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Proper Contact Lens Care Keeps Your Lenses Comfortable and Clean

Have you ever worn your contact lenses longer than recommended or rinsed them with water? Those and other shortcuts can compromise your vision and increase your risk of dangerous eye infections. Following your optometrist's care instructions will help you avoid common contact lens wear pitfalls.

Safe Handling and Cleaning Techniques Help You Protect Your Eyes

Preventing bacterial or fungal infections can be as simple as following these recommendations:

• Wash Your Hands. You may introduce bacteria into your eyes if you don't wash your hands with soap immediately before handling your lenses. Bacteria can quickly accumulate on your fingers, even if you just washed your hands 10 minutes earlier. Be sure to rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.

• Clean Your Cases Frequently. A dirty or germ-laden contact case can increase your risk of an infection. Even though your case may look perfectly fine, it may be teeming with bacteria. Empty your case every day and rinse it with contact lens solution. Don't top off the case with more solution, clean it with water or dry it with a towel or paper towel. Air drying offers the safest drying method.

• Don't Become Too Attached to Your Cases. The American Optometric Association recommends replacing your contact lens cases every three months. If the case is broken, cracked or dirty, replace it immediately.

• Use Contact Lens Solutions Only. Water and saliva aren't good substitutes for contact lens solutions. Acanthamoeba, a micro-organism found in water, can damage your corneas, causing blindness or visual impairment. Leave your contacts in their case when you shower or swim to avoid contamination with the amoeba. Don't use rewetting or saline solution to fill your contact lens cases, as these solutions won't kill microorganisms.

• Disinfect Your Lenses If You Drop Them. Have you ever rinsed a dropped lens with solution then placed it back in your eye? Although the solution may have removed some bacteria, a few microorganisms probably remained on your lens. If you wear daily disposable lenses, throw away the lens and use a new one. Follow your usual disinfection routine for all other types of lenses.
   

Follow Your Eye Doctor's Care Recommendations

Heeding your optometrist's instructions for contact lens care is the simplest way to avoid discomfort and infections. If you use daily disposable contact lenses, you'll throw away your contact lenses at the end of the day and won't have to worry about cleaning solutions.

Other types of lenses require regular cleaning. Squirt a little disinfecting solution on each lens, then gently rub each side for several seconds to remove proteins, lipids and microorganisms. Consult the instructions printed on the solution to determine how long you should rub the lenses. After you rub them, rinse the lenses with the solution, place them in their case and fill the case with fresh solution.

Your eye doctor will let you know how often you should clean or replace your lenses, depending on their type. In some cases, your optometrist may alter the wear schedule. For example, although extended wear lenses can be worn overnight, he or she may suggest that you only wear them during the day.

Learn the Signs That May Indicate That You Have an Eye Infection

The sooner an eye infection is treated, the less likely it will temporarily or permanently damage your visit. Be alert for these signs of a possible infection:

• Blurry vision

• Redness or irritation

• Lenses that feel uncomfortable, even if you've tried a new pair

• Sensitivity to light

• Excessive tearing

• Pain in the eyes
   

Regular visits to the optometrist are a must if you wear contact lenses. If it's time for your next appointment, or you're having a little trouble with your lenses, call us to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to Take Care of Contact Lenses, 3/1/16

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care

American Optometric Association: Lens Care

https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/lens-care

American Optometric Association: Case Care

https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/case-care

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a visual disorder caused by abnormal vision development, often occurring during infancy. Patients with amblyopia have reduced vision in one eye, because it is not working properly in conjunction with the brain.

With early detection and proper treatment, loss of vision can be avoided for many children. However, when left untreated, amblyopia can cause significantly decreased visual acuity — including legal blindness.

What Causes Amblyopia?

When one eye sees clearly and the other does not, the brain tries to overcompensate for the one that does not see as well. Essentially, the brain begins to ignore images sent from the eye that does not see as well as its counterpart. The brain begins to favor the stronger eye over the other, and the eye that is not being used properly develops increasingly poor visual acuity, becoming the amblyopic eye.

Amblyopia can be caused by a variety of pre-existing conditions that prevents the amblyopic eye from focusing clearly.

