Five Ways to Care For Your Contact Lenses

Switching from the traditional eyeglasses to contact lenses? Well, it’s pretty evident that you have a lot of questions on how to take care of your contact lenses. If you are in the process of transitioning from eyeglasses to contact lenses, then you’re in the right place. A good place to start would be to do some R&D and understand what is required to make the switch. Read up on tips to care for your lenses to avoid eye infections and other relatively serious issues that may crop up due to improper use.

Here are some of the things you can do to care for and maintain the quality and efficiency of your contact lenses.  

• Hygiene
• Lens care routine
• Replacement as per prescription
• Never use tap water to clean your lenses
• Use disinfecting solutions
• Change the solution everyday
• Don’t swap the lenses.
• Store them in a proper lens case
• Always use fresh solution  

1. Hygiene

Needless to say, this is one of the most important care tips when it comes to contact lenses. Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. Your hands should be clean and free of any viruses or bacteria as this can find its way into your eyes, causing mild to severe eye infections. Wash your hands with soap and wipe them on a soft fabric before touching your lenses. Refrain from using moisturizers, body lotions or other cosmetics before touching your lenses as this can easily transfer to the lens and can cause burning and irritation in the eyes.

2. Lens Care Solution

Your lenses will need to be cleaned every day. Use a branded lens care solution for both the lenses and make sure you change it every day. Do not use water in place of lens solution as this will damage the lens and interfere with your vision.  

3. Storage

Never leave your lenses out in the open as they will dry up and shrivel. Use a lens case and store them only in that. Many times we tend to put the lens for the right eye into the left side of the case and vice versa. Don’t do this as this may lead to the spread of eye infections. For branded contact lenses and eyewear in Dominica, visit Courts Optical eye care store close to you.

4. Always use fresh lens solution

No two ways about this. Using a fresh lens solution should be a priority. Reusing the same solution would mean transferring germs and bacteria onto the lens which could lead to eye infections.

5. Lens Care Routine

Follow a strict lens care routine to keep them safe and free of bacteria. Ensure you wash your hands with soap before handling the lenses. Use branded lens care solutions as prescribed by your optician. Also make sure you change your lenses once they pass the expiration date. Visit Courts Optical for contact lens dispensing service in Dominica to learn the proper and safe way of wearing contact lenses

Follow these tips to keep your lenses in good condition and to avoid any kind of eye infections and diseases.  

Location: Dominica

Five Reasons to Get Your Eyes Examined Regularly

More often than not, we tend to ignore eye related issues until after it is too late and a disease has taken over. This is an unhealthy habit that one needs to eliminate because eye related issues don’t necessarily come with a forewarning. So, in order to avoid irreversible damage to the eyes, your eye care specialist recommends regular eye exams to keep your eyes healthy and safe. Today we will look at five reasons to get your eyes checked regularly. 

1. Helps sustain visual acuity

Visual acuity is the eye’s ability to differentiate between shapes and details of an object from a certain distance without having to squint or strain the eyes.  Routine eye examinations play a vital role in keeping your visual acuity intact by ensuring that the quality of your vision does not deteriorate over time.

2. Helps prevent the onset of an eye disease

It is anybody’s guess that regular examinations of any kind, especially of the eyes can help nip a serious issue in the bud. Experts recommend an elaborate eye examination at least ones every two years. This helps in the detection of eye related issues early on and can be treated at the early stages to avoid complications later on.

Diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be avoided with regular eye examinations. As the saying goes. A stitch in time saves 9. Learn more about comprehensive eye health examinations at Courts Optical Dominica.

3. Detection and prevention of other serious health issues

Regular eye examinations not only protect you from eye related diseases, but also detect many other serious health issues such as high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and cancer. Don’t put off your annual eye examination as this can help you detect and prevent other diseases that could be fatal.

4. Keeps your eyes healthy

Routine eye checks are very important as they help keep the eyes healthy and in good condition even as you age. Many of us notice a rapid deterioration in the quality of our vision as we age. Notice how built-in attributes such as sharpness, contrast and brightness gradually start to diminish as one gets older. Your vision starts to get blurry and you tend to squint more when you look at objects or even when you read. Routine eye checks can help eliminate this factor and keep your eyes healthy for longer durations. 

5. You only have one pair of eyes

As we know, the eyes are the most delicate sensory organ in the human body, and keeping them safe should be top priority. Putting them through regular eye examinations keeps them healthy and in good condition and ensures longevity. Make an appointment at your closest Courts Optical eye care center in Dominica.

So, if you are someone who does not go through regular eye examinations, this needs to change pronto. Ensure that you go for routine eye checks every year or as recommended by your eye care specialist, to make sure they are safe and healthy. 

