Friday, March 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Contact lens manufacturer news Acuvue launches London Marathon contact lens scheme 23.02.2012
By Martin Burns
Contact lens manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has announced a new scheme that will encourage people running this year's London Marathon to wear contact lenseson the way round.
As running in glasses can often be very uncomfortable, with the ear pieces rubbing against the side of people's heads and sweat often causing them to slide off the bridge of the nose, many runners with poor vision are put off the activity.
However, Johnson & Johnson's Acuvue brand has challenged runners and even spectators to go spectacle free this year by wearing daily disposable contact lenses and seeing if it makes a difference to their performance.
Previous studies have linked the wearing of contact lenses with improved performance among active lifestyle, which means that some 26,000 participants in the Virgin London Marathon could possibly improve their performance by wearing contacts.
Damian Conway, an optician from Norwich, who is running the marathon, told Sportsvibe it is "no secret" among runners that contact lenses can be more comfortable and convenient than glasses, as it eliminates slipping or fogging up.
What is less well known is that vision has the potential to affect performance in sport because it can impact clarity of sight, body movements such as hand-foot coordination and how people process information, the expert added.
"If contact lenses have a positive impact on a marathon runner's performance, imagine the benefits they can offer someone in day-to-day life. The Acuvue initiative is a great opportunity to experience the benefits of contact lenses first-hand," he added.
Hugh Brasher, joint race director of the Virgin London Marathon, told the site that wearing contacts could give people the chance to perform at their "absolute best" on race day.
"As a long-time 1 Day Acuvue Moist contact lens wearer, I know from experience that contact lenses can have a positive impact on performance – and I would never race without mine," he added.
Contact lens manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has announced a new scheme that will encourage people running this year's London Marathon to wear contact lenseson the way round.
As running in glasses can often be very uncomfortable, with the ear pieces rubbing against the side of people's heads and sweat often causing them to slide off the bridge of the nose, many runners with poor vision are put off the activity.
However, Johnson & Johnson's Acuvue brand has challenged runners and even spectators to go spectacle free this year by wearing daily disposable contact lenses and seeing if it makes a difference to their performance.
Previous studies have linked the wearing of contact lenses with improved performance among active lifestyle, which means that some 26,000 participants in the Virgin London Marathon could possibly improve their performance by wearing contacts.
Damian Conway, an optician from Norwich, who is running the marathon, told Sportsvibe it is "no secret" among runners that contact lenses can be more comfortable and convenient than glasses, as it eliminates slipping or fogging up.
What is less well known is that vision has the potential to affect performance in sport because it can impact clarity of sight, body movements such as hand-foot coordination and how people process information, the expert added.
"If contact lenses have a positive impact on a marathon runner's performance, imagine the benefits they can offer someone in day-to-day life. The Acuvue initiative is a great opportunity to experience the benefits of contact lenses first-hand," he added.
Hugh Brasher, joint race director of the Virgin London Marathon, told the site that wearing contacts could give people the chance to perform at their "absolute best" on race day.
"As a long-time 1 Day Acuvue Moist contact lens wearer, I know from experience that contact lenses can have a positive impact on performance – and I would never race without mine," he added.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
7 Contact Lens Safety Tricks
7 Contact Lens Safety Tricks
by admin on Feb.21, 2012, under Uncategorized
Contact lenses are extremely common globe over because fashion statements and also to enhance eye sight. The lens whenever wearing a contact lens is put right over the cornea. The cornea is defined as the obvious front portion of the eye where light rays are twisted plus focusing happens. The cornea does not have any blood supply plus derives oxygen directly within the air itself.
According with ophthalmologists plus other physicians that focus in illnesses of the eyes, those that wear contact lenses should safeguard the cornea from issues like the irregular growth of blood vessels plus irritations caused by deficit of oxygen plus chemicals.
Contact lens users should be aware of protection procedures plus make sure with observe them:
1. Avoid the temptation with wear colored contact lenses. Studies have indicated which colored lenses worn in the eyes minimize the amount of oxygen which reaches the cornea. The FDA has documented which decorative colored contact lenses could cause: conjunctivitis, corneal edema, allergic reactions, corneal abrasions, reduction in vision, pain like inability with contrast etc. Details are at: [http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00955.html].