Types of Amblyopia

Common types of amblyopia include the following:

Strabismic amblyopia is the most common type of amblyopia and is caused by poorly aligned eyes. If one eye is misaligned, the brain ignores visual input from that eye. This causes underuse in the eye with poorer visual acuity, leading to amblyopia in that eye, or lazy eye.

Refractive amblyopia can occur despite perfect eye alignment. In this case, amblyopia is caused by unequal refractive errors in the eyes. For example, one eye may have uncorrected nearsightedness or farsightedness while the other eye does not. In these cases, the brain depends on the eye with the less severe uncorrected error to see, and ignores the images transmitted from the other eye. This causes amblyopia in the underused eye.

Deprivation amblyopia is amblyopia caused by something that obstructs light from entering a baby’s eye. A congenital cataract is frequently responsible for this form of amblyopia, and proper treatment is necessary to support continued visual development.

Treatment

Amblyopia is not correctable with glasses or contact lenses alone. However, vision therapy is often an appropriate treatment option.

Vision therapy involves an individualized treatment program that is designed to correct or improve visual deficiencies. Vision therapy includes different techniques and eye exercises (depending on the vision deficiency being treated), such as patching the stronger eye to force the brain to pay attention to signals transmitted from the amblyopic eye, eye alignment exercises and eye teaming activities, which help correct and enhance the brain’s ability to communicate with the eyes. It has been found to be far more successful in treating amblyopia than eye surgery or corrective glasses alone.

The earlier a child with amblyopia enters vision therapy, the better. Research has long since disproven the popular belief that older children or even adults with amblyopia cannot be helped; however, it is best to begin treating amblyopia as soon as possible.

If you have never suffered from dry eye, you might not appreciate how important your tears are to your eye health. Without enough moisture, your eyes can become dry, itchy, red and uncomfortable. Dry eye occurs when you do not make enough tears or the tears you produce are not high quality.

The Importance of Tears

Although you might not realize it, your eyes constantly produce tears. Tears are needed to keep the front of your eyes moist and comfortable. They help remove tiny specks of debris or dust from the eyes. When something falls into your eye, tear production increases, in an attempt to wash away the foreign object.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms include:

• A feeling that there is a foreign object in your eyes

• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Burning and stinging

• Itching

• Eye fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Pain and redness

• Difficulty reading or working on a computer for long periods of time

• Stringy discharge

• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

• Inability to cry
   

Who Gets Dry Eye?

Dry eye can occur at any age; although it is most common in people over the age of 65. Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk of dry eye, as can the use of hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills.

No matter what your age, you may experience dry eye if you are exposed to wind, dry conditions or smoke, or have allergies. Some types of medications can affect tear production, including antidepressants, tranquilizers, hormone replacement medications, antihistamines, blood pressure medication and decongestants. If you have thyroid disease, diabetes, chronic conjunctivitis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more likely to develop the condition.

Dry eye can also be a problem if you have worn contact lenses for many years or have had LASIK surgery to improve your vision. In some cases, LASIK can decrease tear production. Failure to blink regularly, which can occur when you stare at a computer monitor for a long time, can also trigger the problem.

Treatment Options

Optometrists can offer several strategies and treatment options that will help your eyes feel more comfortable, including:

• The use of artificial tears for added moisture

• Changing a medication if dry eye is a side effect

• Treating underlying diseases and conditions that cause dry eye

• Plugging the drainage holes in your eyes to prevent tears from draining too quickly

• Changing the type of contact lenses you wear

• Recommending that you use an air purifier to remove allergens from the air

• Prescribing cyclosporine, an anti-inflammatory medicine that increases tear production
   

If you have a severe case of dry eye, your eye doctor may suggest punctal cautery, a minor surgical procedure that permanently plugs the drainage holes in your eyes.

Keep your eyes healthy with regular eye examinations. Is it about time for your next exam? If so, call us today to set up an appointment!

Finding a great looking eyeglass frame can be tough work. What looks good on you? Should you go with round lenses, or square? What should your frame be made out of? Choosing the material of your eyeglass frame is the first order of business, since that will narrow down your search to one specific category.
 

