Jun 18, 2009

What Vision Symptoms Cannot be Corrected with Contact Lenses?

By Amy Nutt

If you are experiencing vision problems that need to be corrected, you have probably already consulted with a qualified optometrist and have begun exploring the options in order to treat these issues. From special eyewear to laser surgery, there are many different ways to correct common vision symptoms and restore most or all of your vision. You may be considering contact lenses as a possible solution; however its important to note that not all vision symptoms can be corrected with contact lenses. Here are some vision problems that contact lenses generally cannot correct:

Extreme Dry Eyes

This is a common problem for contact lens wearers. If you are prone to very dry eyes or have allergies, wearing contact lenses can make your eyes sore and in some cases cause a great deal of discomfort. Those with dry or itchy eyes may feel the need to rub or scratch near their eyes, and this can cause damage to their eyes, sometimes even leading to infection. Over time, this rubbing of the contact lenses can degrade the surface of your cornea making it impossible to wear contact lenses correctly, even with constant lubrication with drops. If you are someone who experiences dry eyes or has allergies that affect your eyes, then it may not be a good idea to treat your vision problems with contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis

In the vision impaired person, a malfunction of the glands that secret the fluids of the eye can cause protein build up while wearing contact lenses. This is a condition called conjunctivitis. If wearing some of the long-term lenses, such as the 30 day soft variety that have been very popular, these glands can begin to produce fluids that are too high in protein levels, and this can cause the capillaries in the eye to become congested and infected.

Conjunctivitis, if not treated right away, can cause a burning, itching redness in the eyes. If not treated, the infection can cause permanent vision problems including blindness. Its best to seek the advice of an Optometrist before deciding on contact lenses if you are prone to eye infections or have underlying medical problems that may compromise your successful wearing of contact lenses.

Blindness

Obviously if you are partially or fully blind in one of both eyes, you will not get improvement for these vision symptoms by wearing contact lenses. Blindness is a cellular issue and a breakdown of the actual eye tissue, either congenitally or as a result of illness or injury. The only benefits of wearing contact lenses for a blind patient would be cosmetic. Unfortunately, wearing contact lenses will simply not help. One exception to this is an individual who is classified as legally blind, but still has some vision. Contact lenses may help make that vision slightly clearer.

Remember to consult with your eye doctor before making a decision to use contact lenses, always purchase high quality lenses from an eye care clinic to avoid any problems, and use them carefully to avoid any injury or infections to your most precious asset, your eyesight.

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