To help you see clearly and avoid complications , your contact lenses must be fitted properly
16
THE HEALTH | JUNE , 2023
| Eye Health |
Getting the right fit
To help you see clearly and avoid complications , your contact lenses must be fitted properly
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
ALTHOUGH wearing contact lenses is common today , many wearers are unaware of how crucial it is to get them fitted properly . Contact lenses are medical devices worn directly on the eyes and as such , improper fitting can pose a risk .
“ If your contact lenses don ’ t fit properly , you could experience several problems that can lead to severe eye conditions and can even blindness . As such , it is vital to get a contact lenses prescription and fitting examination by qualified eye care practitioners before wearing them ,” said optometrist Low Bee Leng , founder of BL Optometrist Sdn Bhd .
CONTACT LENSES FITTING EXAMINATION
According to Low , a comprehensive contact lenses fitting examination takes about 30 to 40 minutes .
“ First , we start with history taking ; to check whether the patient has worn contact lenses before and if they have experienced contact lenses dropout . We will also ask about their lifestyle and profession to decide which type of contact lenses are right for them .
“ Next , we will conduct the eye and contact lenses examination to examine the overall eye health and obtain the vision prescription . This ensures whether the person is suitable for contact lenses and rules out any pathological eye problem .
“ Contact lens examination focuses on the anterior segment of the eye , the cornea . Meanwhile , eye examination involves both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye ,” Low explained .
“ After that , we will do the contact lenses fitting to find the correct size , style , and shape needed for the eyes .”
For first-time wearers , optometrists will also give consultation on every aspect of contact lenses wear , including handling the cleaning regime , eyes and contact lenses care and wearing schedule .
Low shared that most of her customers respond well to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care ’ s ACUVUE contact lenses .
“ The wide range of ACUVUE contact lenses provides for various eye needs and parameters , and therefore , I ’ m able to fit more customers with ACUVUE lenses ,” she said , adding that the acceptance rate among new wearers is also high with ACUVUE contact lenses .
A follow-up appointment is recommended to see if any adjustments are necessary before ordering long-term wear .
Low Bee Leng ( right ) and her husband Mikio Ikematsu
Low Bee Leng
CRUCIAL TO WEAR PROPERLY FITTED CONTACT LENSES
It is important to wear properly fitted contact lenses to ensure the contact lenses fit each eye comfortably , and to maintain the eye health .
The most common symptoms when contact lenses are not fitted properly are discomfort , the feel of something foreign in your eye , and irritation .
Users are advised to remove the contact lenses immediately when experiencing the aforementioned symptoms because continuous wear can lead to severe eye complications , such as :
• Corneal neovascularisation - irritation to the cornea and reducing the amount of oxygen reaching it , which leads to the formation of blood vessels in the cornea .
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis ( GPC ) - swelling , redness , and irritation in the membrane lining inside your eyelids . Untreated GPC affect your cornea and eyelid .
• Corneal abrasions – scratched cornea , which if left untreated , can become infected and lead to corneal ulcers . Another issue associated with wearing ill-fitting contact lenses is the chance that you will develop an intolerance to contact lenses .
Therefore , it is crucial to consult your eye care practitioners and receive a proper contact lenses examination and fitting before wearing contact lenses . – The Health
Pointers for new contact lenses wearers
YOU can make the process of adjusting to contact lenses easier by following these tips :
• Be patient . It takes time to master inserting and removing contact lenses . With time and practice , you will become accustomed to putting in and taking out your contacts lenses .
• Make sure to set reminders on your alarm or phone to remove and clean your contacts before bed , because it is simple to forget .
• Follow your eye care practitioner ’ s instructions on healthy contact lenses habits and make sure to replace your contact lenses according to the recommended schedule . This ensures safe contact lenses usage .