Metal

There are two major categories of frame materials -- metal and plastic. Metal frames are easy to adjust, they hold their shape fairly well, and they can last for years. Metal frames are most often made of "monel," a blend of a variety of different metals that vary from brand to brand. There are many different sub-categories of metal frames:
 

Semi-Rimless

Semi-rimless frames are quite popular, and feature a "clear looking" bottom half of the lens. The lens is mounted in the metal top half of the frame with a very thin metal or plastic monofilament that holds the lens in place.
 

Rimless

A full rimless frame, also called a "drill mount" features temples and a bridge that are mounted directly into the lenses. The bridge and the temples can be made from metal, or a hybrid of metal and plastic.
 

Flexible Frames

Flexible frames are becoming more popular among athletes and children, because their titanium based material allows the frame to bend and flex without breaking.
 

Who Shouldn't Wear Metal Frames?

All metal frames have nose pieces that lift the frame off the bridge of the nose and provide support for the frame. Some individuals do not like the feel of nose pieces, especially those who have stronger prescriptions and thus thicker and heavier lenses. Additionally, some individuals are allergic to the metal used and may break out if the metal touches their skin.
 

Plastic

Plastic frames are the second major material for eyeglass frames, and are as equally popular as metal. Plastic frames can be thick or thin, and can be made in a broad range of colors. Plastic frames must be adjusted by using heat in order to soften the material and allow malleability.
 

Zyl

Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is a lightweight but strong material used for the majority of plastic frames. Laminated zyl frames can have a layered color look, or traditional zyl can be made in bolder, darker colors like black and brown.
 

Who Shouldn't Wear Plastic Frames?

Most anyone can wear plastic frames, however, individuals with stronger prescriptions and thicker lenses may notice that plastic frames are quite heavy and cumbersome.

Before you choose what material you'd like for your frame, visit an eye care professional and try on several different styles. Take note of the feel of each frame in addition to how it looks, and don't be afraid to ask about the different options available to you.

After learning that you need prescription lenses, finding glasses that best suit your looks may be paramount in your mind. Although finding the right frame shape for your face is essential, understanding the types of frames that best fit your lifestyle is equally important. With the largest eyewear manufacturer producing 65 million frames per year, there are many options from which to choose. Frames become a part of your identity, projecting an overall vibe about yourself to the people you meet.
 

Consider Your Needs

Before trying on a single pair of glasses, consider what you’ll use them for. Are they reading frames that you’ll frequently be taking on and off your face? Glasses for distance viewing that you’ll wear all day? A pair that you’ll wear to give your eyes a break from contacts? Frames that must be appropriate for a conservative office? These lifestyle factors will influence the type of frames you choose.
 

Understand Eyeglass Frame Materials

Eyewear manufacturers continue to innovate new materials for frames. Some of the most popular options include:

Plastic. Commonly made from zyl (or zylonite), plastic frames are a good value and come in a range of colors. Laminated zyl frames with layered colors are a popular choice. For those who want a very lightweight option, plastic frames made from cellulose acetate propionate are lighter and more transparent than other forms of plastic frames.

Titanium. Known for their strength and durability, titanium frames are light and hypoallergenic. Because titanium is a premium metal, these frames are often at a higher price point.

Memory metal. Made from a blend of titanium and nickel, memory metal (also known as Flexon) frames provide more flexibility than regular titanium frames. These frames may be twisted, bent, and flexed without losing their shape. Memory metal frames are perfect for adults who are very active or hard on their glasses.

Stainless steel. For a chic modern look, stainless steel is a great choice. The frames are light, durable, relatively flexible, and resistant to corrosion. A range of finishes gives stainless steel frames more pizzazz than a basic silver color.

Monel. Made from nickel and copper, monel frames are a good bet for the very budget-minded. However, the quality of monel frames varies, and they may corrode or discolor over time.
 