Location: Dominica

What Steps to Take to Prevent Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its normal position. It is a medical emergency. When this happens, the retina starts to separate from the underlying layer of blood cells that provide oxygen to it. This can result in loss of vision or even blindness. Since it happens spontaneously, it cannot be prevented but certain steps can be taken to lower the chances of it occurring.

How to prevent retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is linked directly to aging. The best way to prevent retinal detachment starts with getting regular eye exams. An eye care professional will look for retinal tears, scarring, inflammation, or any other issues that could lead to the possibility of having total detachment from the eye. By having regular examinations with an ophthalmologist, you can make sure that any potential visual disruptions are picked up before they start causing bigger problems.

How to prevent traumatic retinal detachment

It is important to prevent eye injuries from occurring as much as possible. You can start doing so by wearing some protective goggles while performing activities that involve power tools or when you’re working with small objects that have a tendency of flying around (such as when you are using fireworks). This also applies if you engage in several contact sports such as boxing or soccer. In addition, it is wise to wear the appropriate eye protection beforehand in case you get hit directly on one of your eyes which could lead to detachment of the retina. Learn more about safety glasses in Dominica at Courts Optical eye care store.

Retinal tears

If a retinal tear is present, your healthcare provider will examine it before deciding on the treatment plan. This will depend on the type of tear and further examination of the eye, whether there is an existing retina disorder, your medical history and any previous circumstances regarding this kind of injury, etc. Laser photocoagulation or cryopexy may be used to repair any tears to prevent retinal detachment.

If you notice detached retina symptoms, see your ophthalmologist right away or go to the nearest emergency room.

For eye health examination in Dominica, visit your nearest Courts Optical eye care centre in Dominica.

Location: Dominica

Role of Safety glasses in High-Risk Work Environment

Safety glasses are an important part of any work environment. If you are working in a high-risk environment, whether in construction, manufacturing or in any other industry, you need to protect your eyes from injuries. This post will talk about the role of safety goggles in high-risk work environments.

Protection from external hazards

Workers in high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing require appropriate and protective safety gear to shield their eyes from debris and flying objects, especially when working at heights. For industries where the risk of eye injuries is extremely high, one of the most common types of safety goggles used for this purpose is the safety goggles with side shields.

Contact with radiation

Protecting the eyes of employees is essential for business success! Exposure to harmful radiation can be hazardous to their vision. That’s why all industrial environments where employees are exposed to radiation are obligated to use the best eye protection on the market.

Safety from metal particles

There are industries in which workers are exposed to high temperatures in the air. For example in metal refineries or thermal power plants or industries in which minerals are processed for cement manufacturing. These areas have very hot iron vapor in the air that can affect the worker’s eyes. The same goes for dealing with automobiles in a garage. One easy and effortless way to help prevent dangerous damage to the eyes is by wearing safety goggles when working in these high-risk industries!

Safety goggles are a preferred option over safety glasses as they have a wrap-around design with foam cushioning that surrounds the eyes with added protection, thereby reducing instances of stray light or objects hitting one’s eye.

Whether you need a pair of safety goggles or glasses will depend on what type of work you do. If you are getting safety goggles, check if they provide adequate fit to your industry’s cut and size requirements so that they do not impede your vision or cause discomfort while wearing them. Visit Courts Optical eye care store in Dominica to learn more about safety eyewear.

Location: Dominica

Can Obesity Affect Your Eye Health? Let’s Find Out

Obesity; A concern that looms large in many minds. Obesity has become a rather common cause for concern in many countries across the globe, and healthcare workers are liaising with experts to find ways to bring about awareness when it comes to the multiple hazards of being obese. Obesity can not only make you feel self-conscious and low on self-esteem, but can wreak havoc on one’s health. It increases the risk of contracting many diseases that directly affect your internal as well as sensory organs. In this article, we will look at how obesity can be detrimental to your eye health. 

Obesity and diabetic retinopathy:

So, what happens to your eye health if you suffer from obesity and how does this affect you?  One of the primary concerns of obesity is diabetes.

Diabetes can have negative effects on the eyes that can lead to diminished vision. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that causes damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and can even lead to blindness. Did you know that blurry vision could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes? Read about 8 things your eyes reveal about your health.

Obesity and high blood pressure:

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is another serious concern that comes with obesity. What this does to the eyes is that it renders the optical nerves and tissue weak resulting in poor vision. The damage caused by high blood pressure to the delicate blood vessels that supply blood to your eyes can lead to optic nerve damage that can cause bleeding in the eye and lead to vision loss. Damaged blood vessels can cause fluid build-up under the retina that can result in distorted vision.

