Understanding the Aging Eye The aging process brings some inevitable changes to our bodies, and our eyes are no exception. As we grow older, we experience shifts in how our vision functions, and understanding these changes is crucial for fitting contact lenses effectively for older adults. Presbyopia and Vision Presbyopia is one of the most … Continued
Better Vision Beyond Forty Introduction As a certified contact lens technician or optician, you’re already familiar with fitting and advising patients on contact lenses, but the field is evolving. With the latest advances in contact lens designs and materials, we can now offer even better solutions to our patients, and that’s especially true for those … Continued
Click to download and print the course. To get the most out of this course, we recommend completing it in an environment free from distractions. Platform Instructions If you prefer to print the course and test questions, the PDF version is located below. Download & Print Courses are now broken down into Lessons. You can … Continued
Conclusion Managing soft contact lens wear requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique needs and conditions of each patient. Whether it’s ensuring proper care routines, addressing environmental or systemic health factors, or choosing the right lens for conditions like presbyopia or myopia, the goal is always the same: long-term comfort and eye health. By … Continued
Environmental Factors and Lens Comfort Environmental conditions have a direct effect on lens comfort and performance. For instance, wearing lenses in dry or polluted environments, or during prolonged screen time, can exacerbate dryness and cause discomfort. Air conditioning, heating systems, and exposure to smoke or allergens can also reduce the moisture content in lenses, leading … Continued
Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye with Contact Lenses People experiencing chronic dry eye often report a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity throughout the day. These may include: Persistent dryness or discomfort A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes Redness or irritation Excessive tearing (this might seem counterintuitive but happens because the … Continued
Systemic Health Conditions and Lens Wear Systemic health conditions can play a significant role in a patient’s ability to wear contact lenses comfortably. For example, diabetes can impact tear production and corneal healing, making lens wear more challenging. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for developing infections due to slower wound healing. Similarly, autoimmune … Continued
Soft Contact Lens Care Considerations Soft contact lenses offer significant benefits in terms of comfort and convenience, but their successful use hinges on proper care and attention to several key factors. These factors are essential not only for maintaining comfort but also for preventing complications and ensuring long-term eye health. Let’s explore these considerations in … Continued
Case Study: Managing Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis in a Contact Lens Wearer A 28-year-old patient, who had been wearing monthly soft contact lenses for several years, presented with complaints of increased eye irritation, itching, and mucous discharge over the past few months. They reported that their symptoms worsened at the end of the day, making it … Continued
Distinguishing GPC Stages: The severity of GPC symptoms can be categorized into stages, based on the size of papillae, along with associated clinical signs: Stage 1 (Mild): Small, uniform papillae may appear with minimal redness of the conjunctiva and a slight increase in mucus production. Stage 2 (Moderate): Medium-sized papillae become more noticeable, accompanied by … Continued
Initiating factors for corneal vascularization are primarily related to oxygen deprivation, which can be caused by contact lenses that don’t transmit enough oxygen to the cornea, tight-fitting lenses, or extended wear. Other contributing factors include inflammation, irritation from lens deposits or defects, and underlying conditions such as dry eye or chronic lid margin disease. Hypoxia … Continued
Wearing Time Wearing lenses beyond the recommended time increases the risk of complications like corneal hypoxia, which can lead to corneal edema, microcysts, and inflammation. Although silicone hydrogel lenses transmit more oxygen than traditional hydrogels, sticking to proper wear schedules is essential for maintaining corneal health. Patients who regularly exceed the advised wearing time, especially … Continued
Microcysts Microcysts are small, fluid-filled pockets that can develop in the corneal epithelium as a result of wearing contact lenses, especially in cases of prolonged wear or when lenses with low oxygen transmissibility are used. These microcysts are generally a sign of epithelial stress caused by chronic hypoxia—when the cornea doesn’t get enough oxygen. Microcysts … Continued
Corneal Edema Corneal edema is a common issue that can occur with soft contact lens wear, especially when there’s insufficient oxygen reaching the cornea. It can be caused by factors such as poorly fitting lenses, wearing lenses for too long, or using materials with low oxygen transmissibility. Edema often presents as swelling in the cornea, … Continued
Staining Patterns Examination using fluorescein application is one of the most important tools for monitoring corneal integrity during soft contact lens wear. It allows practitioners to detect epithelial damage and helps in diagnosing various complications associated with lens wear. Modern high-molecular-weight fluorescein (fluorexon) can be safely used with soft lenses, offering reduced fluorescence while avoiding … Continued
Clinical Evaluation | Anatomical and Physiological Considerations Soft contact lens use can result in a range of ocular complications, both directly caused by lens wear and exacerbated by existing conditions. A thorough clinical evaluation is essential for identifying these issues, using tools such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), corneal topography, keratometry, and advanced fluorescein staining … Continued
Clinical Insights for Troubleshooting Soft Contact Lenses Introduction Recent advancements in soft contact lens technology, including disposable lenses and silicone hydrogel (SiHy) materials, have made managing both common and advanced contact lens issues easier for clinicians. Complications such as lens deposits, corneal hypoxia, giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), and corneal vascularization are now effectively managed with … Continued
Click to download and print the course. To get the most out of this course, we recommend completing it in an environment free from distractions. Platform Instructions If you prefer to print the course and test questions, the PDF version is located below. Download & Print Courses are now broken down into Lessons. You can … Continued