Just One Pair? Make the Choice That’s Right For You

Just as you wouldn’t wear the same shoes to the office as you do for a night out on the town, investing in multiple frames might be a smart choice. Many people have a pair of eyeglasses for everyday wear as well as a sportier style for physical activity. If you can’t find just one pair that meets your requirements, consider different frames for the different aspects of your lifestyle.

In most of North America, optometrists are known as Doctors of Optometry (D.O.). As physicians, they are able to diagnose eye disease and prescribe medications or corrective lenses. Licensure as a DO requires a Bachelor's Degree and successful completion of a four-year school of optometrics.

Educational specialists, Allen and Virginia Crane, point out in their book "Buzzards to Bluebirds: Improve Your Child's Learning and Behavior in Six Weeks," all optometrists receive extensive education in:

• The detection of eye disease;

• Examination of binocular vision and convergence;

• Fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, known scientifically as performing refraction.
   

While all DO's can treat both children and adults, specialized pediatric optometrists complete postdoctoral studies allowing them to specialize in the evaluation and treatment of children. If your child's optometrist has prescribed eyeglasses to help correct your child's vision, it is of particular importance to their academic and athletic success that they consistently wear their glasses. Why? Because much of your child's schooling requires a minimum degree of visual skills for learning and academic success.
 

Helping Your Child Adjust to Wearing Glasses

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus points out that many children with a diagnosis of myopia, or nearsightedness, are delighted by the vision their new glasses provide upon first use. Children diagnosed with hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatisms, however, often take several weeks to adjust to the visual changes introduced by their new eyeglasses. A satisfactory adjustment also depends upon your child's age and the comfort of the eyeglasses. Here are some tips recommended by pediatric health specialists:

• Be positive! Depending upon your child's age, cite specific ways in which improved vision through use of their eyeglasses will improve their life, ranging from coloring better, doing jigsaw puzzles, bird watching with grandpa, or playing Little League baseball.

• If able, allow your child to pick out their eyeglass frames.

• Ensure that the eyeglasses fit your child properly and are comfortable. For instance, most infant and toddler eyeglasses are constructed with "cable temples" that wrap behind the ears. As your child grows, these cables become too short and can cause irritation and discomfort around the ears. Frames can become too narrow for a child’s head causing headaches and sore temples. Another common complaint is reddened areas and discomfort where the nose pieces rest. Schedule regular and frequent check-ups and readjustments to ensure a comfortable fit as your child grows.

• Polycarbonate lenses are lighter for children to wear and safer in the event that the eyeglasses are accidentally broken.

• Purchase replacement insurance on your child's glasses. The additional cost will be more than paid for in the benefits of allowing your child to be physically active and playful without worries that their eyeglasses might break.

• Speak with your child's optometrist about any children's educational material specifically targeted to children -- coloring books, brochures written for children or other items -- available through his or her practice.
   

Sources:

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. “Glasses Fitting for Children.”

American Optometric Association. “Toys, Games, and Your Child’s Vision.”

KidsGrowth Child Health™. “Getting Kids to Wear their Glasses.”

For those who suffer from allergies, exposure to pets, pollen, or dust mites can quickly lead to red, itchy, watery eyes. Although seasonal allergies are notorious for causing eye symptoms, year-round exposure to allergens can be just as problematic. If you develop itchy, red, irritated, puffy, or watery eyes, make an appointment to see your optometrist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
 

What Causes Eye Allergies?

All allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to non-threatening substances. This could be pollen, pet dander, mold spores, feathers, dust mites, perfumes, smoke, or air pollutants. When the mucous membrane covering your eyes comes into contact with one of these allergens, your immune system releases histamine and triggers a response. This causes eyes to become watery, pink or red, itchy, and puffy. You may also experience nasal allergy symptoms.
 

The First Step: Controlling Allergen Exposure

If you know what triggers your eye allergies, the most important preventative step to take is to limit your exposure. This may mean limiting your time spent outdoors, avoiding homes with pets, switching bed linens to remove feathers or dust mites, or having your home checked for mold. For individuals with seasonal allergies, mid-morning and early evening typically bring the highest pollen counts, so it is smart to stay indoors during those times. Also try to avoid windy days, which can blow pollens and trigger eye allergy symptoms.
 