2. Contact lens users should follow the regulations of cleanliness recommended by the contact lens maker plus doctor. The lenses should be stored correctly plus never worn past the stipulated time.
3. Protect your eyes against problems by never utilizing saliva, unusual soaps, plus un-sterilized water or ways to clean the lenses.
4. Consistently consult a doctor when there is any eye redness or irritations.
5. Buy contact lenses from trustworthy providers plus follow the instructions provided by the doctor about wear plus rip.
6. If you decide to wear create up follow purely the regulations plus never enable eye create up or treatments with access it with the contact lenses. Isert lens before applying eye create up plus remove lenses before removing the create up. Try plus use only water based plastic formulations.
7. The lens solutions should be recommended by way of a doctor. Keep the tip of the lens answer bottles neat and never use expired solutions.
Before you purchase contact lenses consult an eye doctor about the suitability of your wearing lenses. Never buy contact lenses over the counter. Always follow the recommended regulations for daily wear of contact lenses. If you start wearing lenses follow the rules the eye specialist gives regarding wear plus the cleaning schedule. In case you swim or play a contact sport discover away whether wearing contact lenses works for like escapades. Different lenses are play different uses, thus never wear any contact lenses past its recommended wearing period. Store contact lenses correctly with avoid growth of fungi plus other bacteria that will damage the eyes.
Know what the advantages and disadvantages of wearing contact lenses are plus determine whether youre a right candidate for wearing lenses.
Multifocal Contact Lenses – Alcon CibaVision Air Optix Aqua Breathable Contact Lenses Posted on 19 February 2012 by gregorypauljohnson
Summary. Someone working at a desk job all day may want to consider having multiple prescriptions: one for close-up work and one to be used when driving or wanting to see distant objects with exceptional clarity.
Most people have vision correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness. Glasses or contacts attempt to correct for vision challenges without impeding healthy aspects of vision.
If someone sees well close up (nearsightedness), but can’t see things far away, their prescription will attempt to bring distant objects into focus without hindering visibility of near objects. However, this usually isn’t perfect.
Most people who are near sighted remove their glasses when reading, or they may have a weak distant prescription for contacts so as not to strain their vision when looking at close objects. This is where multiple prescriptions can help.
An alternative would be a multifocal contact lens like the Alcon CibaVision Air Optix Aqua Breathable Contact Lenses.
Video. The video below, originally posted on 25 June 2010, discusses some of the benefits to having multiple prescriptions.
Change The Appearance Of Your Face With Tinted Contact Lenses
Not all folks are the identical. Whilst some of these have ideal vision, some of these suffer from either hyperopia or even myopia. These terminology imply long sightedness or short sightedness respectively. In case you suffer from such difficulties, you can get them preset by referring with an ophthalmologist as well as obtaining suitable spectacles for yourself, to fix your vision. Nevertheless, numerous individuals do not wish to put on spectacles given that it will cause them to look ugly. In such situations, you can go for colored contact lenses. These lenses fit within your eye as well as do not modify your facial appearance. Even people who do not suffer from vision related conditions can use tinted contact lenses to modify their looks.
Cleopatra bathed in milk to gain everlasting youth. Though this may not be feasible these days, you still have different methods to remove aging lines present on your skin. Most individuals experience a sad feeling when they look at their representation on the mirror as well as locate aging marks about the neck and the regions about their eyes. These marks make them seem much older than they really are. If you wish to get rid of these types of marks, then you ought to think about utilizing Botox. This miracle drug can also assist you to possess plumper lips. Nevertheless, you ought to seek the viewpoint of a competent doctor as well as seek their help, especially if you intend to go for botox shots.
Out of employment and therefore are hunting for a new one. If you have the skills, you can seek the task of a pharmacy technician salary. Aside from possessing a steady career, you also have the means of seeing medical advancements. Apart from this, the functioning hours are accommodating too. You must have an extremely sharp recollection if you wish to pursue this career. You are able to easily anticipate to earn $30,000 each year from this career, although you can increase this amount by escalating your functioning hours.
