Poor hygiene can introduce bacteria into the eye that can lead to infection and sometimes even damage your vision. Keep reading to learn eight tips for having good contact lens hygiene!

1. Regular and Proper Hand Washing

There is no substitute for thorough handwashing using soap and water. Never insert or remove your contacts without washing your hands, and avoid touching your eyes if you haven’t washed your hands.

Your fingers touch hundreds of surfaces throughout the day. Don’t let them introduce any unwanted bacteria into your eye. 

2. Proper Disinfection and Cleaning of Contact Lenses

When you remove your lenses from your eyes, that’s the beginning of a process that should be second nature to all contact lens wearers. Disinfecting and cleaning your lenses removes anything that’s been introduced and ensures that your contacts will be clean and safe to wear. 

It’s important that you use the proper solutions for both.

3. Proper Storing of Contact Lenses

Storage is a chance for bacteria to multiply if you haven’t cleaned your lenses or you’re reusing old solution. Make sure you clean your contact lens cases or vials and that you change the solutions and place clean lenses into storage.

4. Wearing as Instructed 

Contact lenses are designed for specific uses. Daily wear lenses are single-use only, whereas other types of lenses can be worn longer. 

Only wear your contact lenses for their specified length of time. Don’t try to reuse daily lenses again.

5. Replace Them as Instructed

Contact lenses do need replacing, even if your prescription hasn’t changed. Just like anything else, they encounter wear and tear, and when it’s time to replace them, don’t try to wear them longer to save money. 

Lenses that are past their prime are an added risk for introducing infection.

6. Avoid Wearing Them For Too Long

Your eyes need a break, and wearing contact lenses every single hour of the day if you’re going past the recommended length of time isn’t a good idea. Preserving your vision means giving your eyes a chance to be without lenses.

An evening in wearing glasses is a treat for your eyes. Additionally, it is very important that you take your contact lenses out before bed.

Don’t sleep in them, as that can dry out your eyes, irritate your eyes, and cause damage upon removal. 

7. Do Not Share Your Contact Lenses

Sharing contact lenses is a bad idea. Your prescription is designed for your eyes only, and wearing someone else’s contacts can irritate your eyes. 

And, of course, there’s the chance of introducing bacteria or infection into your eye.

8. Avoid Swimming With Contact Lenses 

It may seem convenient to swim in contact lenses, especially if you keep your head above water, but water and contact lenses don’t mix. There’s a chance they’ll dislodge and slip off or that they’ll come loose, and something may get underneath. 

Additionally, the chlorine in pool water isn’t healthy for your contact lenses as it doesn’t kill the germs that cause infection and can further irritate your eyes.

Do you want to learn more ways you can practice good contact lens hygiene? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Happy Valley, OR, today!

The post 8 Tips to Have Good Contact Lens Hygiene appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of sunglasses this summer.

Look for Complete UV Protection

Don’t be fooled by the color or cost of a certain pair of sunglasses. Choose a pair that provides full protection against ultraviolet light. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag attached to a particular pair of shades. Instead look for a label or sticker on the pair that you’re planning to purchase that says one or more of the following:

• Lenses block 99% or 100% of UVB and UVA rays
• UV 400 protection (This means the lenses block light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which means that your eyes are shielded from even the smallest UV rays.)
• Lenses meet ANSI Z80.3 blocking requirements. (This refers to standards set by the American National Standards Institute.)

Ensure Sunglasses Block Enough Light

Sunglasses should screen out 75-90% of visible light. You can test to see if a particular pair of sunglasses is dark enough by trying them on in front of a mirror. If you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, they’re probably too light.

Choose Wraparounds

Wraparound styles of sunglasses offer bonus protection from the sun’s UV rays. Sunglasses that wrap around the temples prevent the sun’s rays from entering from the side. Some studies have shown that enough UV rays enter around standard sunglasses frames to reduce the protection offered by their lenses.

Check the Quality of the Lenses

Look for a uniform tint on the lenses making sure that one area is not darker than another. You can check for imperfections in the lenses by holding the glasses at arm’s length and looking through them at a straight line in the distance, such as the edge of a door. Slowly move the lens across the line of the door. If the straight edge distorts, sways, moves or curves, then the lens is flawed.

Eye Safety

It’s always important to remember that even the best pair of sunglasses cannot protect your eyes from certain intense light sources. Tanning lights, snowfields, arc welding or gazing directly at the sun (even during a solar eclipse) require special protection beyond that of sunglasses to prevent damage to your eyes.

Special Features

You may also want to take the time to consider which special features you may want or need when purchasing a new pair of shades.

Mirror coatings – Thin layers of various metallic coatings on lenses can reduce the amount of visible light that enters your eyes. These types of lenses are popular in high-glare environments and when combined with the wraparound feature, they can provide added protection to the skin surrounding your eyes.

