Contact lenses now, corneal abrasions later

Apart from being fashion staples, contact lenses have been accepted by ophthalmologists and eye patients alike as a viable alternative to eye glasses. As a matter of fact, more patients are beginning to prefer contact lenses over glasses and as of 2011, there were approximately 36 million Americans using contact lenses to compensate for refractive errors.

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While advantageous in a myriad of ways, contact lenses are not without some downsides. One of the greatest problems that contact lens users may have to contend with is the risk for corneal abrasions.

Cornea: The eye’s fine window

The cornea is “a transparent, dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye.” It is an important anatomical structure which makes for a powerful refracting surface, and provides approximately 2/3 of the eye’s focusing power.

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Inasmuch as it is the eye’s frontline protective structure, it is as fragile as any mucosal membrane; perhaps more so, owing to its fineness. This is why even the tiniest particles like dirt, dust, sand, and wood shaving can superficially scratch the cornea, resulting to abrasions.

This condition may be worse for contact lens wearers. A 2004 study by Quinn and Kwartz stated that “contact lenses can compromise the corneal epithelium,” making it more susceptible to cuts and tears. To make matters worse, contact lenses can also act as “pathogenic vectors,” and may take part in facilitating the development of bacterial keratitis. Quinn and Kwartz observed that contact lens wearers may be at risk for a rapid-progression corneal scarring, and if worst comes to worst, corneal perforation.

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The rise in contact lens use is largely due to its convenience, but because of its accompanying risks, users are reminded to observe commensurate care, as corneal abrasions may be a hefty price to pay for even a measly lack of caution in usage.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is an Edison-based ophthalmologist. This Facebook page provides helpful information on the prevention and treatment of common eye problems.

Straightening perspectives: Seeing through strabismus

You might have wondered at some point why there are some people whose eyes seem to be abnormally positioned. Some of them might have eyes that don’t look straight ahead, while others have eyes that dart into different directions when they’re supposed to be focusing on a single object.

Chances are that those people might be suffering from strabismus.

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Strabismus is a condition where the eyes are not straight and do not seem to focus on the same object. The abnormality may come in different forms. Sometimes, eyes can turn in (converging toward the nasal bridge) or out (diverging toward the ears). The condition is caused by the failure of the eye muscles to move accordingly or the inability of the eyes to focus properly. To date, about 4 out of 100 American children are affected by this condition.

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Ophthalmologists, such as Dr. Hitesh Patel of Edison, NJ and Dr. Brian Campolattaro of Clifton, NJ, usually diagnose strabismus during infancy or early childhood. If a kid is found with the condition, the doctor may discuss with the parents regarding the available treatment modalities that are applicable to the child. In some cases, children may just be prescribed with corrective glasses. In more advanced cases, however, surgery is necessitated to correct the misalignment. Kids who have developed ‘amblyopia’ may need to wear a patch over their good eye to build up the weaker one.

It is important to note, however, that promptness of treatment is of key importance in successful case management. Doing so will ensure that kids will grow up with optimal vision—free from the needless psychological repercussions resulting from the social stigma that come with the condition.

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Dr. Hitesh Patel is a renowned ophthalmologist based in Edison, New Jersey. To learn more about eye conditions like strabismus, visit PatelEyeAssociates.com.