After struggling with blurry vision for years, I finally realized that it was time to consult with a professional. Simply put, I was tired of dealing with the struggles of acting like I could see when I really couldn't. It was embarrassing, and I just wanted to be able to participate like normal. I was nervous for the eye appointment, but my doctor was incredible. He walked me through every aspect of the exam and calmed my fears about permanent eye damage. This blog is all about working with an optometrist to get the vision experience that you really deserve.
If you wear contact lenses, you will need to replace them from time to time. Your eye and vision health changes within a year, and that's why eye specialists recommend getting annual eye assessments and prescription changes. But how can you know it's time to get new prescription contact lenses? This post will share some common signs to help you make this informed decision and save your eyesight over the years.
The Lenses Are Expired
Most contact users like to stock up on lenses and use them after the expiration date. This is a rookie mistake that could affect your eyesight, so don't try it. Every contact lens is designed to last for a specific time, be it weekly or monthly, and the dates are indicated there for a reason. So, instead of wearing the lenses after the expiration date, you should get new ones.
You Are Experiencing Discomfort
Wearing contact lenses shouldn't feel uncomfortable under any circumstance. If you put them in, and your eyes get irritated or become itchy, it could be time to get new contact lenses. But before you get new ones, remove the lenses from your eyes and inspect them to see if they are clean. Look out for any damage on the lenses, like scratches, then discard them if they are dented. If they appear fine, clean them once more and wear them again. If you get the same stinging, burning, or itchy sensation in your eyes, you will have to swap them out with new ones.
You Have Sudden Impaired Vision
Your contact lenses are designed to enhance your vision, so you may need another prescription if you put them on and notice blurriness or reduced sharpness. Remove, clean, and wear them again. If your vision isn't cleared up after the saline rinse, you will need to call your optometrist. Contact lenses usually become cloudy because of bacterial buildup, and if you keep using them, you will risk getting dry eyes, eye infections, or corneal ulcers. It is better to replace the lenses to avoid these complications.
You Keep Getting Headaches
If your old prescription lenses aren't suitable for your vision anymore, you may start getting headaches every time you wear them. This occurs because the lenses are not helping your vision the way they are supposed to. Therefore, if you're experiencing more frequent headaches than usual, get in touch with your optometrist. The chances are that you need another prescription right away.
For more information about contact lenses, talk to your optometrist.
Share2 May 2022