Guest post by Foote G. Solares Darnall
Buy Contact Lenses Online: The 30 Second Guide to Coloured Contact Lenses
Curious about coloured contact lenses, but don’t know what they’re really about? You’ve come to the right place. This 30 second guide to coloured contact lenses will answer all your queries about why you should opt for coloured lenses in 2012. Let’s get started.
Purpose: Coloured contact lenses enhance your eye colour by adding vivid, and complementary tints. Alternatively, depending on the type and colour that you pick, they can also completely change the colour of your eyes, no matter how dark. All this is made possible with a colour technology that adds a natural-looking effect.
Frequency: Choice in coloured contact lenses ranges from dailies to monthlies. You will receive these in 1 to 10 lenses per box, or 1 lens per vial, or 2 lenses per blister. Treat the frequency of usage and change lenses the same way you would prescription contact lenses.
Hygiene: Each lens can usually be used, at an average, up to 30 times (if monthly). You must follow the same lens hygiene that is recommended for prescription contact lens wearers. This essentially means - no overnight use, no usage in the shower or while swimming, following box/brand recommendations for timely changes, following the FIFO rule of first in first out when applying eye makeup, and never wearing them more than 10-12 hours a day.
Colours: Here’s the fun part. Coloured contact lenses are available in a range of vivid colours with technology that can hide the darkest natural eye colours. These are of two types –
- Opaque Coloured Lenses. These contact lenses change the colour of your eyes entirely, and are suitable for dark eyes. Opaque coloured lenses are available in a wide array of colours- Hazel/Brown/Honey, Blue/Sapphire and Grey are popular options.
- Enhancement Coloured Lenses. These coloured lenses enhance the natural eye colour, and are suitable for lighter eyes. These are not widely available in India. Popular options are - Hazel/Brown/Honey, Blue/Sapphire and Grey.
There you have it. Everything you need to know about coloured contact lenses in 30 seconds or less. So what are you waiting for? Will you be green or blue this weekend?
Want to get started with your first pair of colour contact lenses? Click here!
Want to get started with your first pair of colour contact lenses? Click here!
TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2012
Sunglasses for Men: Top 10 Picks for Spring 2012
Step aside ladies; we’re talking about sunglasses for men today. From time immemorial the sophisticated man has rocked sunglasses like wayfarers, aviators, loops, even round Almost Famous’esque sunglasses that we usually associate with women. In fact it’s time we stopped associating just women with trendy sunglasses. Here are our top 10 sunglasses for men picks for 2012. Buy them for yourself or for the sophisticated trendy man in your life...let’s begin.
1. The Shields – for men who like mixing geeky with cool. Called ‘shields’ for a reason, these will protect you from the harsh sun’s rays while keeping your cool quotient intact. Although very many buy cheap shield knock offs from street markets, the unique style of a branded pair of shields can’t be mistaken for anything but high quality. Pair these with smart casual attire and you’ll be well on your way to carry the shield with oomph.
2. Colour Me Amber – because rose tinted glasses are for women. A great colour tone for Indian skin, amber makes spring look extra special. Also, this tint works particularly well for those of us who drive. The sunglasses provide adequate anti-glare protection with excellent viewing in daylight as well as in dawn or dusk.
3. Metal rimmed wayfarers – for retro charm. Match these wayfarers with a light turtleneck or a V-neck and you’ll never want another pair of sunglasses again. Wayfarers bring with them an old world charm, for which they’ve never been too far from any season’s hottest trends for men’s sunglasses.
4. Oval Sunglasses for Angular Men. Men usually have angular, square jaws, with broad eye brows and sharp forehead lines. The oval sunglasses complement angular face types (also, long faces) with perfect ease. Great for business casuals, as well as Sunday brunches, the oval sunglasses are your best bet if you only want to invest in one pair of sunglasses.
5. Light Gradient Sunglasses – when you want to enjoy spring’s sunshine. Moving from work to evening meeting and then the club? Rest your eyes in these gradient tints. Dark at the top, and light at the bottom, these are great for driving, clubbing… we’d say even golfing. Match these with a preppy outfit, but if the argyles aren’t for you, then a cool tee with some cargos works just as well.
