Newspaper Article about Contact Lens Care
Contact Lens Problems, Anyone?
You finally took the big step and switched from wearing eyeglasses to contact lenses. You heard the numerous positives points about wearing contacts and wanted to give it a try. But now that you’re finally in contact lenses, why is it that your vision doesn’t seem as clear? Or why do your eyes feel dry towards the end of the day? Or why does your vision fluctuate when you’re reading or using a computer for hours at a time?
The primary issue that affects the quality of vision and comfort-related complications is how well a person takes care of their contact lenses. When people start having visual complaints or problems with redness, dryness and intolerance issues, one main reason is that the lenses are taken care of poorly.
Overwear is one problem that leads to contact lens complications. If you are wearing the contact lenses every waking moment, or even sleeping in them, you are cutting off the supply of oxygen to the cornea, the part of the eye on which the contact lens sits. Decreasing the oxygen supply to the cornea principally causes inflammation and dryness, but can also lead to the formation of corneal ulcers and bacterial infections that could potentially be sight threatening.
Poor cleaning habits also lead to contact lens problems. The contact lens case that you have should be replaced frequently. Whenever you purchase contact lens solution, it always comes with a new case, so use it. Old contact lens cases harbor nasty bacteria, so replacing your contact lens case regularly reduces your exposure to bacterial eye infections. Also, it is important to throw out the used solution in your contact lens case every morning and let the case air dry. Re-using solution for days at a time allows bacteria to proliferate in the dark, warm and moist environment, essentially turning your case and your contact lenses into a Petri dish.
However, a lot of people are very responsible and do take care of their contact lenses very well. Using artificial tear lubricating drops may help them, but they may still have issues. There are literally hundreds of different brands of contact lenses out on the market, and obviously, they are not all manufactured in the same way. If you weren’t fitted recently with contact lenses by your eye doctor, chances are you aren’t wearing the latest and greatest contact lens technology. These new contact lens materials allow more oxygen to cross the contact lens to your cornea, greatly reducing the risk of dryness and comfort problems. There are also contact lens cleaning solutions that are available that are preservative-free. Many times, people develop a hypersensitivity to the preservatives found in many multi-purpose cleaning solutions, and just switching to a different solution takes care of their problems.
So, if you are having any contact lens related problems, it is recommended that you seek the advice from an eye care professional, certainly someone who specializes in contact lenses. Your eye doctor can examine your eyes and contact lenses and make the proper recommendations to improve your situation with contact lenses.
Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LTD.
1802 Papermill Rd.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-372-0712askdoctorweaver@yahoo.com
Welcome to Ask Dr. Weaver!!!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Computer Vision Syndrome
By Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
As people continue to become more reliant on technology, computer use is increasing among all age ranges, especially with baby boomers and seniors. Whether it’s for playing games, entertainment, e-mail, news, weather or general information, using computers can be a time-intensive hobby. As the recent years have passed, you may have found yourself using the computer more and more. With this continued computer usage, you may be unknowingly suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS).
Computer vision syndrome involves fluctuating, doubled or blurred vision, eye redness and dryness, eye strain or fatigue, and headaches. Some people develop one or many of these symptoms, which can arise after a few hours or as quickly as a few minutes. Even if you are wearing updated corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contacts), you can still experience CVS.
There are two main causes to computer vision syndrome. One reason is a problem with an eye’s ability to accommodate, or to focus properly. The other problem is the ability of both eyes to work well together, to form a single, clear image. This usually occurs when your eye muscles weaken or get tired. Whether it is late in the day or you are doing excessive reading or computer work, one or both of these functions may break down and cause the numerous symptoms of CVS.
The best way to relieve eyestrain is to have your vision evaluated by an eye care professional, so that he/she may be able to examine your eye muscle function and your ability to accommodate. Your eye doctor may recommend a separate pair of eyeglasses for computer tasks, to make everything more clear and comfortable. But there are other things that you can do on your own to alleviate symptoms of extended computer use.
