Contact Lens Care and Safety

March 7, 2018 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you may have a few questions about how to properly care for your contact lenses. At conta-lens-care Valley Eyecare Center, your eyes are our top priority, so we’ll go over the basics of contact lens care this week.

Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Care

Keep the following safety tips in mind when you are caring for your contact lenses.

In your contact lens care routine, please do the following:

Wash your hands before touching your eyes or your contact lenses
Clean your contact lenses in contact solution
Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and using eye drops when necessary
Wear sunglasses in addition to your contact lenses
Follow the instructions given to you by your optometrist
Replace makeup regularly, especially if it touches your eye
Come in for a regular appointment with your optometrist to check your prescription

Please do not do the following:

Store your contact lenses in water, especially tap water
Sleep with your contact lenses in. Always take them out, even just for a nap! Even if your contact lenses are specifically designed for sleep, it is still a good idea to take them out at night.
Reuse old contact solution, as irritants may be in the old solution
Put your contacts in if they are inside-out. Your contacts should look like a U, not a V
Put your contact lenses in after applying makeup—it’s always safest to put the lenses in before you apply your eye makeup!

Keeping up with your contact lens care routine is important! To learn more about caring for your eyes and contacts, or to schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips

What is Vision Correction?

February 1, 2018 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

If you have a visual impairment, you may be considering any of the following eye care options: eyeglasses, contact lenses, or Lasik eye surgery. Each of these options is quite different, and knowing which one is right for you is crucial.

Which Eye Care Solution Is Best for You?

Eyeglasses—Perhaps the most obvious way to see more clearly is to get glasses. Most people can easily wear glasses, and they correct your vision easily. They are often less expensive than contact lenses since contacts need to be replaced every day, and glasses are also less expensive than Lasik eye surgery. Glasses can also protect your eyes from potential injuries. However, glasses can be broken or lost if you take them off, and they may be uncomfortable or inconvenient in some cases.

Contact lenses—Like eyeglasses, contact lenses are a great eye care option to correct your vision, and there are many pros and cons of wearing contacts. Many contact lens wearers love that the lenses conform to the eye, providing you with infinite vision that may not be as attainable with glasses. Contacts can also make you look as if you don’t have a visual impairment, as they are less obvious than glasses. Contacts also do not fog up and are not affected by weather conditions, unlike glasses. However, some people may find that it is difficult to put contacts into their eyes, and contact lenses may also dry out your eye if you wear them too long.

Lasik eye surgery—The last eye care option is Lasik eye surgery, which involves a laser eye surgery to correct your vision. Results are immediate and long-lasting, and you do not have to worry about glasses or contact lenses. Your vision will be greatly improved, as recipients of the surgery regain 20/20 vision. However, this option can often be expensive, and you must remain awake during the surgery so that your eyes can be open for the laser.

Your eye care is important! Find out which vision corrector is right for you by coming in for an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center. Call (602) 955-2700 or visit our website to learn more information.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eyeglasses, LASIK

Do’s and Don’ts for Contact Wearers

December 13, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Keeping your contacts in their best condition is important! If you wear contacts, make sure to follow these simple tips!

Tips for Maintaining Contacts

Do:

Wash your hands before touching your contacts or your eyes
Clean your contacts after you wash them
Clean your contacts if you drop one of the lenses
Blink often to keep your contacts clean
Update your prescription annually
Remove your contacts if your eyes are dry
Carry a storage case unless you need to take your contacts out during the day, and keep a pair of eyeglasses handy so that you can switch if needed
Replace contact solution after it has been open for a month
Close your eyes if you use hairspray—this product may leave residue on your lenses!
Apply makeup after you put your contacts in, and remove lenses before removing your makeup
Consult your optometrist if you are concerned about your vision

Don’t:

Wear contacts if your eyes are itchy, irritated, red, or dry
Use the wrong chemicals to clean your contacts
Mix up your lenses—to avoid this, make sure to pick an eye and always put your contact lens in the selected eye first
Rub your eyes vigorously
Leave your contacts out in the heat
Share cosmetics, especially ones around the eye
Apply eyeliner to the inner eyelid, as this can touch your contact lenses
Touch your eyes without washing them first
Take many naps with your contacts in

Maintaining your contact lenses doesn’t have to be difficult, but it will take some getting used to if you are new to wearing contacts. To learn more about our tips about wearing contacts, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams

Discover Acuvue Contact Lenses

June 21, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

At Valley Eye Care Center, your vision is our top priority, and we want to make sure that you see properly. Vision problems can make certain everyday tasks more difficult, but luckily, Acuvue contact lenses will give you the freedom to accomplish anything without a vision impairment. If you’ve been in search of new contacts, Acuvue may be just the thing for you.

Acuvue Contact Lenses Correct Vision

We love Acuvue contacts because they have the ability to correct a variety of vision-related problems, and they are also extremely convenient!