Other Tips to Manage Eye Allergy Relief

Many people who suffer from allergies reach for over-the-counter antihistamine medications to manage their symptoms. Although antihistamines often reduce nasal symptoms, the American Optometric Association warns that they can actually increase irritation associated with red, itchy eyes. Antihistamines decrease tear quality and quantity, preventing your body from providing natural eye relief. Instead, ask your eye doctor about prescription medications or eye drops that may be right for you.

Another important step for managing eye allergies is to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, which can exacerbate symptoms. Cleanse your hands frequently with soap and water, and wash your bed linens and pillow cases in hot water to destroy common allergens.

For contact lens wearers, allergies can be particularly challenging. Wearing contacts may become particularly uncomfortable when you have itchy, irritated eyes. Whenever possible, forego contacts and wear prescription glasses instead. If that is not an option, make sure you replace your contact lenses frequently, and talk to your optometrist about eye drops or single-use lenses.

Sources:

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2012). Eye allergy treatment.

American Optometric Association (2011). Set your sights on spring allergy relief.

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

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

Daily Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

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

Daily Contact Lens Pros

Benefits of wearing daily contact lenses include:

• Thin Lenses. Daily contact lenses are much thinner than monthly contact lenses, which may make them feel more comfortable.

• No Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your lenses every night, daily disposable lenses may be the ideal choice for you. Since you discard them every day, there's no need to clean them.

• Many Prescription Options. Daily wear lenses can be a good option if you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.

• Convenience. If your lens tears or just doesn't feel comfortable, you'll simply take it out and replace it with a new lens. When you have a six- or 12-month supply of daily lenses available, there's no concern about wasting a single lens.
   

Daily Contact Lens Cons

• Lipid and Protein Buildup. Protein and lipid deposits tend to build up faster on thin disposable lenses. This usually isn't a problem since you throw the lenses out every evening, but it may affect comfort for some people.

• Can't Reuse Lens. Reinserting your lenses after removing them could increase your risk for an eye infection. In a research study published in Optometry & Vision Science, daily disposable lens wearers were asked to put their lenses back in the saline blister packs. The next day, 95% of the participants had at least one contaminated lens.

• Cost. Daily disposable lenses can be two to three times more expensive than extended-wear lenses, according to Time.
   

Monthly Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

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

Monthly Contact Lens Pros

Advantages of monthly contact lenses include:

• Thicker Lenses. Thinner lenses tear more easily and can be a little more difficult to insert. Thicker lenses are more durable, make insertion easier, and are less likely to tear when handling.

• More Prescription Choices. Although daily disposable lenses can be a good choice, they're best for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. If you have a complicated prescription, monthly contact lenses may offer a better option.

• Cost. Depending on the type, monthly contact lenses may cost much less than daily disposable lenses. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, monthly lenses are a good choice.
   

Monthly Contact Cons

• Comfort. Some people find thicker lenses less comfortable than thin lenses. Although proteins and lipids don't build up as quickly on monthly lenses, lens buildup can interfere with comfort near the end of the month.

• Cleaning Schedule. Monthly lenses must be carefully cleaned and stored each night to remove proteins, lipids, and bacteria. If you don't follow the cleaning schedule recommended by your eye doctor, you may be more likely to develop an infection, like keratitis. Keratitis can cause pain, redness, and blurry vision and could damage your vision if it's not treated promptly.

• Less Convenient. You'll need to make sure you have an ample supply of contact lens cases and cleaning and storage solutions when you wear monthly contact lenses. Lens cases should also be replaced every three months, according to the American Optometric Association.
   