The main goal is to minimize glare. Sometimes you can’t change the position of the computer monitor. But if you can, position the monitor directly in front or slightly below eye level. This minimizes reflections from lights on the ceiling. There are also anti-glare screens that can be placed on the monitor, but you can also adjust the brightness and the contrast levels to make the viewing area more comfortable to your eyes. Also, you should check the refresh rate level of your computer screen. If it’s too low, the screen will flicker and be very bothersome. A refresh rate level of 70 Hz or higher should be adequate. Finding the right resolution of the monitor’s display is also important. High resolution is best, but sometimes if it’s too high, the print and pictures may appear very small.
Unwanted light reflections can add to glare issues and CVS. If possible, use window blinds or curtains to reduce bright reflections of incoming sunlight. Desk lamps should be pointed away from your eyes and the computer screen to also reduce glare.
It is important to remember to blink regularly and keep your eyes from drying out. When people concentrate—either from reading or looking at a computer screen—their eyes tend to become dry, usually a result from a decrease of their normal blink rate. You can also use artificial tear lubricating eyedrops (brands such as Systane, Refresh, Optive work well) if your eyes feel dry or tired, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Taking scheduled breaks from staring at the computer screen will also allow your eyes to relax. Optimally, it would be great to take a 5-10 minute break and look away from the computer screen into the distance for every one hour of computer work.
These are just some of the tips recommended for computer vision syndrome. First and foremost, if you suffer from symptoms relating to CVS, I would strongly recommend that you get your eyes checked out from an eyecare professional. Any slight blur in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription will cause symptoms of CVS, and updating your prescription may be enough to alleviate your complaints. But if you are still having problems after seeing your eye doctor, feel free to try some of the tips mentioned above to see if you notice an improvement.
Contact:
Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LTD.
1802 Papermill Rd.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-372-0712
askdoctorweaver@yahoo.com
By Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
As people continue to become more reliant on technology, computer use is increasing among all age ranges, especially with baby boomers and seniors. Whether it’s for playing games, entertainment, e-mail, news, weather or general information, using computers can be a time-intensive hobby. As the recent years have passed, you may have found yourself using the computer more and more. With this continued computer usage, you may be unknowingly suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS).
Computer vision syndrome involves fluctuating, doubled or blurred vision, eye redness and dryness, eye strain or fatigue, and headaches. Some people develop one or many of these symptoms, which can arise after a few hours or as quickly as a few minutes. Even if you are wearing updated corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contacts), you can still experience CVS.
There are two main causes to computer vision syndrome. One reason is a problem with an eye’s ability to accommodate, or to focus properly. The other problem is the ability of both eyes to work well together, to form a single, clear image. This usually occurs when your eye muscles weaken or get tired. Whether it is late in the day or you are doing excessive reading or computer work, one or both of these functions may break down and cause the numerous symptoms of CVS.
The best way to relieve eyestrain is to have your vision evaluated by an eye care professional, so that he/she may be able to examine your eye muscle function and your ability to accommodate. Your eye doctor may recommend a separate pair of eyeglasses for computer tasks, to make everything more clear and comfortable. But there are other things that you can do on your own to alleviate symptoms of extended computer use.
The main goal is to minimize glare. Sometimes you can’t change the position of the computer monitor. But if you can, position the monitor directly in front or slightly below eye level. This minimizes reflections from lights on the ceiling. There are also anti-glare screens that can be placed on the monitor, but you can also adjust the brightness and the contrast levels to make the viewing area more comfortable to your eyes. Also, you should check the refresh rate level of your computer screen. If it’s too low, the screen will flicker and be very bothersome. A refresh rate level of 70 Hz or higher should be adequate. Finding the right resolution of the monitor’s display is also important. High resolution is best, but sometimes if it’s too high, the print and pictures may appear very small.
Unwanted light reflections can add to glare issues and CVS. If possible, use window blinds or curtains to reduce bright reflections of incoming sunlight. Desk lamps should be pointed away from your eyes and the computer screen to also reduce glare.
It is important to remember to blink regularly and keep your eyes from drying out. When people concentrate—either from reading or looking at a computer screen—their eyes tend to become dry, usually a result from a decrease of their normal blink rate. You can also use artificial tear lubricating eyedrops (brands such as Systane, Refresh, Optive work well) if your eyes feel dry or tired, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Taking scheduled breaks from staring at the computer screen will also allow your eyes to relax. Optimally, it would be great to take a 5-10 minute break and look away from the computer screen into the distance for every one hour of computer work.
