Health tips: Beauty lies in the lens
In high school there are divisions and cliques, maybe not as distinct as those in Mean Girls or Freaks and Geeks, but they are still there. The groups give rise to a number of stereotypes and labels. One such example is that of the ‘nerd’—the typical hallmark of one are the spectacles. However, with the coming of Harry Potter and even some Indian movies such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, spectacles aren’t considered as dorky anymore. There are stories of kids deliberately doing poorly at the eye doctor’s (ophthalmologist) to get a prescription. However, the wish to be rid of them, at least on occasion, still persists every now and then.
In this scenario, the contact lenses make their entry. They may be used to just correct the vision, but some may also want to use coloured lenses. Parents and ophthalmologists are reluctant in allowing the use of contact lenses in preteens and teens. Firstly, the eye continually changes throughout the first 20 years, when finally the vision becomes static. Secondly, contact lenses are high maintenance and failing to adhere to the lens care regimen can have permanent consequences for the eyes.
Considering the risks and responsibility involved, no ophthalmologist will be quick to approve the use of lenses. But, if you must, then precautions are necessary. Here are a few to guide you:
Before buying contacts, visit your eye specialist with a list of all the relevant questions. Buy them from a reputed optician; don’t sneak off with your friend to a dingy shop where they are available on sale. Negotiate with your parents to allow you their use on a trial basis. The most widely used lenses are the soft lenses. Also get a case and a recommended lens solution to go with it. The most convenient to use are the daily wear disposable lenses but they are expensive. Lenses are available in a wide price range depending on brands, how frequently they need to be replaced, quality, etc.
Learn how to properly insert and remove the lens. Perhaps watch a video or ask someone to demonstrate it for you. Handle them only after washing your hands and always deposit your lenses in the case at the end of the day, in the respective right and left side. This can be a hassle in people with different visual acuity in different eyes. Do not reuse lens solution or solution that has expired. Lenses should be never washed with water because it can contain very harmful bacteria. Regularly rinse or air dry your lens case whenever lenses have been removed, perhaps by turning it over so the solution cleans it. Again the case is not to be cleaned with water either. The lens solution should not be put in another bottle. And most importantly, never share lenses and follow the additional instructions of your doctor and on the labels.
If you ever experience redness, itching, dryness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, visit your eye specialist immediately. Contact lenses affect the tear film of the eye and natural protective barriers to infection, prevent the surface of the eye from getting adequate amounts of oxygen, can injure the eye mechanically, and finally, can allow germs to grow with improper care.
With dust and humid weather, lens care becomes even more essential. Always keep your lens case and a backup of glasses with you. Remember, using contact lenses is not the same as using hair gel, so if you must, I suggest you invest in a chic pair of specs.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2011.