If you suffer from obesity, consult your general physician to understand what it is that you can do to prevent your eyes from further damage and from contracting optical diseases. Additionally, get a comprehensive eye examination to make sure there are no unnoticed issues with your eyes that need urgent attention.

More people are now becoming aware of the negative impact of obesity on the eyes and other important organs and are working on ways to prevent this. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help in reducing the risk of obesity induced eye conditions. 

A healthy lifestyle change can work wonders when it comes to taking care of your eyes and disease prevention due to obesity. 

Location: Dominica

How do Sunglasses Protect Our Eyes?

When you think about sunglasses, you may focus more on how they look than how they actually protect your eyes. You may think that these stylish eyewear are just a fashion accessory, but there is more to them than just being trendy. Here are some ways in which sunglasses protect the health of your eyes.

Protection from UV rays

Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays coming from the sun, stopping it before it reaches your retina. UV protection prevents serious eye diseases like cataracts. You can safeguard your vision for years to come with something as simple as wearing high-quality sunglasses. You can choose from a quality collection of sunglasses in Dominica at your nearest Courts Optical eye care store.

Protection from dust

When we are outdoors, our eyes are constantly exposed to dirt, dust and environmental pollution. These dirt particles can come in contact with your eyes and cause  irritation. Sometimes, they can also lead to corneal scratches which eventually cause vision problems. 

Prevents headaches

The sun’s bright light can cause headaches and trigger migraines if one isn’t careful. To prevent this from happening, wear a quality pair of dark sunglasses that reduce the brightness of  sunlight before they reach your eyes. Not only this, wearing sunglasses while you are out will help you view your surroundings clearly without having to squint and strain your eyes.

Keeps you safe while driving

Sometimes, the bright blinding glare caused by the sun’s rays can really distract you from seeing anything on the road ahead. Wearing polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from glare by blocking the rays of the sun that are reflecting off of flat surfaces such as the glass of your car.

Apart from these wonderful benefits, sunglasses also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV rays and prevent wrinkles

Location: Dominica

Top Five Vision Screening FAQs

A vision screening is a test that checks your vision acuity. A vision screening can help detect refractive errors of the eye such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). It can help identify changes in the prescription of the corrective lenses of people who already have refractive eye errors. Regular vision screening is an important part of vision care routine.

Here are the top 5 FAQs related to vision screening:

Q1: Should children get vision screening done?

Vision screening is an important part of eye care for children. Assessing the visual health in children is necessary to find out if they need corrective lenses. This way any refractive error can get picked up early on and fixed before it gets worse. It is highly recommended for children to undergo vision screening as bad eyesight can affect their performance in school.

Q2: What is the difference between a vision screening and an eye examination?

A vision screening is the first step in the process of identifying a possible issue with vision. However, it is important to remember that a vision screening isn’t a substitute for an eye examination. An eye examination is more comprehensive and is used to detect signs of eye diseases and their underlying causes.

Q3: How often should I get my vision screened?

If you’re above 18 years of age, you could get this done every 5 years. If you’re above 40 years, you should get it done every 2-3 years. In Dominica,  you can make an appointment for vision screening at Courts Optical eye care centre located close to you.

Q4: How do I know if I need vision screening?

If you are experiencing frequent headaches, blurry vision and sensitivity to light, all of these signs could indicate weak vision. If this is the case then visit your eye care professional for vision screening to check if you need prescription eyeglasses. Read more on five signs that indicate you need eyeglasses.

Q5: Do I need to prepare for my vision screening?

If you already have prescription for your eyes, make sure to carry them with you. Also, remember to tell your eye care specialist about all the vision difficulties you are facing and if your family has a history of any vision condition.

Visit Courts Optical for eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses in Dominica. Modern lifestyle has made us dependent on various digital devices like laptops and smartphones due to which our eyes are constantly at a risk of vision deterioration. Therefore, making healthy eye care choices such as regular vision screening and eye examination is important for maintaining healthy eyes and  vision.

Location: Dominica

How to Reduce the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by diabetes that damages the blood vessels in your retina. In time, it can cause serious problems with your vision. It’s important to catch it early as early diagnosis can help slow down the progression of the disease. Even though the disease can be quite debilitating, there are ways that you can reduce the risk of developing it in the first place.

Here is how to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and protect your vision health.