6. Semi Rimless Sunglasses – when commitments are tough. These semi rimless sunglasses for men are easy on the pocket, light to wear, convenient to carry (they fold and fit just about anywhere), and you can change the lens whenever you like. In other words, they don’t ask for a commitment. Own these if you’re a biker who hates being tied down.
7. Classic Aviators – with a pink twist. Ray-ban, the original champion in the arena of sunglasses for men, brings you this classic meets new-age design. Pink lenses wrapped with metallic frames, in the ever-popular Aviator style. There are only two reasons why a man should not own these sunglasses – 1. His girl friend wants them for herself, and 2. His girl friend wants them for herself.
8. The Bug Eyed Appeal – for 360degree protection. Then there are sunglasses that men should own for complete and utter protection. These bug eyes block every inch of sunlight from reaching your eyes. A must for bikers, these sunglasses work excellently for hangovers as well.
9. Black Rectangle Sunglasses – sporty meets nerd. Own these if you miss the old college boy charm your ladies loved so much. Match these with sweat shirts and bed-head hair. Rectangle sunglasses for men are the perfect debutante plus gentleman combination for spring 2012.
10. Sporty Blue Sunglasses – where blue stands for bright. Bringing spring’s colours straight to your closet, these bright blue sunglasses seal the deal for 2012. Not only will they make every weekend away from your dreary workstation that much more exciting, they will also match your casual tees and shorts like lemonade on a hot day. An extra guarantee – they’ll tide you over from spring 2012’s coolest picks to summer 2012’s coolest picks for men’s sunglasses.
THURSDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2012
Buy Sunglasses Online: Eyewear Trends in 2012
It’s already the second month of 2012 and the excess from the last few months is fading fast. As we shift gears and edge towards sprightly Spring, this post gives the lowdown on 5 super stylish eyewear trends in 2012 to keep in mind next time you buy sunglasses online.
1) Cat eye: We called this. ‘Glamour’ got a new name and it’s called: Cat eye sunglasses. These trendy sunnies are all the rage at the moment with the hip and savvy, and if you don’t already own pair, you should drop everything till you find one. We’re no trend-chasers, but this one’s too pretty to deny.
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| Tom Ford, Cat Eye Sunglasses |
2) Sporty: Incidentally, we weren’t off the mark on this either. Let’s face it. Sports and everything related to it is extremely desirable. It is no wonder then that sunglasses that look sporty and durable are ridiculously in vogue this year. A chic mix of utility and style. What’s not to love?
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| Fastrack Sport Sunglasses | Rs 452.00 Lensstreet.com |
3) Round: Round-shaped sunglasses are suddenly all the rage and no one’s getting over it any time soon. If Gandhi was around, he’d have loved the world some more. The universal lust for all things 50-60s and vintage has brought the attention square on round frames (see what I did there?). Indisputably, this is somewhere among the top of the ranks in everyone’s list of hottest eyewear trends in 2012.
4) Gradient: Go ahead, you can call us The Oracle. In November, we suggested adding a bunch of eyewear styles to your lexicon. Luckily for us, it worked out well, because this summer, sunglasses with gradient lenses will be everywhere - fashion runways, sunny beaches, and your neighbourhood gali. If your sun-drenched pictures in 2012 aren’t crowded with gradient lenses, we’ll be disappointed. Book this hot thing the next time you buy sunglasses online.
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| RayBan Gradient Grey Sunglasses | Rs 6,390.00 Lensstreet.com |
5) Contrast: Move over, clothes colour-block technique. Colour-block in sunglasses is the eyewear trend in 2012. A stark contrast in lens colour and frame colour is the way to set yourself apart. Use this to satiate your hearts desire for brilliant neon pops offset against muted colours. Nothing but love!
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| Fastrack Red Sunglasses | Rs 647.00 Lensstreet.com |
When it comes to sunglasses, we believe in the occasional binge. Start this year out right - buy sunglasses online and stock your wardrobe with at least a pair each of all the different styles. Everyone’s doing it, and though that’s not always reason enough, this time it is. Jump on the sunny ship and sail straight ahead with these eyewear trends in 2012.
