so exposure of the eyes to excessive ultraviolet radiation can lead long-term to serious eye disease.
A few hours after excessive exposure your eyes will become very red and watery. They might feel "gritty" and even natural light, not strong sunlight, can be painful to the eyes. A period spent in a darkened room may feel more comfortable.
Fortunately, this short-term photokeratitis will begin to subside within 24 hours or so and usually disappears completely after 48 hours. However, as with red, burnt skin so with red "burnt" eyes: the redness indicates potential long-term damage and it is always preferable to avoid the damage in the first place.
It makes sense, then given the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer, to take seriously the damage caused by these solar "free radicals". Be wise: maintain a high vision care alert!
By: Maureen Cook
About the Author:
In the human body, harmful free radicals are formed as a by-product of the process that converts food into energy. They are mopped up by antioxidants (principally Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene) which help counter the cell damage to the eyes associated with free radical activity.
Ultraviolet radiation could be described as solar "free radicals". As it is wise to limit free radical damage to the eyes by eating an antioxidant-rich diet, so it is sensible to take precautionary measures to guard against solar "free radicals" or ultraviolet radiation.
How hazardous is this solar radiation to our vision? Most of us are familiar by now with its associated risks of skin cancer, but it also contributes to various types of damage to the eyes (e.g. snow blindness or photokeratitis, and various opacities on and within the eyes, including fat deposits and cataract).
Although there is little evidence that ultraviolet levels have increased substantially in non-polar regions of the world, the breakdown of the ozone molecules by man-made chemicals does continue apace. It is wise, therefore, to put yourself on vision care alert on sunny days.
Amounts of potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation have always been at their highest around noon local-time at the height of summer. These harmful rays also increase the nearer you move to the equator and the higher the altitude reached.
Sand and snow reflect large amounts of ultraviolet radiation. Skiing or other activities on snow (especially during summer) certainly requires you to wear adequate protection for your eyes. Similarly, bathing on beaches near the equator increases the risk of damage to your vision and cells for category 2 (20% transmittance) sunglasses.
Besides sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat reduces considerably the amount of light striking the eyes when walking or standing. Although, as we have seen, good quality sunglasses provide the best protection against ultraviolet radiation, ordinary clear plastic or high-index glass lenses also provide considerable protection as well.
It is important to remember that ultraviolet rays do not just come from above. Ambient ultraviolet radiation can also come from the side or be reflected from below. So, protection against ambient ultraviolet is desirable, and care should be taken when buying the currently fashionable small-sized frames to check that these also give adequate protection from above.
Everyone can benefit from improved ocular comfort in bright, sunny conditions, but are they really necessary when skies are cloudy? You might be surprised to learn that many types of cloud have only a small effect on the levels of ultraviolet reaching the ground. It is, then, only sensible to continue to protect the eyes in high-risk environments even when it is cloudy.
As exposure of the skin to too much short wavelength ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer, so exposure of the eyes to excessive ultraviolet radiation can lead long-term to serious eye disease.
A few hours after excessive exposure your eyes will become very red and watery. They might feel "gritty" and even natural light, not strong sunlight, can be painful to the eyes. A period spent in a darkened room may feel more comfortable.
Fortunately, this short-term photokeratitis will begin to subside within 24 hours or so and usually disappears completely after 48 hours. However, as with red, burnt skin so with red "burnt" eyes: the redness indicates potential long-term damage and it is always preferable to avoid the damage in the first place.
It makes sense, then given the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer, to take seriously the damage caused by these solar "free radicals". Be wise: maintain a high vision care alert!
By: Maureen Cook
About the Author:
© 2006 Maureen P Cook
Maureen Cook writes articles for publication
from her home in England. She shows you
how to look after your precious eyesight.
To read more, go to Vision
Care
Maureen Cook writes articles for publication
from her home in England. She shows you
how to look after your precious eyesight.
To read more, go to Vision
Care