Why it's important to have regular check ups
For millions worldwide, contact lenses are their first choice when it comes to correcting their vision. They are liberating, unobtrusive and no one needs to know you need vision correction. However, as with any medical device, using contact lenses comes with some responsibilities. Among the most crucial of these is the necessity of regular contact lens check-ups and below our optometrist explains why:
1. Ensuring The Correct Prescription
Your eyes, much like the rest of your body are always changing. Factors like ageing, health conditions and even pregnancy can lead to shifts in vision. A regular check-up ensures that your contact lens prescription is up-to-date, allowing for optimal vision correction. Wearing outdated prescriptions can lead to suffering from eyestrain, headaches and a decrease in visual acuity.
2. Prevention Of Infections
Contact lenses are essentially foreign objects placed on your eyes and if not maintained correctly, can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. Regular check-ups allow optometrists to assess the cleanliness and condition of your lenses. They can also offer you guidance on proper cleaning techniques and update you on the latest lens solutions that can help prevent infections.
3. Monitoring The Health Of The Eye
Extended wear contact lenses can sometimes lead to complications like reduced oxygen supply to the cornea, making you susceptible to conditions such as neovascularisation (growth of new blood vessels into the cornea) or infections like keratitis. Regularly scheduled visits help in the early detection of such issues. In many cases, catching them early can make a world of difference, potentially between a minor treatment and a severe medical intervention.
4. Ensuring Proper Fit
The human eye is not uniformly shaped and subtle changes in its curvature over time can impact the fit of contact lenses. A lens that doesn’t fit properly can scratch your eye, cause discomfort or even lead to more serious conditions like corneal ulcers. During check-ups, optometrists evaluate your lens fit and can make necessary adjustments and/or recommendations.
5. Education On New Advancements
The field of optometry like all areas of medicine is always evolving. There are innovations in lens materials, designs and care solutions. Regular visits to an optometrist will ensure you stay informed about these advancements, potentially benefiting from greater comfort, clearer vision or reduced maintenance.
6. Developing A Baseline
Frequent check-ups allow professionals to develop a baseline for your ocular health. Having this reference point makes it easier to spot potential deviations in future visits, enabling early intervention if something seems wrong.
7. Building A Relationship With The Optometrist
Establishing an ongoing relationship with an optometrist can provide you comfort. When issues spring up, having a medical professional familiar with your history can lead to quicker and more tailored solutions. This rapport can be especially comforting if you are new to contact lenses, or if you have apprehensions about their use.
Although visits to your optometrist are the most comprehensive way of checking up on your contact lenses and your eye health, we are realistic and realise not everyone has the time or money for these check ups, that is why we include one year's aftercare with every box of lenses purchased. You have access to all of our up to date articles, professionally produced video guides, and access to our optometrist.
You can even carry out your own contact lens aftercare online without leaving home, what is simpler than that?
Author: John Dreyer Optometrist Bsc(Hons), MCOPTOM, DipCLP
Created: 12 Sep 2023, Last modified: 7 Jan 2025
