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Neurolenses

Eye Motor Deficiencies:  Teaming, Focusing and Muscle Deficiencies

Clear vision is not the only important factor for comfortable vision. Equally important is when your eyes efficiently work together. This includes proper eye alignment and the ability to move the eyes smoothly together in all directions. Additionally, the tiny muscles located inside the eye must efficiently control our ”zoom” ability or near focus. Our brain, specifically our trigeminal nerve, senses when our eyes are out of alignment and compensates to help improve our focus. All of the compensation that we do can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, neck pain, and discomfort in the eyes (asthenopia).

A variety of methods are used to help correct these vision-related issues. These include the standard methods of glasses or contact lenses but may also include Neurolens, prisms or over/under correcting lenses. Prisms can be prescribed in glasses that bend light and allow for comfortable vision when your eyes are not aligned normally. Over or under- correcting lenses serve to relieve or stimulate accommodation (focusing).

In the last few years we have improved our treatment of many eye misalignments. Using what is called a neurolens, we are able to better correct eye teaming issues. What is special about neurolens is its ability to correct distance ad near deviations in a single lens. This allows patients to be optimally corrected full-time. In fact, many patients respond so well that their symptoms are greatly reduced or eliminated after using the lenses for only a few weeks. If we are talking about a migraine or significant headache this can be life changing!

Makeup, Keep it Clean!

A light application of makeup can often help you to look and feel your best. Without proper care, however, it may impair your capacity to see your best.  Whether you are going for a natural look or something more dramatic, it is important to use discretion when applying around your eyes.

Keep it clean:                                   

Make sure your hands are washed before you begin.  Use only your own makeup and brushes.  It may seem fine to borrow a swipe of mascara, but even your BFF may have germs that are harmful to you.  Infections from poor hygiene or contamination may lead to itchy, swollen eyes and light sensitivity.

Do not disturb:                                   

Only apply eye makeup in a setting where you can be relaxed and focused.  Putting on makeup in a vehicle risks injury at every stop and bump during your commute.  Take your time and don’t rush; not only will you get better results, but you’ll do better to avoid poking yourself in the eye or scratching your cornea.

Contact lens wearers:                 

It is better to put in your soft contact lenses before your makeup routine.  When choosing a mascara, avoid mascara with lengthening fibers, which can scratch, and waterproof mascara, which may stain your lenses.  At the end of the day, remove your contacts, clean them, and place in fresh solution before you wash off your makeup.

It can be rewarding to use cosmetics, but safety should always be top priority.  If your makeup causes you to experience irritation or injury, discontinue use and contact your optometrist.

 

Blog contribution by Kaitlyn Sanchez, Optometry Intern, College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences.

 

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/contact-lenses-and-cosmetics?sso=y

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm137241.htm