Gradient – These lenses are permanently shaded from top to bottom or from top and bottom toward the middle. Single gradient lenses – which are dark on top and lighter on the bottom – can cut glare from the sky, but still allow you to see clearly below the gradient – this is especially good for driving, but not as helpful in the snow or on the beach. Double-gradient lenses – which are dark on top and bottom and lighter in the middle – may be better for sports where light reflects up off water or snow such as skiing or sailing.

Polarized – Polarized lenses cut reflected glare, which is what occurs when sunlight bounces off smooth surfaces like water or pavement. These lenses can be especially helpful when driving, boating or out in the snow. Polarization is unrelated to UV protection so you will still need to ensure UV absorption of your lenses even if they’re polarized.

Photochromic – This is a type of lens automatically darkens in bright light and becomes lighter in low light. Although photochromic lenses may be good UV-absorbent sunglasses (again, the label should specify this), it can take a few minutes for them to adjust to different light conditions.

Impact Resistant – While all sunglasses must meet minimum FDA standards in regards to impact resistance, no lens is truly shatterproof. Plastic lenses are less likely to shatter upon impact than glass lenses and polycarbonate plastic, which is used in many sports sunglasses, is even more impact resistant that regular plastic. However, polycarbonate lenses scratch very easily. If you purchase a pair of polycarbonate lenses, be sure to look for ones that have scratch-resistant coating.

The post Things to Look for when Purchasing New Sunglasses appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Now is the time to get a new pair of glasses! Keep reading for four tips on picking new glasses! 

Face Shape

It is important to know if your face shape is round, oval, square, diamond or heart-shaped. Knowing this information will help you figure out which frames look best on you. 

Round Face: Glasses that are rectangular or square usually are wider if you have a round face. This can make your face look longer. You should avoid rimless, round, and small frames because they can make your face look rounder. 

Oval Face: If you have an oval face, look for frames wider than the widest part of your face. They should have a strong bridge and may be a geometric shape. You should avoid glasses that are too big and cover up the majority of your face.

Square Face: For this face shape, you should look for oval or round glasses that soften the angles in your face. With a square face, you should also look for frames that sit high on your nose. 

You should avoid square or angular frames because they draw attention to the angles in your face. This can make your face look bigger than it is. 

Diamond Face: Get glasses that sweep up or are wider than your cheekbones if you have a diamond face. They will emphasize your cheekbones and delicate features (forehead and chin). Avoid boxy and narrow frames because they make your cheeks look bigger.

Heart-Shaped Face: You should look for glasses that help make the width of your forehead and chin the same. Glasses that have temples that are low-set and bottom-heavy frames will add width to your face. 

Square glasses with rounded edges or circular glasses distract if you have a broad forehead. You should avoid clear or colored frames that draw attention to your forehead. This includes frames that have decorations on the sides or top. 

Remember when picking out your frames, you should pick a frame that is the opposite of your face shape. It will complement your face. 

Skin Tone

Like picking out your frames, you want to make sure the color you pick looks good with your skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone with yellow, bronze, or gold in it, avoid pastels. 

This also means avoiding white and black colored frames. The best colors would be tortoise, browns, gold, beige and olive green. 

Also, if you have cool skin tones (pink or blue), you should avoid colors that wash you out. You should look at silver, black, darker tortoise, pink, purple, blue, gray and mauve frames. They will complement your skin. 

Lifestyle

When you’re picking out glasses, you should think about the activities you’ll do when wearing them. There are glasses that are better for being active or playing video games. 

You could also pick out frames that make you look more business professional. There are frames for all lifestyles! 

Personality 

Glasses can tell others about your personality. Colors and styles show off your personality and who you are. You can either have one pair or many to show off all your different moods. 

Are you ready to get a new pair of glasses? Contact Eye Health Northwest to schedule an eye exam with us today!

The post 4 Tips For Picking Out New Glasses appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Choosing the correct shades can help to not only protect your vision but also protect your face and reduce wrinkles as you age. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays will cause permanent damage to your eye health with excessive exposure if left unprotected.

As mentioned previously, the suns UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your cornea, eyelids, lens and other areas of the eye. Certain studies even suggest that excessive amounts of UV radiation exposure to your eyes will increase risks of developing macular degeneration, pterygium and cataracts.

Not all sunglasses are the same however, when choosing the right pair of sunglasses, you need to make sure that the ones you are choosing block the necessary amount of UV rays to protect your vision. Contrary to popular belief, the darkness of the lens, does not have anything to do with the amount of UV rays that are blocked. Here are some things you should be on the lookout for when picking out a new pair of sunglasses:

• Labeled to block 99 – 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays
• Screen 75 to 90 percent of visible light
• Lenses are free from distortions and imperfections

The post Sunglasses: Is Your Vision Being Protected? appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Picking the right pair of shades can help to reduce wrinkles on your face from increase sun exposure as well as protect your eyes and prevent them from getting red and dry. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause permanent damage to your eye health if not blocked by UV protective eyewear. 

