"contact lens care"

More than 7 million Americans currently live with some form of vision loss. Another 94 million adults are at risk for serious vision loss, according to the CDC. Expanded globally, the number of people considered to be visually impaired is estimated to be over 2.2 billion. 

Considering that people are living longer, experts expect these numbers to increase in the coming years.

While vision loss and vision issues are expected to some degree, especially with age, it doesn’t mean everyone is willing—or able—to accept a change to how they see the world.

For most people, gradual changes in vision can be addressed with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

On the other hand, vision changes—especially when they happen rapidly and are not able to be corrected with glasses or contacts—are often difficult to accept, and, for many, it takes a significant toll on their emotional and mental health.

The question, “Doc, why are my eyes always red?” is commonly asked of me by patients.

Red eyes are screaming for attention and rarely improve on their own without proper treatment. There are several reasons your eyes can be red, many of which can be serious and should be assessed and treated by an eye doctor. Though over-the-counter eye drops exist to “get the red out,” they are only a quick fix and only mask the true eye problem.

 Your doctor may ask you questions about your red eyes at your visit.

• How long have you had red eyes?
• Which symptoms are you experiencing? Severity? Pain?
• How many hours do you spend on the computer?
• Do you take any medications?
• Do your eyes appear red all day or do they seem worse in the morning/evening?
• What type of contacts do you wear and how long do you wear them?
• Have you tried any medications or drops for treatment?