Contacts lenses are a safe and reliable way for eye care patients to correct their vision without compromising an active lifestyle. In fact, as we covered in a previous post about contact lenses and sports, the most important reason for younger patients switching contact lenses was because of sports activity However, sports is not the only reason that patients may want to switch from eyeglasses to contacts. Whatever the reason may be, it is important that patients to know what factors to consider when choosing a contact lens with their eye care practitioner.

CooperVision offers a great resource called “The Right Contact Lens For You .” It is a simple questionnaire that patients can use to find out which contact lens can help achieve the best vision, comfort and overall health. It is a great way for patients to start the contact lens conversation with their eye care practitioner.

Here are some other factors that patients should consider :

• Astigmatism: As we wrote about in an earlier post , astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes vision to be blurry because the cornea is abnormally curved. If a patient has astigmatism, contacts lenses known as toric lenses may be recommended. CooperVision offers toric lenses in all of our brands: Proclear, Avaira, and Biofinity.
• Modality: Contact lenses are typically grouped by how long a contact lens can be worn before it is replaced . This is known as modality. Currently, there are three different modalities for patients and eye care practitioners to choose from. The first is known as 1 day; or daily disposable contacts. These lenses are worn in the morning by the patient and discarded at night. This is a great modality in terms of convenience for patients. CooperVision offers a 1 day contact lens with the Proclear brand . The second modality patients can choose from is known as 2 week contacts. Patients who prefer this modality can benefit from a more cost effective alternative to daily disposables . CooperVision offers 2 week lenses with the Avaira brand . The final modality is the monthly wear contact lens. This is the most cost effective lens and is ideal for patients who can be sure to care for their lenses and be compliant with eye care practitioners’ advice. CooperVision offers a brand in this modality known as Biofinity .
• Special Lifestyle Needs: Are you a patient that suffers from dry eyes or allergies? Do you need a contact lens that will remain comfortable from extended wear? Are you planning to sleep with your contact lenses? These are all special lifestyle questions that are important when it comes to selecting a contact lens. For more information on contact lenses, make sure to talk to an eye care practitioner near you.

While most people know about refractive errors of the eye such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, some eye care patients may ask, “What is astigmatism?” after their eye exam with an eye care practitioner. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that causes vision to be out of focus because the cornea is abnormally curved. While it is not known what causes astigmatism, it is typically present from birth and accompanied with other refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. It can even occur after specific types of eye surgery such as cataract surgery.

Astigmatism is commonly diagnosed early in life, so it is important to make sure to be aware of the symptoms and schedule eye exams for younger children. Symptoms that can occur with astigmatism are blurred vision, headaches or eye strain after prolonged tasks such as reading. Astigmatism can be detected during a simple eye exam. The test for astigmatism that an eye practitioner uses is known as a retinoscopy. However, this test is slowly being replaced with an automated refraction.

Astigmatism can be treated in three ways: traditional glasses, surgery and contact lenses. While astigmatism had to be treated with hard contact lenses in the past, it can now be treated with soft toric lenses such as CooperVision’s Biofinity Toric line. CooperVision has created this toric lens for patients with astigmatism with two major benefits. It is made from silicon hydrogel which allows for more oxygen to pass through the eye. It is also our most stable toric design. When a patient with astigmatism wears a toric lens, it is essential that the lens is stable so that when the patient blinks, the lens doesn’t move too much. A toric lens needs to stay in place because there are two different powers in the lens versus a traditional spherical lens which is all one power. Toric lenses must remain in position on the patient’s eye for optimal visual acuity.

Remember, astigmatism is common and simple to detect. So if you want to learn more about astigmatism, ask your eye care professional. For more information on CooperVision’s Biofinity Toric lenses, visit our product page here .

Mixing contact lenses and cosmetics can be a messy situation.  Here are some tips from the American Optometric Association (AOA) that will help you keep your eyes safe while using cosmetics and contact lenses.

• Put on soft contact lenses before applying makeup.
• Put on rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses after makeup is applied.
• Avoid lash-extending mascara, which has fibers that can irritate the eyes, and waterproof mascara, which cannot be easily removed with water and may stain soft contact lenses.
• Do not use hand creams.
•  Remove contact lenses before removing makeup.
• Choose an oil-free moisturizer or lotions before applying contacts.  They can leave film on your lenses.
• Use hairspray before putting on your contacts. If you use hairspray while you are wearing your contacts, close your eyes during spraying and for a few seconds afterwards.
• Blink your eyes frequently while under a hair drier or blower to keep your eyes from getting too dry.
• Keep false eyelash cement, nail polish and remover, perfume and cologne away from the lenses. They can damage the plastic.
• Choose water-based, hypo-allergenic liquid foundations. Cream makeup may leave a film on your lenses.¹

 ¹http://www.aoa.org/x5236.xml

January has been declared National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness globally.  According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation glaucoma is known as "a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning."¹

Because glaucoma is so hard to detect in the early stages it is important to be screened on a regular basis.  Visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation's website for more information, including risk factors for the disease and to learn how you can help find a cure. Contact your eye care practitioner today to schedule your next eye exam. To find an eye care provider near you, please click here.

