Importance of Follow-up

Even though it is very important to be properly fit with contact lenses, it is just as important to follow-up with the contact lens service as indicated by the contact lens specialist. At the follow-up appointments we will ensure that your contact lenses are still a healthy option for you, make sure your contact lenses are still maximizing your needs and update your contact lenses or care system.

There are some contact lens problems that do not cause symptoms but can be potentially serious if not detected in a timely manner.

This is a picture of a patient that rinsed her contact lens case with tap water. Tap water has micro-organisms in it that can contaminate and grow in your contact lens. Ultimately this environment leads to corneal invasion thus causing a very painful ulcer. This organism is called Acanthamoeba. This infection, as well as others, can cause corneal scarring and permanent vision loss. Often times the only way to regain vision after an episode like this is to have a corneal transplant. We strongly advise avoiding tap water contact on your lenses or case. Additionally, do not wear lenses in lake, ocean, hot tub or pool environments

This is a picture of a condition called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). GPC results in small bumps that develop under the upper lid and can be very irritating to the cornea thus complicating contact lens wear. It can be caused from sleeping in lenses, improper cleaning of lenses, wearing old lenses and eye allergies. Frequently this requires eye medication from the physician and when resolved, requires refitting of contact lenses.

It is important to keep your contact lens case clean. We recommend that your case be replaced every 2-3 months or when you receive a new case with your cleaning solution. An old or contaminated case can be a source of bacterial growth that can lead to severe eye infection. 

Often times a red ring around the cornea after contact lens removal is a sign that the contact lens is fitting too tight. As a soft lens ages, it dehydrates and shrinks in size. If a lens is smaller in size it can fit too tight on the cornea therefore cutting off an adequate supply of oxygen to the cornea. Sleeping in lenses or over-aging lenses can cause serious problems due to the increased dehydration of the lens.