contact Lenses
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WHY YOU SHOULD COMPLY!!!!!!!!
One of the local retailers I visited was having some difficulty reading the tape measure – finding that her arms were not long enough. A familiar enough story to a lot of people; not so familiar the tragedy she proceeded to unveil about her friend’s daughter who had (against advice) slept in her contact lenses after a big night out. Infection was followed by ulceration was followed by graft surgery to transplant the damaged tissue. Fortunately, this extreme is very rarely seen in private practice, however there is always risk for those contact lens wearers who continually refuse to comply.
Compliance encompasses all aspects of contact lens wear including wearing times, lens type, cleaning systems as well as other general “do’s & don’ts”. Contact lenses are worn in direct contact with the surface of the eyes and therefore affect the way the eyes function. Normal wearing times vary according to lens type, lens material and the individual. They may be recommended at as little as eight hours per day up to as much as eighteen hours for some lens types. These recommended schedules may change according to the patient’s general well being, external environment and various other factors.
Most contact lenses worn today fall into a category known as soft regular replacement lenses. In a society of convenience, disposable and frequent replacement contact lenses were a very welcome entrant when they first appeared in the market place. Apart from the benefits for those patients who were having recurring problems with lost or split lenses, were the obvious health advantages that came with being able to open new lenses every couple of weeks. The replacement schedules (whether daily, fortnightly or monthly) are those set by the manufacturer and approved by national therapeutic goods administration (TGA) for use. Wearing lenses beyond these recommendations is asking for trouble. Remember, your contact lenses should feel as good on their last wear as they did on their first. If they don’t, and you are following the recommended schedules, some changes in your care regimen need to be made.
Any questions you have regarding your contact lenses, their care or your wearing schedules can be directed to any of our optometrists. Addressing these issues now will mean long term comfortable lens wear, good vision and, above all, healthy eyes.