Vision First English 2018

CONTACT LENSES Q & A
16
What are my options if I am not comfortable with RGP lenses?
Patients who cannot tolerate RGP contact lenses have an option of Hybrid lenses, which provide the
comfort of Soft lens and clarity of RGP lens. This is a lens combination that has an RGP in the center
and soft lens in the periphery. Another option for such cases is scleral contact lens.
What are scleral lenses?
These are large diameter lenses that rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). Though these lenses
are larger in size than regular lenses, they have many advantages. They do not fall out because of
their size. Dust or dirt particles cannot get behind them during wear. There is no lens awareness as
the edges of the lens rests above and below the eye lid margins, making them comfortable to wear.
What are the risks involved with contact lens usage?
Eye infections, while infrequent, are the most devastating complications, preventing patients from
wearing their contact lenses for many days. Corneal ulceration is a sight threatening complication
of contact lens usage, which occurs due to dirty cleaning solutions or dirty lenses. Managing ulceration
is a challenge and it can cause permanent reduction in vision because of associated scarring.
How will I know if I have an infection after using contact lenses?
• Pain when placing the lenses on the eyes, while wearing the lenses, or after removing them
• A sensation of heat, burning, redness, excessive tearing, or discharge
• Inability to keep the eyes open
• Severe sensitivity to light
• Acute or persistent haze, fog, or rainbows around lights
• Extreme irritation
• White spots on the cornea
What should I do if I have any of those symptoms?
You should immediately remove the contact lens from your eye and preserve it with its case and
solution. You can start using a lubricant eye drop for comfort but a visit to the nearest ophthalmologist
is a must. He will examine your eye and start you on medication if required.
DO’S AND DONT’S FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS
> Clean your lenses at night, immediately after you remove them from your eyes.
> Only cleaning solutions should be used to clean the lenses. Tap water should not be used.
> Do not mix and match solutions made by different manufacturers. Doing so causes clouding of
lenses, which may irritate your eyes.
> Contact lenses should only be cleaned with a branded lens cleaner solution. Lens cases tend to
become contaminated too. Be sure to rinse the case well before using it again.
> One should not wear contact lenses more than 12 hours at a stretch and always remember to
remove contact lens before sleeping.
> Contact lens should not be used beyond their recommended duration of use. For e.g. a daily
disposable lens should not be used for extended usage.
> Expired lenses should never be used.
Narayana Nethralaya | Ranked Among The Top 10 Eye Hospitals in India Since A Decade | www.narayananethralaya.org