It’s a well-known fact that oxygen is crucial to the human body. However, it’s a less common fact that oxygen is also important to the human eye. That said, you should be more conscious about your eyes getting the right amount of oxygen, especially if you are wearing contact lenses more than eyeglasses for vision correction.
In this article, Eyes on Norbeck further discusses the importance of oxygen to the eyes and how you can ensure they are receiving an adequate supply of oxygen.
Why Your Eyes Need Oxygen
Contact lenses can restrict the amount of oxygen that your eyes receive, particularly if the lenses are worn incorrectly. Over time, this incorrect use of contacts could lead to eye problems and potentially optical damage.
Keep in mind that the cornea does not have any blood vessels, so it does not have its own blood supply. It relies on getting oxygen from the environment and from the tears that coat the eye.
If your eyes are not getting enough oxygen, you may experience symptoms such as hazy vision, redness of the eye and eye discomfort. Furthermore, if the lack of oxygen to the cornea is not addressed, the condition could result in the structural warpage of the cornea and possibly corneal ulceration.
How to Ensure an Adequate Supply of Oxygen to the Eye
To ensure that your eyes are receiving enough oxygen, here are some tips that your optometrist will likely share with you:
-
Replace your contacts regularly. Whether you’re wearing daily disposables or weekly or monthly disposable contacts, make sure to follow the schedule and replace your contact lenses accordingly.
-
Do not overwear your contacts. Give your eyes a break for a few hours each day. A good rule of thumb would be wearing contacts for eight hours, taking them out for eight hours, and then sleeping for eight hours — or anything close to this kind of routine.
-
Clean your lenses thoroughly. Make sure your contacts are clean before putting them on. This will ensure that enough air can go through the lenses and your contacts would be comfortable to wear.
Schedule an Appointment Now!
Eyes on Norbeck offers a place for patients to learn more about their eyes and how to care for them. Through a comprehensive and thorough eye exam, we can make sure everything is OK with your eyes and figure out the best way to care for them.
Call us at (301) 238-7199 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Potomac, MD, and the surrounding communities.