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

Sources:

Optometry & Vision Science: Contamination Risk of Reusing Daily Disposable Contact Lenses, 12/2011

https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Fulltext/2011/12000/Contamination_Risk_of_Reusing_Daily_Disposable.6.aspx

American Optometric Association: Contact Lens Care

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care

All About Vision: Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Which Are Better for You?, 1/10/2020

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/daily-vs-monthly/

Time: You Asked: What Type of Contact Lenses Should I Wear? 7/6/2017

https://time.com/4845993/daily-disposable-contact-lenses/

WebMD: How to Find the Right Contact Lenses, 3/8/2023

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses-colored-soft-hard-toric-bifocal

CNET: 6 Tips to Choose the Best Contact Lenses for Your Needs, 5/30/2023

https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/6-tips-to-choose-the-best-contact-lenses-for-your-needs/

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Contact Lenses for Vision Correction, 5/3/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102

Causes and Treatments for Sticky Eyes

Do your eyelashes stick together in the morning? Sticky eyes aren't uncommon and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Luckily, your optometrist offers several treatments to relieve your symptoms.
 

Sticky Eye Causes

Sticky eyes are usually most noticeable when you first try to open your eyes. Overnight, mucus or discharge builds up and makes your eyelids feel as if they're glued together. Sticky eyes can be a symptom of several conditions that affect the eyes, including:

• Illnesses. Did the stickiness start when you had a cold or the flu? Your body produces extra mucus when you have a virus. The sticky stuff traps germs and helps your body get rid of them. Increased mucus production not only affects your nose but can also make your eyes feel sticky. Are your eyes sticky and red? You may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the whites of your eyes and the insides of your eyelids.

• Allergies. Allergies are a common cause of sticky eyes. Whether you're affected by seasonal allergies or allergies are a year-round problem, you may suffer from allergic conjunctivitis. The mucus in your eyes may look stringy and white if allergies are to blame for your symptoms.

• Infections. Thick yellow, gray, or green mucus could be a sign of a bacterial infection, like bacterial conjunctivitis, or bacterial keratitis. Bacterial keratitis, an infection that affects the clear cornea covering the iris and pupil, is common in contact lens wearers. You may be more likely to develop bacterial keratitis if you don't wash your hands before handling your lenses or don't follow cleaning instructions.

• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis could be responsible for that sticky feeling, particularly if you wear contact lenses. The condition causes large red bumps on the inner side of your eyelids. Other symptoms include itching, pain, and discharge. Giant papillary conjunctivitis can be caused by protein buildup on your contact lenses or an allergy to the lenses, lens solutions, or cleaning products. If your lenses rub against your eye, you may also be at risk for the condition, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• Blepharitis. Blepharitis happens when the edges of the eyelids become inflamed. You may notice crusty deposits that look a little like dandruff on your eyelids. Blepharitis can also cause redness, burning, itching, light sensitivity, and tearing. Oily skin, rosacea, dandruff, or allergies may increase your blepharitis risk, according to the National Eye Institute.

• Stye. Sticky eyes can also happen if you have a stye on your eyelid. A stye is a hard bump on the eyelid that forms due to a blockage in an oil gland.

• Dry Eyes. As strange as it sounds, sticky eyes could be a sign that your eyes are too dry. If you have dry eye, you may notice stringy white mucus in your eyes. Other dry eye symptoms include pain, burning, sensitivity to light, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
   

Sticky Eye Treatments

Treatments for sticky eyes vary depending on the cause. Stickiness due to viral conjunctivitis usually improves on its own. Until it does, lubricating eye drops and warm compresses can be helpful. Warm compresses also help unblock oil glands if you have a blockage in your meibomian glands.

If your symptoms are caused by allergies, allergy medication and cold compresses may relieve your symptoms. Contact lens-related problems can be improved by changing the type of lenses or solutions if you're allergic or paying more attention to contact lens hygiene.

You'll need to use prescription antibiotic or antifungal drops or ointment if you have bacterial conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis, or another bacterial or fungal infection. Baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser can be helpful if you have blepharitis. Daily eyelid cleaning removes crusts, flakes, and oils that can cause symptoms. If your blepharitis symptoms are severe, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation and irritation.

Wondering when you should call the optometrist? Let your eye doctor know if you have blurry vision, severe pain, an eye injury, or thick yellow, gray or green mucus in your eyes. It's also a good idea to call if sticky eyes last more than a week for any reason.