These are just some of the tips recommended for computer vision syndrome. First and foremost, if you suffer from symptoms relating to CVS, I would strongly recommend that you get your eyes checked out from an eyecare professional. Any slight blur in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription will cause symptoms of CVS, and updating your prescription may be enough to alleviate your complaints. But if you are still having problems after seeing your eye doctor, feel free to try some of the tips mentioned above to see if you notice an improvement.
Contact:
Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LTD.
1802 Papermill Rd.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-372-0712
askdoctorweaver@yahoo.com
Uh oh! Flashes and floaters!!!
Dear Dr. Weaver,
A few days ago, I experienced an episode of flashing lights that lasted for a few seconds. The flashes have since gone away, but now I see a very large, annoying dark spot in my vision, which moves back and forth, but never goes away. What’s going on?
Sincerely,
Becky
******************************
Dear Becky,
Any symptoms of new floaters or flashing lights can be a result of serious conditions involving the retina. So if you have not seen an eye professional regarding this, please do so immediately.
Floaters are usually a result in a change of condensation of the vitreous, which is a clear gel-like material housed within your eye. The vitreous gel is formed in your eye since birth, and some changes can occur to that gel as you age. Once a uniform, consistent material, portions of the vitreous can “break-down” and “pull-away” from the retina in the back of the eye. When light enters the eye, the areas of condensed vitreous develop faint shadows on your retina. Most people notice small dark specks or strands that move back-and-forth in their vision. The reason for this is because the vitreous is freely movable inside the eye, which allows the “floaters” to bounce around or “float” in your visual field.
Most people who are nearsighted (myopic) commonly have floaters, due the anatomy of their eye. The floaters are highlighted most when looking into the sky, peering at a computer screen, or when reading a book or magazine. After a period of time, the brain develops the ability to ignore the annoying floaters. However, the formation of any new floaters is of concern.
The most common condition affecting the vitreous due to aging is called a Posterior Vitreous Detachment, or PVD. The initial symptoms include repeated flashes of light followed by the formation of a large, globular or ring-shaped floater. I mentioned before that the vitreous is freely moveable in the back of the eye, but it is attached to a few areas of the retina. One of these locations is near the optic nerve. As the vitreous pulls away from the area near the optic nerve, the tugging or traction causes the appearance of flashing lights. Once the vitreous finally pulls away, there is no more traction, so that is why the flashing light subsides. But once the vitreous does pull away, there is a large area of condensed vitreous that contributes to the large floater. This floater is very annoying, because it is new and it is very close to the center of your vision. The floater does not go away; it is there indefinitely, but your brain learns to ignore it over time, which can take weeks to months.
The major concern when people notice flashes and floaters are that those symptoms could reflect a serious problem occurring with the retina. The three main conditions are retinal holes, retinal tears and retinal detachments.
A retinal hole is a small opening in the retina, which could be caused by trauma or the tractional force of the vitreous. The formation of a retinal hole can cause a brief flash of light, followed by a floater. However, these changes usually occur at the edge of the retina and do not always show any symptoms. The symptoms and causes of a retinal tear are also similar to that of a retinal hole, but the flash of light may appear more light a lightening streak. Treatment for either can include monitoring the area, but is usually involves the application of laser treatment around the hole/tear to seal it off from causing a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that is vision threatening. This is when the retina actually lifts off from the back surface of the eye. With a retinal tear or hole, fluid can actually seep through the opening of the retina and lift it off. When this occurs, symptoms can include flashes, a large shadow and/or loss of vision. Referral to a retinal specialist is recommended immediately for surgical repair, but if vision is affected, there is a possibility that the vision may not be restored to its original state.
Flashing lights do not always indicate a problem with floaters or the retina, but it usually does. Dryness from contact lenses, the optical material of eyeglasses, cataracts or any diseases or dystrophies of the cornea, can contribute to an uneven focusing of light, depending on the angle at which the light enter the eye. The type of small flashes associated with this is usually only noticed at night or dark environments, but not always.
