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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Contact Lens Hygiene

We have heard many stories in the media recently regarding people losing their vision due to over wear of contact lenses and poor contact lens compliance. Inappropriate care of contact lenses leads to infection which can lead to blindness.

Appropriate care of your contact lenses, storage cases and hygiene are all essential to keep your eyes healthy. At EyedeologyTM our eye doctors fit and examine the contact lenses on the eye and make sure the prescription and the size is ideal for each patient. We then train patients on how to insert and remove contact lenses while explaining how important hygiene is and make our patients understand the do’s and don’ts of contact lenses. Below are some common mistakes made by contact lens wearers. There are also tips and suggestions to help you avoid any corneal infections or risk factors that can endanger the eyes or impact your vision.

1. Wearing contact lenses for too long: Always replace your contact lenses on your recommended replacement schedule. If you are prescribed bi- weekly (2-weekly) or monthly contact lenses, it is important to replace them within the right time frame. The front surface of the eye (cornea) needs oxygen to keep the eyes healthy. Over wearing contact lenses allows microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, and fungus into the cornea which increases risks of infection. Sleeping or snoozing with contacts that are not designed to be slept with can also increase risks of infections and corneal ulcers.

2. Improper care with contact lenses and storage cases: Cleaning and disinfecting the contact lens are not the only thing that a contact lens wearer should be concerned with. Disinfecting the the storage case is just as important. Harmful microorganisms can grow and live in the case if left unsterile. It is important to rub and clean your storage case with a sterile solution recommended by your eye doctor. Afterwards, dry it with a lint free towel and leave it to be air dried. It is recommended to replace contact lens cases every 3 months.

3. Avoid water with contact lenses: Wash and dry hands before use of contact lenses. Water can harbour harmful micro- organisms that can be transferred on the contact lens. Contact lens wearers should remove contact lenses before getting into a swimming pool or sea, soaking in a bath tub or even if you attempt to wash the eye. Infectious microorganisms are found in water, these organisms can invade the cornea and cause serious eye infections which may lead to serious consequences such as permanent blindness.

Microbial keratitis is an infection of the eyes front surface which is caused by bacteria, fungi, amoeba or viruses. The biggest risk factor for microbial keratitis is caused by these common mistakes discussed.

This infection can cause pain, redness, decrease in vision and if severe can lead to blindness. Earlier this year it was reported a woman in Taiwan left her contact lenses in her eyes for 6 months, she developed an eye infection which caused her to lose her sight.

Proper care of your contact lenses, storage cases and eyes is essential to keep your eyes healthy.

-Never buy contact lenses without having an exam and proper fitting first.

– always protect your eyes from the sun with 100% UV factor sunglasses, even though there are some contact lenses that UV protection in the lens, sunglasses are still essential.

– never swap contact lenses with another person. Contact lenses are individually fitted. Incorrectly fitted contact lenses may cause permanent eye injury, infection and may potentially lead to blindness.

A few extra tips that will ensure comfort and safe use of contact lenses.

– if you wear make- up, apply cosmetics after inserting your lenses and remove your lenses before removing make- up. This reduces the chance a if bacteria and other particles from your make-up from being transferred to your lenses and your eyes.

– aerosol products like hairspray, cologne, and deodorant should be used before inserting contact lenses.

We at EyedeologyTM encourage annual exams to ensure healthy eyes. The health of your eyes can change, during the span of one year. We always recommend a back up pair of glasses with a current prescription. If you ever have problems with contact lenses or are ill then those back up glasses do come in handy. Importance of replacing your contact lenses as recommended by your eye doctor. Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period. Also let your doctor know if you are using any medicated eye drops or have purchased drops without a prescription. Lastly we must mention another reason to quit smoking! Studies show that smokers who wear contact lenses have a higher rate if adverse reactions than non- smokers.

So if you are unsure about your contact lens care routines, solutions, proper storage cases or any optical products safe to use with contact lenses then feel free to contact us at EyedeologyTM.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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