Archive for the ‘Contact Lenses’ Category

My friend and occasional collaborator, Jessica Barnett asked me a question on Twitter the other day: “Random thought.. Do you have any blogs about the dangers of wearing contacts for too long/way too long?”

My first thought was, “Oh, man. She must be in big trouble.” Most people don’t think about the possible harm contacts can do until they have red, angry, painful eyes. It turns out that, no, she just has a lot of friends who push their contacts WAY past their limits. And she wanted some info to share with them.

First, let’s clarify a bit of terminology. When patients do not follow the recommendations regarding their contact lenses, they usually refer to it as “wearing contacts for too long.” Sometimes they say they just “over-wear” contacts. What doctors call it is “contact lens abuse.” Because, like almost anything, contacts can be used properly to provide safe, clear, and comfortable vision, or they can be used in a way that causes unnecessary risk.

When people abuse their contacts proteins, oils, bacteria, and allergens build up on the surface of the lenses. These are then in constant contact (get it? 8)) with the sensitive lining of your eyeball and eyelids. If you do not take your contacts out, or you wear them longer than you are supposed to, you limit the ability of your eyes to clean and recover. This increases the likelihood of a problem that can range from something mildly annoying to something permanently blinding  - like acanthamoeba.

So what is the worst that can happen? Check out this video to illustrate “the worst week of my life.”

Or this quieter patient saying  that it felt like ” my eye was going to burst out of my face”

Most contact lens complications are certainly not this bad. Most commonly, people first develop dry, red eyes as a result of the eyes not getting enough oxygen, the lenses not fitting correctly, or as a reaction to components of the contact lens cleaning solution. You do not want to let these initial problems develop into an infection or a corneal ulcer as described in the videos above. As a general rule, if you experience any pain, redness, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or the feeling that something is in your eye or stuck on the contact take out the contacts and schedule a visit with the eye doctor that prescribed your lenses.

Here are some things you can do to reduce the chances of problems with contacts:

1. Throw away your contacts as recommended.
2. Do not sleep in your contacts unless specifically allowed by your doctor.
3. NEVER use tap water when cleaning lenses.
4. Wash your hands before handling contacts.
5. Ignore the “no rub” label. Clean your contacts as instructed.
6. Never reuse contact lens solution.
7. Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it regularly.
8. Own an up-to-date pair of back-up glasses to give your eyes a break.

UPDATE: We are extending this to the entire week of June 6 – 10th!

Do you wear Biofinity/Aquaclear brand contact lenses from Cooper Vision? If so, today’s your lucky day! Here at Bright Eyes, we’re having the biggest contact lens sale ever!!  For today only, if you bring in your valid contact lens prescription for Biofinity/Aquaclear lenses or have a prescription on file here, you can save $100 on an annual supply.  That’s a total of 4 boxes for just $130 plus a $30 mail-in manufacturer rebate.  So if you’re running low on contacts or have just put off purchasing them, make sure and come in between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. today for some awesome savings!!

And don’t forget about our Ugly Glasses Contest!! Go to our Facebook page or click on the link to enter. You only have 3 days left to submit that hideous picture of you wearing the ugliest glasses you’ve owned. You could win a new pair of designer glasses valued at up to $500 to start your summer in style!

Justin Schoonover, CPO
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

If you wear contact lenses, you must keep your contacts clean to keep your eyes healthy. This short video shows you how.

If you are not able to maintain this regimen, do not use them or ask your eye doctor for single use (daily disposable) contacts.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Although anime  or “Circle Lenses” have been around for a while, thanks to Lady Gaga they are surging in popularity right now. But remember that only FDA approved contact lenses prescribed by an eye doctor are considered safe to wear. By law,  lenses cannot be sold without a valid contact lens prescription.