Focus on leading a healthy lifestyle

Leading a generally healthy lifestyle can have positive effects on your body. A healthy and balanced life can help in preventing diabetic retinopathy and many other eye conditions from developing, or can help in slowing down their progression. Incorporating the following healthy choices in your daily routine can protect you from diabetic retinopathy:

• Quitting cigarettes
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Taking a healthy balanced diet
• Reducing salt and sugar intake

Make sure to keep your sugar and blood pressure levels in check

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way your body converts the food you eat into energy. Having a high amount of blood sugar can cause irreparable damage to your body. The risk of developing heart, kidney, nerve and eye problems is also higher among diabetics.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness. It can be prevented by taking proper measures to manage and control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Monitoring and managing your blood pressure level is important as high blood pressure is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. 

Exercise regularly

Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways of managing diabetes. Create a practical workout routine and follow it five days a week. Stay away from junk food.

The earlier diabetic retinopathy is detected, the easier it is to treat. That’s why it is important for people with diabetes to get their eyes checked regularly or as recommended by their healthcare professional. Visit Courts Optical eye care centre for eye health check in Dominica.

One of the major challenges faced by diabetic people is diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper and regular exercise routine and a nourishing balanced diet can help reduce the risk to a significant extent.

Location: Dominica

What are Bifocal Contact Lenses and Who Should Wear Them?

Bifocal contact lenses are contact lenses that have two different powers in them. This means that you can wear them and see objects placed both up close and far away. They are ideal for people that have presbyopia but don’t want to wear glasses or just don’t like wearing glasses. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what bifocal contact lenses are and who you should consider opting for them.

What are bifocal contact lenses?

Bifocal contacts are a type of contact lens that has a line to mark the change between the near and distance vision. They are worn by people that may have presbyopia, a condition that causes a person to have difficulty seeing up close. Bifocal contacts are used to help people see objects in the distance as well as objects up close.

There are two types of bifocal contact lenses.

1. Segmented bifocals – These are similar to bifocal eyeglasses where the lower segment is meant for near vision and the upper section for distance vision.

2. Concentric or simultaneous bifocals – This type of bifocal contact lenses have regular prescription at the center of the lens and near vision prescription in the outer ring.

If you require multiple vision prescriptions to see clearly and need a break from eyeglasses bifocal lenses may be the right solution  for you. Talk to the eye care professionals at Courts Optical close to you for bifocal contact lenses in Dominica that suit your vision needs.

Who should wear bifocal lenses?

Bifocal contact lenses can be an excellent choice for people who have myopia and presbyopia. If you have presbyopia, you may find yourself constantly reaching for your glasses to read, do close-up work, or watch television. If you’re tired of switching eyeglasses every time you have to check your smartphone or read, bifocals may be the answer. They provide both distant vision correction and near vision correction in a single lens. With one pair of lenses doing the job of 2 eyeglasses, it becomes easier for you to see and perform day to day activities with ease, which can tremendously improve the quality of your life.

It is important to note that switching to contact lenses from regular eyeglasses will take some adjustment. Visit Courts Optical eye care store for contact lens dispensing service in Dominica to make your transition from eyeglasses to lenses easier. If you are still not comfortable with contact lenses, you can opt for eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses. Since getting the right contact lenses is necessary for eye and vision health, it’s important to consult with your eye care specialist to get lenses that are the right fit for you.

Location: Dominica

Why Do We Need Eye Pressure Tests?

An eye pressure test, or tonometry, is a part of all routine eye exams where the fluid pressure inside one’s eyes is measured. This test is generally done to determine if you are at risk of developing glaucoma. 

Normal to high eye pressure

If your eye pressure is between 12 to 22mm Hg then it is considered normal. However, if your eye pressure is high, it will be damaging to the optic nerve and will subsequently cause permanent loss of vision. Interestingly, the optic nerve can get damaged even when the pressure in the eye is not very high. This is known as low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma. That’s why you need to regularly get your eye exam done to protect yourself from potential vision disorders and for your doctor to determine what eye pressure range is healthy for you.

Family history of Glaucoma

You will be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if your family has a history of it. The chances are even higher if they have acute, chronic or normal-tension glaucoma. If that’s the case, it would be prudent to get an eye pressure test done at regular intervals and take precautionary measures to prevent it. Make an appointment at your closest Court Optical for eye pressure test in Dominica.

Increase in eye pressure due to age

As you grow older, your intraocular pressure (IOP) increases. This increase isn’t very significant till the age of 40 years but becomes more significant between 40 to 60 years of age. To prevent the gradual loss in the vision till it finally becomes permanent, it is crucial to get your IOP checked.

Other reasons that contribute to glaucoma are- near or far-sightedness, thin corneas in the middle, issues in blood circulation, previous eye injuries or infections, diabetes and severe headaches. 

If you have any of the above issues, it is all the more important for you to get your eye pressure test done frequently. As they say, prevention is better than cure!

Visit Courts Optical eye care centre near you for a complete eye and vision health examination in Dominica.

Location: Dominica