Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea's curvature is asymmetrical-sometimes, this is described as the eye being shaped more like a football than a baseball. The eye is therefore unable to focus clearly. This can be corrected with toric Contact Lenses.

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye is elevated because of excessive amounts of fluid (aqueous humor). This can damage the optic nerve and cause a range of impairment, from loss of peripheral vision, or blindness. Chronic glaucoma usually begins in people over the age of 40.

Myopia is also called nearsightedness. People with this condition can see clearly up close but not at a distance.

Hyperopia, on the other hand is almost like the reverse of myopia. Also called farsightedness, people with this condition can see clearly at a distance but not up close.

Presbyopia is a condition that usually affects people 40 and over. People with usually normal vision find it more and more difficult to read and do detailed work unless they're very close up. People with presbyopia can find help in the use of reading glasses, or bifocal or multifocal contact lenses.

Contact lenses can help reduce image distortion sometimes caused by eyeglasses, because they fit right onto the eye and offer increased peripheral vision. An Eye Care Practitioner needs to fit a patient for contact lenses, because all eyes are different sizes and all patients have different needs.

Many first time wearers have questions about whether or not their contact lens is inside out. There is a way to tell-just place the contact lens on your finger so it's forming a cup, and hold it up directly in front of your eyes so you're looking at it from the side. If the edges are flared out, it's inside out; if it's forming a "U" shape, it's correct.

Patients should always follow their Eye Care Practitioner's advice on wear, care and disposal of contact lenses.

DO:

• Attend regular eye care checkups
• Wash and dry hands prior to handling lenses
• Clean, rinse and disinfect lenses after use (except daily disposable lenses, which should be discarded daily)
• Air dry lens cases/storage cases and keep dry when not holding lenses
• Insert lenses before applying makeup
• Remove lenses before removing makeup
• Replace lens cases/storage cases every 3 months to prevent contamination buildup
• Have spare lenses and solutions on hand
• Have an up-to-date pair of glasses available in case you need to remove your lenses

DON'T:

• Use tap water on lenses
• Wet lenses with saliva
• Reuse disinfecting solution-always discard and replace with new solution each time lenses are stored
• Sleep in your lenses, unless specifically advised to by your Eye Care Practitioner
• Switch the type of solution you use except on the advice of your Eye Care Practitioner

When one lens is removed, clean it with the recommended solution to remove eye-produced buildup, cosmetics, and other debris that impairs comfort. Some products require rubbing of the lens with a few drops of solution, while others only require rinsing. Rinsing is then required again to remove any loosened debris. Afterwards, the lenses can be placed in a clean lens case or holder, and filled with the appropriate solution for soaking and disinfection. Disinfection time varies, depending on product. These steps should be repeated for the other lens, and the lenses can be stored in the lens case.

It is, however, best to not swim while wearing Contact Lenses, because of the bacteria in the water that can adhere to the lenses and cause infections. If lenses are worn while swimming, it is advisable to wear goggles over them and disinfect them immediately afterwards.