Acuvue contacts are specialized for almost any vision impairment—There are Acuvue contact lenses for people who are nearsighted or farsighted, and there are lenses for astigmatism and even presbyopia. If you suffer from dry eyes, Acuvue offers varieties that will increase the hydration in your eyes. Most options also come with the choice of daily pairs or those that you replace every two weeks, which allows you to adapt your contact lenses to your lifestyle and preference. No matter what vision problems you have now or could develop over time, Acuvue has got you covered.

Convenience is the name of the game—Acuvue contact lenses are a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to go through the hassle of maintaining other types of contact lenses. Since you can simply dispose of the daily contact lenses, these vision correctors will work wonders for your daily routine, as you will not need to devote much time to Acuvue contact lenses. By wearing Acuvue contacts, you may even be able to play sports or take part in other activities that you couldn’t otherwise if you were wearing glasses.

Acuvue contact lenses are convenient and correct your vision! To learn more about these vision correctors, or to schedule, an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips, Eye Conditions, Eye Health, Low Vision Aids

Glasses or Contact Lenses—Which is Right for You?

June 14, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Contact lenses and glasses both correct vision and allow you to see properly. While both glasses and contacts are great options to correct your vision, the decision on which one you use is typically a personal preference. Our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center can help you to decide whether you are a glasses or contacts person.

Contact Lenses and Glasses Allow You to See Properly

Glasses require little maintenance—Glasses are very easy to care for. Unlike contact lenses, you do not need to touch your eyes in order to wear them, which can decrease your risk for developing certain eye infections. Glasses are also easier to clean and do not need to be replaced as often as contact lenses.

Glasses are a fashion statement—Whether you have one pair or multiple to go with your outfits, glasses are truly an extension of your personality.

Contact lenses allow you to see without obstructions—If you want to see properly, as if you aren’t wearing glasses, contact lenses may be just the thing for you. Just be sure to care for them, as they do touch your eyes every day. If you’re concerned about putting contact lenses into your eyes, make sure to look into the mirror so that you can focus on the image in front of you, and use your other hand to steady your face so that you do not poke yourself.

Contact lenses may change the color of your eyes—While glasses may be a great fashion statement, certain contact lenses are designed to make your eyes different colors. Make your eyes pop with colorful lenses.

As with any big decision, it is important to consider the different advantages and disadvantages of both contact lenses and glasses. To learn more information about the differences between these two vision correctors, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips, Eyeglasses

Ask An Optometrist About Contacts

March 1, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center 1 Comment

Did you know that over 30 million people wear contacts in the United States? If you’ve been considering switching from eyeglasses to contacts, you’re not alone. Contact an optometrist to update your prescription and make the switch to contacts.

Contact Lens Tips from a Phoenix Optometrist

How do I clean my contact lenses?

Make sure to clean your contact lenses regularly and thoroughly. If you have non-disposable contact lenses, cleaning them is the most important aspect of maintenance. Make sure to use contact lens solution, as opposed to water, because it will keep your lenses free of any chemicals or minerals that may reside in tap water.

Can I use eye drops while wearing contact lenses?

Yes! If your eyes feel dry, make sure to keep them hydrated. Using eye drops while wearing contacts is perfectly safe for your eyes, and it is important to make sure that your eyes do not become dry while wearing contact lenses.

Can I sleep while wearing contact lenses?

No, most optometrists recommend that you remove contact lenses if you take a nap and before you go to bed. Although certain contact lenses can be worn for brief naps, it is a good idea to remove them if you know you are tired. Play it safe and remove contacts before sleeping, as the risk of eye problems arises when contact lenses are worn overnight.

Can contact lenses correct astigmatism?

Yes! Although many contact lenses in the past could not correct astigmatism, new technology has created contact lenses for those suffering from astigmatism. Contact your optometrist if you would like to switch from eyeglasses to contacts if you suffer from astigmatism.

Make the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses! To learn more about contacts, or to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist at Valley Eyecare Center, call us at (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts

Common Problems with Contact Lenses

January 25, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Contact lenses are a great option for people who do not want to wear eyeglasses, but if you’re new to wearing contacts, you may find that you have a few concerns. Have no fears—we will address the most common problems with contact lenses.

Caring for Contact Lenses

Cleaning contacts—If you have recently switched from wearing glasses to wearing contacts, you’ll want to be a little extra careful in order to ensure that your lenses are properly clean. Make sure to use contact lens solution so that your lenses do not get any build-up on your contacts. If you wear daily contacts, you don’t even have to worry about daily cleanings since these should be thrown away at the end of each day.

You can wear contacts and makeup simultaneously—If you’re concerned about wearing makeup with your contacts, have no fear. Wearing makeup will not interfere with your contact lenses. Just be sure to put your contact lenses in before you apply your makeup so that the oils from the makeup do not get onto the lenses.

Take your contact lenses out if you take a nap—If you decide to rest your eyes—even just for a few moments—it is important that you remove your contacts so that your eyes do not become dry.

If you have allergies, you may want to try daily contact lenses—Suffering from environmental allergies is common no matter what time of year it may be. If you have allergies, switching to daily disposable contact lenses may help you to increase the moisture in your eyes. Also, be sure to remove your contact lenses 15 minutes before using eye drops so that your eyes can fully absorb the moisture from the drops.

