Posted on August 2, 2008 in Latest News
Are you suffering from glaucoma and wanted to switch to contact lens? It is generally seen that people suffering from glaucoma experience eye-sight problems. Glaucoma is a condition where with time your optic nerve gets damaged and destroyed. The major factor resulting in glaucoma is excessive eye pressure due to blockage in the blood drainage or flow. Other factors causing glaucoma are listed below:
- Genetic Factors: Various genetic mutation can lead to glaucoma
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Various nutrient deficiency might cause damage to the optic nerve
- Nitric Oxide Deficiency: It is observed that lower levels of nitric oxide damages blood vessel which may enhance intraocular pressure
- Abnormalities in Secretion of Brain Chemical: Over production of glutamate, a neurotransmitter might damage nerve fibers of eyes
Generally ophthalmologist prescribes glasses with corrective lenses for people suffering from glaucoma. But wearing glasses can look odd as well as difficult to manage. Now the question arises is can people suffering from glaucoma wear contact lenses? The answer is yes. With gradual advancement there has been a tremendous improvement in corrective contact lenses. Listed below are the various contact lens options available for people with glaucoma.
- Soft Contact Lenses for Glaucoma: It is seen that soft lenses are popular among people with glaucoma. The major reason for soft lenses being popular is that they comfortably fit on the eye. Another added advantage of soft lenses is that they can be easily worn for extended period of time. In case you feel that soft lenses are perfect for you it is advisable to consult your ophthalmologist before opting for soft contact lenses.
- Hard or Rigid Contact Lenses for Glaucoma: With the latest rigid contact lenses your eyes tend to get adequate amount of oxygen. These latest version of hard or rigid contact lenses are easily tolerable by people with glaucoma. Modern hard contact lenses are also available with bifocal features hence well suited for farsightedness and nearsightedness corrections. In case you feel hard contact lenses are viable for you it is advisable to consult your ophthalmologist before selecting rigid contact lenses.
Topical Glaucoma Eye Treatment and Contact Lenses:
Remember that in the initial stage of glaucoma treatment, topical eye treatment is the most common medication prescribed. It is observed that ophthalmologists prescribe number of eye drops for treating glaucoma. Generally people with glaucoma need to apply eye drops several times a day. Skipping eye drops doses might enhance the damage of the optic nerve.
Hence before switching to contact lenses it is better to discuss this major issue with your ophthalmologist. Make sure that your medication has no adverse interaction with your contact lenses. Certain contact lenses can absorb the preservatives present in the eye drops and it could make wearing contact lenses intolerable. Hence to avoid such interactions it is better to inform your contact lens specialist regarding your medications.
Lastly it could be said that even people with glaucoma can wear contact lenses but they need to very careful before opting this option. It is essential that you consult your ophthalmologist and contact lens specialist before switching to contact lenses.
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