If you are experiencing any light flashes or floaters that seem new or unusual, it is urgent that you obtain a comprehensive eye examination, including dilation. The dilating drops allow the eye doctor to get a more complete view of the retina and the back of your eye. He/she may then diagnose your symptoms more appropriately and refer you to a retinal specialist if any treatment is needed.
A few days ago, I experienced an episode of flashing lights that lasted for a few seconds. The flashes have since gone away, but now I see a very large, annoying dark spot in my vision, which moves back and forth, but never goes away. What’s going on?
Sincerely,
Becky
******************************
Dear Becky,
Any symptoms of new floaters or flashing lights can be a result of serious conditions involving the retina. So if you have not seen an eye professional regarding this, please do so immediately.
Floaters are usually a result in a change of condensation of the vitreous, which is a clear gel-like material housed within your eye. The vitreous gel is formed in your eye since birth, and some changes can occur to that gel as you age. Once a uniform, consistent material, portions of the vitreous can “break-down” and “pull-away” from the retina in the back of the eye. When light enters the eye, the areas of condensed vitreous develop faint shadows on your retina. Most people notice small dark specks or strands that move back-and-forth in their vision. The reason for this is because the vitreous is freely movable inside the eye, which allows the “floaters” to bounce around or “float” in your visual field.
Most people who are nearsighted (myopic) commonly have floaters, due the anatomy of their eye. The floaters are highlighted most when looking into the sky, peering at a computer screen, or when reading a book or magazine. After a period of time, the brain develops the ability to ignore the annoying floaters. However, the formation of any new floaters is of concern.
The most common condition affecting the vitreous due to aging is called a Posterior Vitreous Detachment, or PVD. The initial symptoms include repeated flashes of light followed by the formation of a large, globular or ring-shaped floater. I mentioned before that the vitreous is freely moveable in the back of the eye, but it is attached to a few areas of the retina. One of these locations is near the optic nerve. As the vitreous pulls away from the area near the optic nerve, the tugging or traction causes the appearance of flashing lights. Once the vitreous finally pulls away, there is no more traction, so that is why the flashing light subsides. But once the vitreous does pull away, there is a large area of condensed vitreous that contributes to the large floater. This floater is very annoying, because it is new and it is very close to the center of your vision. The floater does not go away; it is there indefinitely, but your brain learns to ignore it over time, which can take weeks to months.
The major concern when people notice flashes and floaters are that those symptoms could reflect a serious problem occurring with the retina. The three main conditions are retinal holes, retinal tears and retinal detachments.
A retinal hole is a small opening in the retina, which could be caused by trauma or the tractional force of the vitreous. The formation of a retinal hole can cause a brief flash of light, followed by a floater. However, these changes usually occur at the edge of the retina and do not always show any symptoms. The symptoms and causes of a retinal tear are also similar to that of a retinal hole, but the flash of light may appear more light a lightening streak. Treatment for either can include monitoring the area, but is usually involves the application of laser treatment around the hole/tear to seal it off from causing a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that is vision threatening. This is when the retina actually lifts off from the back surface of the eye. With a retinal tear or hole, fluid can actually seep through the opening of the retina and lift it off. When this occurs, symptoms can include flashes, a large shadow and/or loss of vision. Referral to a retinal specialist is recommended immediately for surgical repair, but if vision is affected, there is a possibility that the vision may not be restored to its original state.
Flashing lights do not always indicate a problem with floaters or the retina, but it usually does. Dryness from contact lenses, the optical material of eyeglasses, cataracts or any diseases or dystrophies of the cornea, can contribute to an uneven focusing of light, depending on the angle at which the light enter the eye. The type of small flashes associated with this is usually only noticed at night or dark environments, but not always.
If you are experiencing any light flashes or floaters that seem new or unusual, it is urgent that you obtain a comprehensive eye examination, including dilation. The dilating drops allow the eye doctor to get a more complete view of the retina and the back of your eye. He/she may then diagnose your symptoms more appropriately and refer you to a retinal specialist if any treatment is needed.
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