How often should I have my eyes examined when wearing contact lenses?
March 12, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Helbig
Dear Ophthalmologist,
My name is Dora Höfer and I have been wearing contact lenses for many years. Lately, however, I have noticed that my eyes are often irritated and dry, especially after a long day on the computer. I am concerned about my eye health and wonder how often I should have my eyes examined to ensure everything is okay.
I usually wear my contact lenses daily and clean them regularly. I have also tried different types of contact lenses to find the best fit for my eyes. However, I feel that my eyes are becoming increasingly sensitive and I want to make sure I am not overlooking anything that could affect my eye health.
I have heard that regular eye examinations are important, especially for contact lens wearers, to detect possible problems early. Therefore, I am wondering if there are specific examinations that I should have regularly as a contact lens wearer and how often they are recommended.
Could you please advise me on how often I should have my eyes examined to ensure they are healthy and I can wear my contact lenses safely? Are there any warning signs I should watch out for that could indicate problems with my eyes? I want to ensure that I do not neglect my eye health and I appreciate your professional assessment.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dora Höfer
Dear Mrs. Höfer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your eye health as a contact lens wearer. It is important to take care of your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses and notice signs of irritation and dryness. I understand your concern for your eye health and would like to provide you with some advice to ensure that you care for your eyes optimally.
As a contact lens wearer, you should have regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health and detect any potential problems early. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at least once a year. During this examination, your eye doctor will check your vision, examine the condition of your eyes, and ensure that your contact lenses fit well and are not causing any damage to your eyes.
It is also important to note that contact lens wearers have a higher risk of certain eye infections, especially if the lenses are not properly cleaned and maintained. Therefore, it is important to clean and disinfect your contact lenses regularly as recommended by your eye doctor.
In addition to annual eye examinations, you should also pay attention to any warning signs that could indicate problems with your eyes. These include persistent dryness, redness, itching, blurred vision, or sudden changes in your vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a thorough examination.
It is important that you also educate yourself on the proper handling and care of your contact lenses. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your lenses, and only use the recommended cleaning and storage solutions. Avoid wearing your contact lenses overnight, unless they are special lenses designed for overnight wear.
Overall, it is important that you have regular eye examinations, properly care for your contact lenses, and pay attention to warning signs that could indicate problems with your eyes. By following these simple measures, you can ensure that your eyes remain healthy and you can wear your contact lenses safely.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. Please do not hesitate to schedule an eye examination to ensure that your eyes are healthy.
Sincerely,
Tobias Helbig
Ophthalmologist