If you have any questions about the safety of your lenses, please contact us.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) Statement Regarding Circle Contact Lenses

Patient safety and access to adequate eye care is always our concern. With the growing interest in “circle lenses,” colored plano and prescription contact lenses imported primarily from Asia, the AOA is once again working to inform consumers of the risk of these illegal lenses. And, last month, AOA staff led one of the largest meetings of federal officials concerned about the illegal sale of these and other decorative contact lenses, convened by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“With the FDA’s focus of ‘Protecting and Promoting Health,’ the recent gathering served as an outstanding platform to brainstorm with FDA officials,” states Joe E. Ellis, O.D. President of the American Optometric Association.  “We found that FDA officials were shocked, as well as dismayed, by how easy these lenses can be obtained, and how aggressively adolescents and young adults are targeted.”

The AOA is responding to numerous requests for information and interviews from media outlets across the country.  “We are working with the consumer media to encourage people to visit an eye care professional and get a proper prescription.  A beauty fad is not worth causing problems with your sight,” adds Dr. Ellis.

Consumers should not use any contact lenses, whether they are circle lenses, or otherwise, without a proper examination and prescription by an eye care professional.  Risks associated with the improper use of decorative contact lenses include conjunctivitis, corneal swelling, eye infection, allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit and/or improper lens care.  Additional problems may result in a reduction of visual acuity, diminished contrast sensitivity, or reduced peripheral vision and other general eye and vision impairments.  Optometrists are encouraged to report any violations of the sale of contact lenses, or any adverse health consequences, to AOA’s Washington office.

At Bright Eyes, we try to stay current in the opportunities given to our patients. As contact lens companies go, it’s usually in the form of rebates and annual supply savings. Recently however, one company has gone above and beyond the product savings to offer an opportunity in an activity many of us and our kids participate in but usually don’t associate with wearing contacts: athletics. Contact lenses are a necessary piece of “equipment” in many athletes’ gear bags. Because glasses are cumbersome and can even be dangerous in certain sports, contacts are a comfortable and healthy alternative that give athletes a crisp and complete field of vision.

CooperVision, a company that manufactures, among others, the Proclear, Biofinity, Biomedics, and Frequency line of contacts, is holding a contest in which it will award ten prizes of $2,500 to athletic teams, athletes, or even community sporting organizations. They want to make sure teams and individuals have the proper “gear” to help them compete. Plus any member of the team who currently wears contacts or glasses will also have the chance to be fitted with CooperVision contact lenses for an entire year.

To enter you must complete the online form and create a short video or series of photos introducing your team and why you think you should win. What could you use the grant for? Whatever you think your team needs to succeed: new jerseys or uniforms, new equipment, transportation funds to your next away game.  You must hurry though, because the deadline to submit is June 25th.

Visit the link below for additional information and to submit your video and application.

http://www.mycontactsports.com/

All the best,

Justin Schoonover

While certainly most young children do not need to use contact lenses, a few do. When I tell people this, they usually think it is impossible to put contacts in their kid’s eyes. Well, this video shows how easy it can be!

(Click here if video doesn’t play)

Click here to read more about babies and contacts.

See Well!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Welcome to 2010, everyone!  I hope you are enjoying the start of a brand-new decade.

Readers of this blog know that it is a Bright Eyes News tradition to create an eye related Top Ten List of New Years Resolutions. For 2008, wrote about resolutions for eye health. For 2009, I wrote about resolutions for children’s vision.

Thinking back to 2009, I’ve talked to a number of patients who had lost – or were about to lose – their jobs.  It was an economically challenging year for many.  So I thought this year I would take this issue head-on and make a list for people who want to save money on eyecare. But, as a doctor, it wouldn’t be appropriate to just say, “Skip your exams, squint instead of updating your glasses, and wear your contacts until your eyes fall out.” First, it isn’t sound advice. Second, many of these actually cost more money in the long run.

So here is a list of New Years Resolutions to Save Money on Eyecare (Without Sacrificing Quality). I hope that you find it helpful.