Yes, you read that correctly, UV eye protection is important when picking out those slick looking shades. As mentioned above, the suns UV radiation can cause irreparable damage to your eyelids, cornea, lens and many other areas related to your eye. There is also plenty to data to show that excessive UV radiation exposure to your eyes can increase your risks of developing cataracts, pterygium and macular degeneration.

You might be asking yourself, “how do I know if the sunglasses I want block those UV rays?” Well Here is a little buyers guide to help you pick out sunglasses that no only look good, but also protect your vision:

• Make sure they are listed to block 99 – 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays
• Screen 75 to 90 percent of visible light
• Ensure that the lenses are free from distortions and imperfections before you buy them
• For the most accurate color recognition possible, we recommend picking gray tone lenses

Despite popular believe, the level of darkness your lenses provide have nothing to do with how much UV rays are blocked. It is also recommended that you consider choosing wraparound and/or close-fitting sunglasses to give your eyes the maximum amount of UV ray protective coverage.

The post Beyond The Cool: How Sunglasses Protect Your Vision appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Bacteria thrive in a warm and moist environment, making your eyes a prime target. If bacteria gets into your eyes it can produce some uncomfortable eye conditions, such as:

• Blepharitis: A common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids.
• Bacterial Keratitis: An infection of the cornea that causes pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity, and discharge from the eye.
• Sty: A painful red lump near the edge of your eyelid that looks like a pimple.
• Conjunctivitis: Commonly known as “pinkeye,” Conjunctivitis is often caused by infection from bacteria. It is seen mostly with children.

Your best approach to limiting your eyes exposure to potentially irritating bacteria is to make sure you are keeping your glasses clean. Use warm water and a little dish soap when you clean your lenses and frames, and make sure to use a soft towel to dry them off so you don’t scratch your lenses. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean your glasses as well, but make sure that there isn’t a conflict with a special coating on your lenses first.

The post The Unseen Dangers on Your Glasses appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.

Avoid these common mistakes when it comes to wearing contact lenses and enjoy crisp, clear and healthy vision.

Never use water or your own saliva as “emergency” contact lens solution

If you’re out and about and find that your contact lenses are bothering you, but you don’t have any contact lens solution readily available, you should never use water or your own saliva as a substitute. Saliva is ridden with bacteria that belongs in your mouth and not in your eye. Water also contains bacteria that should not make contact with your eyes. If you find yourself in a situation where your contact lenses are bothering you, use lubricating drops made especially for contact lens wearers, not drops that are used to combat red eye, to try and relieve your discomfort.

Do not allow tap water to come in contact with your lenses

Tap water does not have the same salty properties as tears and if it comes in contact with your lenses they will absorb the water and swell. IF you contact lens swells, it changes how the lens fits your eye and will make the lens tighten on your eye. This can create microscopic breaks in your cornea that microorganisms can get in to, potentially causing an infection. That’s why it is important to never shower or swim with your contact lenses in.

Put your contact lenses in before applying makeup

To avoid getting makeup on your contact lenses, put them in before applying your makeup and conversely, be sure to take them out when you are removing makeup.

Avoid waterproof makeup

If waterproof makeup gets on your contact lens it will bind to it. Since waterproof makeup requires an oil-based remover, it will grease up the eyes and the lenses.

Swap out your old contact lens cases every three months

If you’ve been using the same contact lens case for as long as you can remember, that that old case out immediately. Contact lens cases should not be used for more than three months. If you’re been storing your lenses in the same case for more than three months, you should swap the container out for a new one immediately.

Do not wear your daily or monthly contact lenses longer than recommended

If you’re wearing your daily lenses for more than a day or your monthly lenses for more than a month you should stop. Your contact lenses are made of plastic, but they actually have pores to help keep them moist while in your eyes. These pores can get dirty and trap debris and dirt in the lenses, and if you use your contacts for longer than recommended, you run a serious risk of eye irritation, dry eye or infection.

Never sleep with your contact lenses in

Sleeping with your contact lenses in severely limits oxygen transmission. When you’re awake, your cornea receives oxygen from the air and from your natural tears, but when you are asleep, the cornea receives less nourishment, lubrication and oxygen because your eyes are closed and are not blinking. Therefore when you leave your contact lenses in overnight, you’re further depriving your cornea of oxygen. This can lead to your lens tightening in your eye causing microscopic rips to the cornea, and if for some reason there is a microorganism in your eye, it can then enter through that rip in the cornea and lead to an infection. Some contact lenses have been approved by the FDA for overnight and extended wear, but you should always consult with your doctor in order to obtain such prescription lenses.

The post Important tips for contact lens wearers appeared first on Eye Health Northwest.