Vision Care & Pink Eye

Vision Care & Pink Eye

Pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis, is an infection or allergic reaction that occurs when the conjunctiva becomes irritated. If you have pink eye, your eye(s) will get red and swollen, and you may notice a sticky discharge. You can have pink eye in one or both eyes and some types are extremely contagious. What Causes Pink Eye? There are three primary types of pink eye: 1. Viral conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by a virus, like a cold, and is very contagious. It will usually clear up in a few days without medical intervention.  Bacterial conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by bacteria. When left untreated, this type of pink eye can result in serious damage to the affected eye.  Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by eye irritants, such as dust. Pink Eye Symptoms Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms Watery and itchy eyes Sensitivity to light Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms Sticky yellowish discharge from the eyes that sometimes causes the eyelids to stick together One or both eyes can be affected Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms Watery and itchy eyes Stuffiness or runny nose Pink Eye Treatments The treatment of pink eye will depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have. Viral Conjunctivitis Treatment You can expect viral conjunctivitis to clear up on its own after a few days, without medical treatment. You can apply a cool wet cloth to your eyes to relieve any discomfort you may feel. Bacterial Conjunctivitis If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your optometrist will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Allergic Conjunctivitis You can use over the counter...
The Future Of Contact Lenses – Part 2

The Future Of Contact Lenses – Part 2

We’ve learned the history of contact lenses and now it’s time to take a gander into the future. We don’t have a crystal ball, but we do have the Internet, and that’s pretty close to the same thing these days. Contacts have ranged from full glass eye panels to the thin plastic lens we know and love today. In the next five, 10, or even 20 years, we might have contacts that are the new smart devices. From entertainment purposes to administering medication, scientists have their eyes on contact lenses that are more useful than only correcting failing vision. Contact Lens Advancements On The Horizon Smart Technology Just like in all of the great sci-fi films, contact lenses of the future may give wearers access to a world powered by electricity. Electronics and eyeglasses are in the works as we speak, but applying this nano technology to a contact lens can help set the precedent for a new way of life, a way that monitors a person’s eye health, provides necessary information to avoid trouble, and one that makes it a bit easier to entertain on the go. However, one hurdle currently in the way of this sci-fi dream becoming a reality is the germs that can accumulate on contacts that are worn 24/7. Once this dilemma is solved, these futuristic lenses could easily become the new norm. Medical Right now, certain diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure can be detected through regular exams. People with these diseases visit specialists multiple times each year. With smart contact lenses, the lens itself could detect when pressure is...
The Do’s & Don’ts Of Contact Lenses

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Contact Lenses

Do You Know What To Do & What Not To Do With Your Contact Lenses? Are you ready to ditch your glasses and get contact lenses in Langley? Get off on the right foot by visiting your optometrist at Vision Care Centre. Not only can we provide you with a thorough eye exam, but we can also evaluate your suitability for wearing contact lenses. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to contact lenses. What You Should Do With Your Contact Lenses Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your contact lenses. Only clean your contact lenses as directed by your optometrist. Use the proper storage cases to store your contact lenses when you aren’t wearing them. Only use a fresh contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. Follow the recommended contact lens schedule for replacement. Remove your contact lenses before getting into a hot tub or going swimming. See your optometrist on a regular basis. What You Shouldn’t Do With Your Contact Lenses Don’t use cream soaps to clean your lenses. Don’t use saline solutions that are homemade. Don’t use tap water to wash or store your lenses. Never put your contact lenses in your mouth or use saliva to moisten them. Never share your contact lenses with other people. Don’t use products that are not recommended by your optometrist to clean or disinfect your lenses. Never sleep in your contact lenses if they’ve been exposed to a lake, pool, ocean, hot tub, or any other source of water that may contain bacteria. Are you...