Examining the Criteria for Safe and Successful Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses provide a popular alternative to eyeglasses for correcting vision. But can just anyone wear these convenient corrective lenses? While contacts suit most people, certain factors determine candidate suitability and long-term eye health.
Basic Contact Lens Wear Requirements
These baseline criteria allow safe, comfortable contact lens wear for most:
No serious eye infections or diseases
No significant dry eye or allergies
Generally healthy eyes and lids
Responsible wear and care habits
Realistic expectations on vision correction
Regular eye exams to monitor eye health
Meeting these standards permits contact lens use for many demographics from children to seniors. But some situations still require extra precautions.
Age Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers
Age plays a role in determining appropriate contact lens candidates. Here are key factors for different age groups:
Children
Typically after age 8 when responsible enough for lens care
Guardian must monitor handling and wear schedule
Multiple follow-up visits to monitor vision and fit
Avoid if unable to articulate eye discomfort
Teens
Often good candidates but higher infection risk
Need consistent lens replacement and hygiene
Disposable lenses recommended over reusable
Limit continuous wear to reduce complications
Young Adults
Take well to lenses but still infection prone
May overwear lenses, leading to problems
Dryness common, needing rewetting drops
Good time to start for need into older ages
Middle Age
Presbyopia may require bifocal or reading lenses
Lenses may feel uncomfortable as eyes dry out
Higher diligence needed with lens hygiene
Regular eye health monitoring is critical
Seniors
Conditions like glaucoma or cataracts may preclude use
Manual dexterity challenges with lens handling
Age-related dryness may cause discomfort
Higher infection risk requires extreme care
With extra precautions for each age range, contacts can successfully correct vision from childhood through later adulthood.
Eye Health Factors that Impact Contact Lens Success
Certain eye conditions may interfere with comfortable, effective contact lens wear. These include:
Dry Eye
Can cause redness, stinging, blurry vision with contacts
Frequent rewetting drops needed to keep lenses moist
Preservative-free drops recommended to avoid irritation
Severe dry eye may preclude contact lens use
Allergies
Seasonal allergies can inflame eyes and eyelids
Antihistamine drops can relieve allergy symptoms with lenses
Avoid rubbing the eyes to minimize irritation
Give eyes a rest with glasses during bad allergy spells
Eye Infections
Bacterial infections more likely with poor lens hygiene
Disposable daily lenses lower infection risk
Discontinue wear during active eye infections
Strictly follow cleaning and replacement schedule
Prior Injury or Surgery
Past corneal abrasion raises risk of recurring erosion
Lasik surgery may permanently impact tear production
Cataract surgery can cause vision changes affecting lens fit
Discuss lens wear with eye doctor after any procedure
While these conditions do not preclude contact lens use, they require additional precautions and monitoring.
Other Patient Factors Impacting Contact Lens Success
Beyond eye health, these additional patient factors influence suitable candidates:
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to fumes, chemicals, or debris may irritate eyes
Safety goggles still needed over contact lenses
Avoid lenses in extremely dusty environments
Be vigilant about lens handling and hygiene at work
Sports and Activities
Water exposure raises infection risk
Full goggles are a must for swimming
Avoid lenses for contact sports like wrestling
Lenses may dry out faster during sports
Travel Habits
Carry extra supplies of solution and rewetting drops
Disposable lenses ideal when water access limited
Have glasses backup in case of unexpected issues
Avoid sleeping in lenses during travel
Manual Dexterity
Inserting small lenses requires fine motor skills
Lens solutions must be handled precisely
Difficulty with insertion/removal may preclude use
Occupational therapy can improve lens skills
Staying vigilant about eye health, hygiene and safe wear habits allows most people to use contact lenses successfully.
Maximizing Comfort with Contact Lenses
While contact lens discomfort is common initially, optimizing comfort is key for continued safe use. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Lens Material
Consider lenses made of breathable silicone hydrogel rather than rigid gas permeable plastic for the best comfort.
Start Slowly and Build Up Wear Time
Begin with just 2-4 hours of wear daily, and slowly increase to adapt eyes.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Rewetting drops throughout the day prevents lenses from feeling dry and scratchy.
Don't Sleep in Lenses
Allow eyes to rest overnight without lenses to promote health.
Carefully Follow Lens Care Instructions
FAQs
At what age can children start wearing contact lenses?
Most optometrists allow children to start wearing contact lenses around age 8, once they are responsible enough to properly handle insertion, removal and lens hygiene.
Can you wear contacts if you have dry eyes?
People with mild dry eye can often still wear contacts by using frequent rewetting eye drops. But moderate to severe dryness may make contact lenses too uncomfortable.
Do contacts work if you have astigmatism?
Yes, there are contact lenses specially designed to correct astigmatism, either as toric lenses or multifocal lenses which also treat nearsightedness.
Can you sleep in contact lenses?
It is not recommended to sleep in soft contact lenses, as this increases the risk of eye infection and complications. Give your eyes a break overnight.
Are contacts safe if you have glaucoma?
Most people with glaucoma can safely wear contact lenses but should have intraocular eye pressure monitored regularly to ensure the lenses do not exacerbate issues.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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