WEDNESDAY, 4 JANUARY 2012
Buying Eyewear Online versus Buying Eyewear from a Local Store
New to buying eyewear online? Now is a good time to size up the comparison between buying online and buying from a local optical store. When you look at the convenience factor alone, it’s clear that buying eyewear online is miles ahead of any local store experience. Not convinced? Here’s a quick comparison:
Buying eyewear online gives you better prices: Most local optical stores have high overheads, making their product prices higher than what an online store can offer. Since an online store doesn't have any such issues, their prices are much lower, by an easy 20-50% even, offering you the same branded quality products at a fraction of local stores' rates.
Compare brands with the click of a button and get what you like: Gone are the days of preferring brand specific eyewear stores. Picture this: You want a pair of Reebok sunglasses, so you visit a Reebok showroom. But what happens if you aren’t happy with the stock? Will you step out of that store, trudge along, and find the next store half a kilometre away through hawker zones or three floors of a mall? Maybe not. You’ll end up settling, if wallet permits and time doesn’t.
More choice and quicker purchases as online stores are better suited for larger stocks: How many times have you asked for a particular brand and not found what you’re looking for? Or how many times have you been asked to come back in a week or two to pick up your contact lenses? Online stores have better stocks and brand collections, simply because all stocks come straight from the source. There’s no in-between brick and mortar interface that delays the order.
Assured quality with warranties and brand seals: While most well-known local optical stores do offer warranties and brand seals, some others do not. No such ambiguity in an online store.
Share with friends and family who aren’t with you: Everyone needs second opinions. And even in this world of smartphones and tablets, sharing from a physical site is still a tad inconvenient. For starters, the people you’re sharing with need to have the same technology or, even better, know how to use it. Buying eyewear online makes this easy. Since your purchase isn’t time-bound or dependent on who is physically present, you can mail your preferences to someone whose choice you trust. Await reply, and then buy at your convenience.
Easy selection for contact lenses, sunglasses and spectacles when buying eyewear online: Easy ordering systems that let you select prescription and any other particular details makes online buying even more convenient. Apart from first-time or even annual eyehealth check ups, most people who seek eyewear are already aware of their lens and spectacles prescriptions. Simply select relevant purchase details and you won’t need to re-visit the store to check if the delivery’s come through or worse still, wait for your purchase to reach you with little accountability regarding time needed.
Local optical stores do have their advantages, eye check ups being the most important one, but when it comes to time taken, ease of purchase, brand comparisons and better pricing, buying eyewear online wins hands down.
Buying eyewear online gives you better prices: Most local optical stores have high overheads, making their product prices higher than what an online store can offer. Since an online store doesn't have any such issues, their prices are much lower, by an easy 20-50% even, offering you the same branded quality products at a fraction of local stores' rates.
Compare brands with the click of a button and get what you like: Gone are the days of preferring brand specific eyewear stores. Picture this: You want a pair of Reebok sunglasses, so you visit a Reebok showroom. But what happens if you aren’t happy with the stock? Will you step out of that store, trudge along, and find the next store half a kilometre away through hawker zones or three floors of a mall? Maybe not. You’ll end up settling, if wallet permits and time doesn’t.
In comparison, buying eyewear online makes it easy to compare brand prices, look and feel, styles and accessories. All you need to do is click till you pick. What’s more, each brand’s sales, discounts and give-aways are sitting in one place, waiting for you to choose between them.
More choice and quicker purchases as online stores are better suited for larger stocks: How many times have you asked for a particular brand and not found what you’re looking for? Or how many times have you been asked to come back in a week or two to pick up your contact lenses? Online stores have better stocks and brand collections, simply because all stocks come straight from the source. There’s no in-between brick and mortar interface that delays the order.
Assured quality with warranties and brand seals: While most well-known local optical stores do offer warranties and brand seals, some others do not. No such ambiguity in an online store.
Share with friends and family who aren’t with you: Everyone needs second opinions. And even in this world of smartphones and tablets, sharing from a physical site is still a tad inconvenient. For starters, the people you’re sharing with need to have the same technology or, even better, know how to use it. Buying eyewear online makes this easy. Since your purchase isn’t time-bound or dependent on who is physically present, you can mail your preferences to someone whose choice you trust. Await reply, and then buy at your convenience.