¹ Glaucoma awareness month. Glaucoma Research Foundation, Retrieved from <http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/glaucoma_awaren.php>.

It is extremely important to be sure that eyes are protected in the winter months, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Many outdoor activities should be accompanied by eye protection; from debris, and from the sun.  Activities in the snow such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding should be accompanied by goggles that also have UVA and UVB protection.  “On a sunny winter day, snow can reflect 80% of all UV rays.”¹  Light reflecting from the snow can damage eyes; even if the sun may not seem as strong as the summer.   It is also extremely important to protect children’s eyes; this may decrease chances of certain eye diseases later in life.  

Be sure to remind your patients about the importance of eye protection in the colder months.  For more some information on how CooperVision’s contact lenses can improve your overall sports performance please click here.

¹http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.6063229/k.AD84/Winter_Sports_Eye_Safety__Eye_Health_Tips__The_Vision_Center.htm

CooperVision offers a variety of Lenses with different replacement schedules.  Whether you're an extended wearer or change daily, CooperVision has the contact lenses to suit your eyes and your lifestyle!

CooperVision has a selection of lenses that are recommended to be replaced daily, bi-weekly or monthly.  Your Eye Care Practitioner will recommend a replacement schedule depending on your prescribed lenses, your eye condition and your lifestyle.  Be sure to bring up any concerns about replacement recommendation s to your Eye Care Practitioner when getting fitted for your contacts.   It is important to follow your replacement schedule to achieve comfortable problem-free lens wear.  To be sure you are getting the most out of your lenses follow our Contact Lens Care tips.

Football playoff season is in full gear and fans around the country are courageously rooting for their favorite team.   We want to make sure that everyone can see their teams clearly — near, far and everywhere in between!

With today’s smartphone and tablet technologies keeping up with scores and stats should be easy, right? Maybe not for those over 40 fans suffering from presbyopia, switching from small screens near and far can be a challenge.   CooperVision’s Biofinity Multifocal Contact Lenses can provide patients with outstanding vision, health and comfort all day.

Multifocal contact lenses focus light from both near, intermediate, and far distances to the back of the eye, creating the clearest possible image. This unique system uses two different, yet complementary, lenses that work together to provide clear vision near or far.

Ask your eye care practitioner if our Biofinity Multifocal lenses can help you keep up with your favorite team this season!  Click here to find an eye care practitioner near you.

Dry eye is a condition in which one’s eyes do not produce enough tears, or produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition.  Symptoms of dry eye may include irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable, or red eyes; a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes; and blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision, and make wearing contact lenses difficult¹.

Did you know that CooperVision’s Proclear 1 Day Lenses may bring comfort to contact wearers with Dry Eye Symdrome?

CooperVIsion’s Proclear 1 Day lenses are Proclear 1 Day lenses are the only daily disposable contact lenses with a FDA clearance for the claim: "may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear."²

If you think you may be experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact your eye care practitioner today! Be sure to mention our Proclear 1 day lenses for some potential comfort from your Dry Eye Syndrome.  Click here to find an eye care practitioner near you.

¹Reference: AOA. http://www.aoa.org/x4717.xml#1
²Reference: CooperVision.

The New Years is a time for change and positive outlook for the upcoming year.  Setting a goal for the New Year is tradition; but can bring health and happiness. Investing in your eye health is an easy resolution that consists of a quick visit to your optometrist! Regular eye exams are essential to keeping your eyes in check, but they can also be extremely important for your overall health. 

A basic eye exam can reveal some more serious diseases that may affect more than just your vision.  An exam can potentially uncover hidden medical conditions such as:  high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammations, and infections.  Be sure to schedule you’re eye exam for the New Year!

If you don't already have an eye care practitioner, click here to find one near you.

It is hard to know where to start when choosing a contact lens.  CooperVision would like to suggest using the Find a Lens tool on our website. Simply answer a few questions about your basic eye condition, then enter in your name and contact information.  Once you submit the quick assessment you will be provided with a suggested lens! You will also see a list of local practitioners; feel free to use this as a reference if you do not already have a local eye care practitioner.  We encourage you to read about the features that your suggested lens offers or about our various families of lenses at CooperVision by clicking here.  Be sure to schedule an appointment with your eye care practitioner as soon as possible to be fitted with your new lenses.