1) Maintain a regular schedule for eye exams.

Many people feel that they are saving money by skipping their recommended eye exams.  Did you know that eye exams are primarily about eye health, not just clarity of sight?  There are some blinding conditions with no symptoms that can only be detected with a thorough eye exam. If caught early, they can often be treated early with much simpler treatments. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars of complicated treatment, including ocular surgery. This doesn’t even factor in the lost income and quality of life that can come from the loss of vision.

2) Get the exam that you pay for.

This may seem very obvious, but you should be sure that you are getting a complete and thorough eye exam. After all, if you are paying for something, you should get it.  Sometimes people are reluctant to have their pupils dilated during an exam, but if they don’t, the doctor cannot look for signs of disease in the back of the eye. Find out if there is a charge to come back and finish the exam at a later date. If you bring your child to eye doctor because you have concerns that vision may be affecting school performance, ask beforehand what type of tests are included.  Not all vision plans will cover this specialized testing, so you should find out how much it costs.

3) Utilize InfantSEE.

As with all health issues, prevention is more cost effective than treatment. This is particularly true for infants. An eye early eye exam can detect potential problems such as extreme nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as strabismus and amblyopia. To assist in this, the American Optometric Association created the public health initiative called InfantSEE. Optometrists who participate in the program will provide one visual and eye health exam to infants between six and twelve months old at no charge.

4) Understand your Vision Plan, Medical Insurance, Flex and HSAs.

Some medical plans have coverage for eye exams. Some plans specifically cover medical problems such as eye infections and glaucoma. Other plans are specifically for vision and will have coverage for a vision exam, glasses, or contacts, but not medical visits. If you or your employer pays for these benefits, use them wisely. Find out what the annual benefits are. Ask the doctor’s staff to help you maximize your benefits. For example, you are getting both glasses and contact lenses and your plan only covers one of these, you may save more money applying the benefits to the glasses.  Also know that you cannot ask that the vision plan be billed on a different date than you actually received the service.  However, you CAN use your Flex and HSA accounts for eyecare and optical purchases.

5) Select your eyewear carefully.

When you are picking out eyewear, try on the styles and brands that you like. But keep in mind the purpose of each pair of glasses you buy. You might love the Tiffany & Co. frames with crystals, but if you work or play hard, it might make more sense to get some less expensive frames that are built to be durable. Costa Del Mar sunglasses are durable, but if you are prone to losing them(or dropping them in the gulf!) spend a extra few dollars on a glasses strap. And when shopping  around, be sure you compare apples to apples. A discount store or online retailer may be cheaper,  but consider material quality and customer service when making your choice.  Will your optical service remake lenses in the case of an error?  What happens if the coating flakes off within a few months?

6) Get the right lens materials and coatings.

Find out what the doctor or optician recommends for lens options, but don’t just assume that more expensive is better. Some lens options are worth a little extra: Crizal Alize or VisoXC will improve the clarity of your lenses, reduce glare, and resist scratches.  Some fabulously high-tech lens materials are essential for someone with a very high prescription but may be a waste of money if you have a low prescription. We always recommend UV protection for all general purpose glasses, but if you only use glasses for reading indoors, then it may not be needed. I encourage you to get glasses that meet your needs, but that doesn’t mean that every pair has to have all the bells and whistles. If the optical staff do not explain your options to your satisfaction – ask. They may be able to help you save money when they understand how the glasses are to be used.

7) Try multipurpose lenses.

Do you own just one pair of shoes? Not likely, because most people have different shoes for different purposes. Your eyes also have different needs and no one single pair of glasses will meet all those needs.  But you don’t need to own a baker’s dozen pairs of glasses either. If you have a different prescription for reading and distance (like most people over 45), save money with just one pair of bifocals or progressives. In Florida, it is best to have a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses.  But eyewear with clip-on sunglasses or Transitions (that darken in the sun) are a cost-effective and protect your eyes from UV and bright sun.