Easy selection for contact lenses, sunglasses and spectacles when buying eyewear online: Easy ordering systems that let you select prescription and any other particular details makes online buying even more convenient. Apart from first-time or even annual eyehealth check ups, most people who seek eyewear are already aware of their lens and spectacles prescriptions. Simply select relevant purchase details and you won’t need to re-visit the store to check if the delivery’s come through or worse still, wait for your purchase to reach you with little accountability regarding time needed.
Local optical stores do have their advantages, eye check ups being the most important one, but when it comes to time taken, ease of purchase, brand comparisons and better pricing, buying eyewear online wins hands down.
TUESDAY, 3 JANUARY 2012
Is the Computer Screen Ruining Your Eyesight?
In brief, yes. The very screen you’re reading this post on eye health is the very medium that’s ruining your eyesight. (Everyone loves a little irony, no?) Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is now a commonplace eye condition, which refers to eye and vision-related strains that result during and from continued and prolonged use of computers. Given our current lifestyle and work conditions, it’s fairly plain to see (pun intended) that most of us suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, in varying degrees though it may be.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
- Vision: Strain, double vision, blurred vision, flickering sensations, temporary lapse of colour perception
- Eye: Redness, dryness, discharge and watery eyes, itchiness
- Physiological: Headaches, drowsiness, irritability, body ache
Tips to relieve eyestrain and reduce risk of Computer Vision Syndrome
Comprehensive eye exam – you know those eye docs? Well, you actually ought to visit them, after all.
Computer eyewear – if you already wear spectacles / contact lenses, it may be the best idea to modify your prescription to create customised computer spectacles.
Frequent breaks – you’re going to love this. Next time the captain of the ship is breathing down your neck, get up to stretch your legs, and take a 10-20 minutes break away from the computer. It’s all in the name of eye care, really.
Blink often – this might seem like an obvious one, but when you’re giving that computer screen a staredown, you tend to not blink as much, more often than not. Every 20 minutes, focus your eyes on an object placed anywhere around the room and blink fully to keep your eyes moist.
Temper the lighting – finally! One more reason to ditch those overhead fluorescent tubelights! Excessively bright lights aggravate eyestrain, whether it’s from the splendid sunshine or harsh indoor lights. So dim those lights by a few notches or opt for floor lamps that provide indirect lighting.
Adjust brightness & contrast – the brightness of the computer screen should be in tune with that of the room you’re in, and the screen settings should be set to a high contrast between the text characters (optimized to a comfortable size and colour) and the background.
Personalise workstation – the screen should be at a height of about 6 inches below eye level and at a distance of around 20 inches from you. Reflections on the screen are a big eye stress machine – adjust the different sources of light to eliminate all traces of reflection. If you often refer to printed documents, invest in a copy stand and light it adequately. The shift from screen to printed page causes more stress than you know!
It’s easy to disregard the eyestrain today because it’s become so “usual” but suddenly you’re 40, and you’re seeing less than you thought you would. You don’t want to go there. So yes, the computer is certainly causing Computer Vision Syndrome, but there’s still time in the world to provide some immediate relief and reduce the risk of excessive damage to your eyes. Else, this awaits:
THURSDAY, 29 DECEMBER 2011
Eye Care Tips: How to Take Care of Your Eyes During Vacations
As 2011 draws to a close and you pack your bags to take off on a well-deserved break, don’t forget to follow some important eye care tips…especially if you wear contact lenses or spectacles. Each vacation comes with its own set of eye care rules, whether it’s by the sea, up on the mountains, or in an unfamiliar city. Ignoring to follow these vacation eye care tips could lead to ill-timed infections that could well ruin your only break away from work this holiday season. So let’s get started!
Eye care tips for beach vacations: Beach vacations come with healthy doses of harsh sunlight, dust, sand, and the salty sea.
- Those who wear yearly/monthly contact lenses must carry daily disposable contact lenses to wear in the water. This is crucial as water-borne amoeba infections could arise due to lens re-use.
- Ensure that your sunglasses are UV protected and polarised. While the UV protection will protect your eyes, the polarised feature will cut glare by a 100% making it much safer to go zipping down coastal roads.
