Contact lens irritation leading to red eye is A common condition we see here at the clinic, yet it is also one of the most preventable ones too.
Experiencing contact lens irritation (or red eye), or any other issues related to contact lens wear, can drastically decrease your quality of life and make it challenging to perform everyday activities like working, reading, and driving.
Let's look at the most frequently asked questions about contact lens wearing to see if we can help you.
Why do contact lenses cause red eyes?
There are many reasons, but a major one is inadequate lens fitting.
Using old lenses, reusing lenses, not seeking help, rubbing your eyes, incorrect fittings, or using poor quality low grade lenses. Those who buy lenses online without a proper fitting by an eye doctor may experience issues at some point.
Contact lens fitting is one of the many services offered here at the clinic.
What should I do if my contacts are hurting my eyes?
Stop wearing them.
Take them out, give your eyes a break and let the natural oils of your eyes and a good night's sleep heal your eyes. If you are still experiencing pain in a few days time, then you know that it might be because of another condition like dry eyes, or something more serious like corneal ulcer.
Your eyes are so important for your quality of life, we recommend everyone to go for an examination once every 2 years.
You shouldn't have to live in pain. Read our 6 tips for happy healthy contact lens wearing
Can I use my Glasses prescription to order lenses online?
“I know my prescription for my eye glasses, so I can just as easily now buy contacts lenses in the same prescription. Is that right?”
We get this question a lot.
It might be that you have an eye exam resulting in a prescription for glasses and never get fitted for contact lenses. So you think it could be a good idea to then use the glasses prescription to buy contact lenses.
That's also where the concern is.
If you have a basic prescription, then it's an easy conversion between the two, chances are your eyes are fairly average. Any contact lenses you buy will fit well.
But if there's any kind of irregularity in your prescription, even small irregularities, and you're not properly fitted for contact lenses, the lenses that you're wearing could potentially harm you.
Can I not just buy contact lenses online? I know my prescription.
Of course you can. Google it, and you’ll find a bunch of options to buy them.
But be warned!
Contact lenses are medical devices. They are not to be messed with. It’s often hard to tell the difference between the lower quality and higher quality brands.
We know that some lower grade brands use outdated material in their lenses, which is why they are so cheap, and which is why they lead to irritation and sometimes infections too.
And as the old saying goes, “you pay for what you get”.
At Sigma Eyecare Optometrists we know the quality products that are available, we have tested the majority of them. We will fit you with lenses that are tried and tested, and that we know will be best for the longevity of your eyes.
Should my eyes always be a little bit sore with lenses?
No they shouldn't.
You don't have to live with red eyes, itchy eyes, or pain in or around your eyes. A proper examination and diagnosis to determine what exactly is causing you trouble can really improve your quality of life.
RELATED: Learn how to prevent red eye from your contact lenses
Can I reuse my dailies?
Dailies are called dailies for a reason. When you reuse them, the material weakens, the protective layer disintegrates and you stand a far greater chance of irritation, or breaking the lenses. (if you’ve had that issue before, you’ll know it is extremely frustrating)
Check out the some of the dailies contact lenses that we recommend
How Sigma can help with reducing contact lens issues?
Your eye doctor will help you get set up with your new contact lenses.
We offer many contact lens options for a wide range of prescriptions and lifestyles. Whether you need spherical, toric (astigmatism), monovision, multifocal, rigid gas permeable lenses, or other specialty contact lenses, a contact lens fitting exam will determine your best choice.
First time contact lens wearers will go through a training session to ensure you can insert and remove the lenses safely as well as learn to properly care for your lenses.
At Sigma Eyecare Optometrists we are all about education - we want you to know what is good for your eyes, what hurts your eyes, and how you can maintain your eye health over the course of your life. It is possible.. we’re happy to support you in this journey.
Book in with one of our eye doctors to get started. Book your appointment today