Make use of your warranties.

If you are spending hard-earned money on glasses, you expect them to work well for you. Always inquire about what warranty is included in your purchase. At Bright Eyes, all of our eyewear frames come with a 2 year, unconditional breakage warranty. If you get premium scratch coating, it also includes 2 year scratch warranty. See if your optical offers similar coverage and if they do, make use of it.

9) Learn about your contacts.

Talking to your optometrist about your contact lens options.  Monthly lenses may be a cost-saving option for full-time wearers;  daily lenses are a good deal for occasional contact wearers, especially when you factor in the solution costs.  RGP (hard) contacts frequently outperform their soft counterparts and can be up to half as expensive.

10) Consider alternative financing options.

Many offices, including ours, accept Care Credit, a health care credit card with options for 6-months interest-free financing.  This is helpful for more expensive treatments not covered by insurances, such as Corneal Reshaping (orthokeratology), an method of providing glasses- free vision, or vision therapy, which allows people to overcome visual challenges to live life up to their potential.  Even eyeglasses and eye exams qualify for Care Credit purchases. Ask about Care Credit or similar programs at your doctor’s office.

I hope that this has been helpful in ensuring that you get best eyecare possible! Happy New Year!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.
Connect:

Here at Bright Eyes, we have amazing patients that do very cool things. I am always interested in what people are doing and enjoy the conversations that we have during the eye exams. Sometimes I will spotlight them.

Today I was lucky enough to be the focus of a very cool and generous post by Randy Watson (AKA The Wine Whore). If you don’t already know him, he is a very funny, genuine wine blogger, twitter fanatic,  friend, and a patient.

So check it out! Check out the rest of his blog. And if you are feeling up to it, leave a comment. And don’t forget to get your turn on the Cabernet Couch!

Cheers!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

There is a framed poster that hangs in the exam room with pictures of some of the different kinds of things that can go wrong with your eyes.  It shows images of eye infections, allergies, and reactions, some mild pictures, and some that kind of freak people out.

When patients mention it, I say in a light-hearted, joking way, “That is what happens when people don’t take care of their contacts.”

Well, the US FDA and Department of Health and Human Services  has a similar idea, but definitely more education.  Watch this video:

This video explains some key points:

• Germs are found in water.
• Avoid water completely while in contact lenses (yes, no swimming)
• Use only fresh contact lens solution.
• Throw away your case regularly
• Contact your eye doctor if you are having any problems.

If you follow these guidelines, you will reduce the likelihood of having any serious complications from you contacts. If you have more questions, do not be afraid to call us at (813) 792-0637.

Be Well and stay healthy!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Ahah! I was scooped on this story by one of my favorite bloggers, Ann Z. from LittleFourEyes. I was going to write a post about this exciting news today, but since she already has. Check it out here.

I Will leave you with a quote from yesterday’s press release:

According to Dr. S. Barry Eiden the trial will also investigate why these special lenses may be effective in slowing myopia.

“Current thinking suggests that these CRT lenses flatten the cornea but other evidence suggests that these lenses may influence the growth in eyeball length (termed axial length). A major contributor to progressive nearsightedness is axial length elongation. Corneal reshaping may actually result in decreased axial length growth. The exact mechanism by which this happens is still being investigated” said Dr. Eiden.

“The results of the SMART Study so far are very exciting,” said Dr. Davis. “The outcomes of this study may revolutionize how we manage young nearsighted patients from this point forward”.

You can go to the SMART study facebook page to find more information.You can also watch a news report on the study here.

It should also be noted that the SMART study is building on additional recent studies that have also found that Orthokeratology has been successful in slowly the progression of myopia.

To find orthokeratology doctors in Tampa and elsewhere: go to the Orthokeratology Academy of America. If you are curious, feel free to call or come in for our no-cost consultation to determine if you are candidate.

Be Well.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.