Eye care tips for mountain vacations: Why would anyone visit sub-zero weather mountain locales in the winter? Let’s just say it’s been known to happen. And since these are the cold months, mountain vacations can prove to be difficult for contact lens care if temperatures are at freezing points or even if they’re just a few degrees lower than what your eyes are accustomed to. Avoid situations like dry eyes that cause contact lens discomfort.
- Wear protective weather-resistant sun goggles or sunglasses to avoid tear evaporation. If there’s snow around, then make it a point to get a good pair of snow goggles.
- UV protection and polarised sunglasses are a must to avoid snow glare. Mountains experience harsh sunlight and glare during the day, therefore make sure that you’re carrying enough equipment to block these harsh weather elements.
- Invest in some good snow hats or hooded jackets to cut the drying winds a bit before they reach your eyes.
- Carry a spare pair of contact lenses, or better still daily disposable lenses for added reassurance.
- A warm case for your contact lens kit, from lens case to solution, will help ensure that nothing freezes.
Eye care tips for city vacations: While cities are relatively safer for eye care during vacations, they’re not without a few worries. For instance, elements like weather changes, wind factor, humidity, and hotel pools could still bring eye infections and other irritants knocking at your doorstep. A few eye care tips to keep these at bay:
- Be aware of what weather the city is experiencing. With the recent climate shifts due to the tsunami and earthquakes, even the warmest tropical cities are experiencing cold showers at the moment. So go prepared.
- If you plan to go dipping in the hotel pool, then the same rules as those for beach vacations apply here. Carry disposable contact lenses, and never re-use lenses after you’ve been in the water.
Apart from vacation spot specific eye care tips, here are some universal eye care tips you must observe even on vacation:
- Clean your contact lenses every day.
- Leave your contact lenses in the solution for at least 8 hours before next use.
- Clean the lens case with lukewarm water or/and a mild shampoo once a week.
- Never wipe the contact lens case with tissue or cloth. Air dry only.
- Use only clean hands and nails (esp. the index finger) when wearing or removing contact lenses.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean at all times.
- Lens should be in perfect bowl position at the time of application.
- Women should follow FIFO – first in first out when applying make up. Therefore, first wear the lenses and then add eye make up. Similarly, first remove the lenses and then remove eye make up.
- Do not wash your face (with or without face wash) while wearing lenses.
- Do not bathe with your contact lenses on.
- Swimmers should go for daily disposable lenses. Do not swim with regular lenses
WEDNESDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2011
How Smoking Affects Vision
Surprise, surprise! Cigarettes star as the devil, again. If you needed any more reasons to kick the habit – here’s one: smoking affects vision, and certainly not in a good way.
Macular degeneration: Cigarette smoke increases oxidants in the body and every time you inhale smoke, thousands of chemicals enter the bloodstream, damaging the macula, which is the part of the retina at the back of the eye used while reading or looking at things directly. Additionally, the oxidants tend to constrict blood vessels to the macula.
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| Human Eye Cross-Sectional View (Image via Wikipedia) |
Theoretically, there are two types of macular degeneration:
a) where critical parts of the macula die, known as atrophy
b) where critical parts of the macula weaken, allowing blood vessels to breakthrough and bleed, leading to scarring of the macula and conspicuous loss of the central area of vision. This is usually the more common manifestation
In both cases, complete loss of eyesight is the eventual destination.
If that’s not bad enough, smoking also reduces the levels of antioxidants in your body. What that means for you: not just are you getting a lashing with increased oxidants, but all that nicotine is also destroying the only thing that can combat the oxidants. Talk of a double whammy!
Cataracts: We already spoke of how smoking affects vision as those blasted oxidants slowly edge out antioxidants from the body. Incidentally, what that also leads to is an increase in the risk of developing cataracts, a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.
Eye irritation: This one’s fairly obvious, but apart from how too much smoke affects vision and causes your eyes to tear up in the instant, smoking can also lead to chronic redness of the eyes. Tobacco smoke tends to alter the tear film of eyes, and worsens dry eye syndrome and eye allergies.
While it was never lauded as a “good habit”, that smoking affects vision makes an even stronger case for kicking the habit. Apart from all that “cancer scare thing”, of course. And if you’re not worried here, we’ve got something suitable disturbing to unsettle you:
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