Are your eyes sticky and uncomfortable? Your optometrist can offer a diagnosis and recommend helpful treatments and eye care strategies. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, 4/27/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-giant-papillary-conjunctivitis
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National Eye Institute: Blepharitis, 11/15/2023

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis

All About Vision: Sticky Eyes: Causes and Treatment, 5/15/2021

https://www.allaboutvision.com/symptoms/eye-discharge/sticky-blurry-eyes/

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Sleep Crust, 3/29/2021

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-sleep-crust

Verywellhealth.com: What Causes Goopy Eyes and How to Treat Them, 7/26/2023

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-causes-goopy-eyes-1192186

American Optometric Association: Conjunctivitis

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y

The Benefits of Orthokeratology

Would you like to see clearly without wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses but don't want to have refractive eye surgery? Orthokeratology, commonly called ortho-k, may offer the perfect option for you.
 

What Is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology involves wearing special contact lenses at night that flatten your dome-shaped cornea. In addition to protecting your inner eye from debris, your cornea focuses light onto your retina. As light enters the eye, the cornea bends it to ensure that it's focused directly on the retina.

Ortho-k is most often used to treat myopia (nearsightedness). If you're nearsighted, light doesn't quite reach the retina inside your eyes, which makes everything you see in the distance look blurry. Flattening the cornea with orthokeratology corrects this issue. In some cases, Orthokeratology can also be used to treat astigmatism and hyperopia (farsightedness).

When you take out your gas-permeable lenses in the morning, your cornea will retain the shape of the lens, allowing you to see well without glasses or contact lenses. Initially, you'll wear a series of temporary contact lenses that will gradually flatten your corneas over several weeks. Once your optometrist is satisfied with your progress, you'll wear the same pair of contact lenses every night. You'll need to wear the contact lenses every night to maintain your results.
 

Orthokeratology Advantages

Ortho-k offers several benefits, including:

• Excellent Vision. Ortho-k offers clear, crisp vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that it may take two weeks or longer to achieve sharp vision when you first start wearing the lenses at night.

• A More Practical Solution. Forget about constantly cleaning your glasses or using rewetting drops to keep your contact lenses comfortable. When you opt for ortho-k, you won't have to keep an eyeglass case or contact lens supplies with you during the day.

• More Comfortable Eyes. Do you constantly remove your contact lenses because a speck of dirt or dust has found its way under your contact lens? When you only wear lenses at night, you won't have to worry about contact lens discomfort in dusty or windy conditions.

• Better Sports Experience. Imagine playing sports without worrying about damage to your glasses or the discomfort of a piece of debris under your contact lenses. Sports goggles and safety glasses also fit better when you don't have to wear them over a pair of eyeglasses.

• Slower Progression of Myopia in Children and Teens. Myopia tends to get worse as your child gets older. If nearsightedness becomes severe, your child may be more likely to develop other eye problems, like cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Orthokeratology could prevent myopia from progressing too quickly, according to several research studies. A literature review published in Ophthalmology noted that orthokeratology may help slow nearsightedness and is most effective if it's begun when children are 6 to 8 years old.

• No More Worries About Your Glasses. You'll no longer need to worry about misplacing your eyeglasses, losing them, or forgetting them when you travel if you correct your vision with ortho-k. There's also no need for frequent eyeglass adjustments. Broken glasses are a definite possibility when you have active children. With orthokeratology, your kids can play without worrying that a stray ball or fall in the playground will damage their glasses.

• Reversible Results. If you ever decide that you don't want to continue with orthokeratology, you'll simply stop wearing the lenses. Orthokeratology won't permanently change your eyes or cause scars or damage.
   

Would you like to find out if orthokeratology is the ideal solution for your vision issues? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Orthokeratology, 4/23/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-orthokeratology

Ophthalmology: Use of Orthokeratology for the Prevention of Myopic Progression in Children, 11/23/2018

https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(18)33073-2/fulltext

All About Vision: Ortho-K and Corneal Refractive Therapy: Overnight Contacts to Correct Myopia, 2/27/2019

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/orthok.htm

Review of Myopia Management: Overnight Orthokeratology for Myopia: What Does the Evidence Say?, 6/3/2019

https://reviewofmm.com/overnight-orthokeratology-for-myopia-management-what-does-the-evidence-say/