Contact Lenses : When, Where, why and How ?

by Janice Kumar

Some possible reasons to wear contact lenses may be tabulated below.

As most people who use contact lenses would know that eye power is measured in diopters and when the difference between the power of the left and right eye is more than four diopters, a person may experience 'double imaging' while using corrective glasses and contact lenses may be recommended.

When eye power is high, corrective glasses would be very thick. This may reduce the field of vision and contact lenses may be recommended. In these cases, contact lenses may actually help to increase field of vision and improve quality of vision.

In specific cases, lenses can help in stabilizing eye power and prevent further deterioration of eye sight. In these cases contact lenses may be highly recommended.

Some professions like acting, modeling, hospitality industry etc may demand a corrective glass free personal appearance, and contact lenses may be the only solution.

Contact lenses surely improve one's looks and appearance, however certain precautions are necessary for a safe experience.

Make sure you never swim with your lenses on. This can cause an eye infection.

Do not sleep with your lenses on, because the oxygenation process may be hampered. This might result in the lens getting stuck to the cornea, which may damage the lens and the eye. So lenses have to be removed when taking a quick nap or when going to bed for the night. This is an important precaution to be taken for a safe experience.

Do not wear contact lenses longer that the time prescribed. Usually, lenses can be used for a maximum of about 12 to 14 hours a day. Consult your doctor for the ideal time for which you may safely wear them.

Do try to avoid lenses if you are a diabetic as the chances of infection are higher. Consult a doctor if you insist on wearing them.

Contact Lenses do give a boost to your self esteem and improve your looks but you need time and patience to look after them. Do you have what it takes to maintain your lenses?

Do not leave your lenses lying around. When not in use, store them in the appropriate container with the cleaning solution. A dusty atmosphere and chemical fumes may damage your lenses, if they are left uncovered. So use the storage box provided.

Maintain hygiene while handling contact lenses. Wash your hands carefully before touching the lenses.

Daily sterilization of your lens is a must for soft lens users. Sterilization refers to cleaning of the lenses with the prescribed cleaning solution, which are sold along with the lenses. This daily routine will help in preventing eye infections.

Clean the lenses daily only with a cleaner prescribed by your doctor. Regular water must not be used for this, as it is not sterile and may damage the lenses. Damaged lenses will create eye problems.

You may need to change the storage fluid daily. If the cleaning solution or the storage fluid is unclean, or the container is dirty, this may damage the lenses and, in turn, your eyes.

The lenses must settle on the eye properly. If they do not do so, please consult an eye doctor immediately. Do not keep waiting, hoping things will settle down automatically.

In case you experience any sort of pain, watering, redness, discharge, decreasing vision or heaviness, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor.

The lenses may need to be changed periodically, depending upon their life span.

These days contact lenses may be worn be all age groups. However, parents may have to take care of the lenses for young children and teenagers need to be educated on the merits, demerits and care that needs to be taken. Bifocal contact lenses may be used by elderly people. Everyone has a chance to look attractive and smart, however it is important to balance eye safety with good looks.

With proper care, precautions and intelligent usage, contact lenses can add value to one's appearance and enhance personality. If you have the time and inclination, go for them, after consulting your eye doctor.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional doctor to find a lasting cure for any problem. The views expressed are the personal views of the author. We take no responsibility for same. Please consult a professional, before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Under Eye Dark Circles and Puffy Eye Solutions

by Janice Kumar

Skin under the eyes is sensitive and thinner as compared to the rest of the face. This part of the face is particularly susceptible to poor nutrition, stress, lack of sleep and lifestyle issues.

Some causes of Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes can be listed below.

Poor blood circulation in the under eye area can lead to poor oxygenation which will result in dark circles under the eye.

The above is a direct cause of poor nutrition especially lack of Vitamin C and E in the diet.

Stress plays a big part in inducing dark circles under the eye. High stress levels invariably lead to poor sleeping habits which can cause dark circles under the eyes.

Lack of sleep and rest due to lifestyle issues is a common reason for this problem.

Lack of fresh air and light exercise can also lead to under eye problems.

Hereditary factors can also cause dark circles. If there is a genetic predisposition to pigmentation, then dark circles under the eyes may be due to factors out of the control of the person.

Puffy Eyes are caused by excessive salt intake which may lead to water retention.

Poor dietary habits especially too much fat intake and excessive alcohol intake can directly lead to puffy eyes.

Poor sleeping position may also lead to puffy eye problems.

Some solutions recommended by beauticians and healthcare experts are given below.

Local application of certain bleaching agents and glycolic acids does seem to help in reducing the dark circles in many cases.

Local application of creams rich in vitamin C and E may also help in counteracting poor nutrition by stimulating blood flow under the eye, reducing the incidence of dark circles.

Some de pigmentation products like Kogic acid, used under the guidance of a trained professional can help in reducing the dark pigmentation, improving the condition of the skin under the eye.

Most people may find the cause to be a lifestyle related. Some light outdoor exercise in the fresh air, good deep sleep and a break from the hectic work environment will improve facial skin giving it a glow and reducing dark circles dramatically.

For people who suffer from dark under eye circles on a permanent basis and the cause is hereditary, it may be better to use, clever makeup and learn to live with the problem.

Some beauty treatments which consist of ozone treatments and skin lightening packs can also help to a certain degree.

A simple home remedy is to put hot (warm) and cold tea bags alternatively, directly on the closed eyes and directly above the dark circles for some relief.

Get rid of puffy eyes by putting cotton wool dipped in warm tea over the affected portion.

Try dipping cotton wool in cucumber juice and applying below the eyes. Keeping Cucumber pieces over the eyes for fifteen minutes a day also help in reduction of this problem.

Try to sleep straight on the back with a low pillow . This can help in reducing puffy eye problem.

A better long term solution is to modify the lifestyle to find permanent relief. Reducing alcohol intake, reducing fat intake and regular light outdoor exercise can help in improving skin under the eye and getting rid of puffy eyes.

I hope above helps. It is important to first find a cause of the beauty related problem, before rushing to the market to buy creams and gels for the skin. Many a times, the cause may be found in poor nutrition, poor exercise regimen and stress related issues. Some modification in the way we live combined with some short term solutions will normally improve quality of life and also external beauty.