Caring for your contact lenses doesn’t have to be difficult. To learn more information about contacts, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Care Tips

Frightened of Switching to Contacts?

November 2, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Did you know that over 36 million people in the United States wear contact lenses? Although this common method of correcting vision is prevalent throughout the U.S., some people are still afraid of switching to contacts. If you’re among those who are afraid of touching your eye, here are a few simple ways to conquer your fears this fall.

How to Conquer Your Fear of Contact Lenses

Talk to an optometrist. No one knows contact lenses better than an optometrist! Even some of the most qualified specialists at Valley Eyecare Center were originally afraid of using contacts, but we have a few tricks to help you get over this fear. If you have specific concerns related to your condition, make sure to discuss them at your next appointment.

Know the process. We suggest starting with the same eye each time so that it will eventually feel like second nature. With the contact lens in one index finger, use your free hand to hold your eyelid and insert the lens. Blink, and you’re done! It’s as simple as that.

Look away. Do not look directly at the contact lens as you put it into your eye. Instead, look into the mirror so that you can take some of the emotion and closeness out of the process.

Some myths aren’t true. Some people may be afraid of wearing contact lenses because they’ve heard a few myths about contacts. Rest easy knowing that your contacts cannot slide behind your eyes, and you will be able to take them out easily. They are designed to stay in and slip out easily when you remove them for the day.

Wearing contact lenses can be far more convenient than wearing eyeglasses, so do not give up. Be patient, and keep trying! For more information on contact lenses, or to schedule an appointment with a specialist at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Safety

Hard Contact Lenses vs. Soft Contact Lenses

August 24, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Nowadays, there are many different types of contact lenses that can help improve your vision. However, for many lens wearers, knowing which contacts are the perfect match for their eyes can be tricky. If you, like many others, are considering getting contact lenses to correct your vision, this guide will help you determine whether hard contacts or soft contacts are best for you.

Hard Contact Lenses

Hard contact lenses are relatively inflexible, maintaining their shape when they are in use. These types of lenses help reduce the effect of nearsightedness in young and adult lens wearers. If some of your concerns are worsening vision and eye infections, hard contact lenses may be the right fit for you. Keep in mind that while these are durable and give you clear, crisp vision, they also can easily become dislodged from the center of your eye and can get scratched. Since hard contact lenses are not disposable like soft contact lenses, extra care care is needed.

Soft Contact Lenses

Because they are more flexible and form to the shape of your eye, soft contact lenses are initially more comfortable than hard contacts. While both hard and soft contact lenses allow oxygen into your eye, some people prefer one’s breathability over the other. Some soft lenses, like Acuvue, are disposable, allowing the wearer to use them for a short period of time and then throw them away. Customized for different vision problems, these lenses are a convenient option for those with allergies or sensitive eyes.

If you’re a current wearer, or if you’ve been considering getting contact lenses to correct your vision, it’s important that you know all of your options. To learn more about hard and soft contact lenses or to book an appointment at Valley Eyecare Center, call us at (602) 955-2700, or contact us on our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Conditions

What Is Astigmatism?

August 2, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Although there are many issues that can cause vision impairment, one of the most common ocular problems is astigmatism. If the cornea of the eye is misshapen, a person is said to have astigmatism because light is prevented from properly entering the retina, causing blurred vision at every angle. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for astigmatism that you may want to take into consideration before your next eye exam.

Symptoms

Catching symptoms of astigmatism can be tricky, as these can be associated with other eye health issues, making it important to get an eye exam. Aside from blurred vision, symptoms may include fatigue or headaches, both of which can be caused by cloudy eyesight. If you notice a change in your eyesight, make sure to visit your optometrist as soon as possible to get checked for astigmatism.

Diagnosis

Optometrists can discover astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam. Doctors test the eyes for visual acuity, curvature of the cornea and how the eyes focus light. Depending on the results of these tests, the patient may receive a diagnosis for astigmatism and decide on a method of treatment.

Treatment

There are three popular forms of treatment for astigmatism, all of which are proven to work incredibly well and restore eyesight to its proper state.

Eyeglasses: This is the most common form of treatment, as there is little to no upkeep and are easily removable. The glasses made for this condition use a cylindrical lens prescription that works to counteract the astigmatism.
Contact Lenses: Patients usually find contacts to work better in terms of overall vision enhancement because the lens covers the entire eye, providing a clearer, wider field of view. We recommend the brand Acuvue, which has a lens created specifically for eyes with astigmatism.
LASIK Eye Surgery: This option is a bit more extreme since the tissue causing the curvature around the eye is removed with a laser, but patients have seen excellent, long-lasting results from this surgery. However, we urge you to do research and find an experienced surgeon before booking this procedure.

To learn more about astigmatism or to book an eye exam at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 242-6888 or visit our website.

Filed Under: Contacts, Eye Conditions, Eye Exams