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bright day or when reading a page with lots of light and a bright white background.
Floaters at 60, 70 and 80: Floaters are typically normal. However, they can be a sign of a more serious eye problem, like retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is often accompanied by ashes of light. If a patient notices a sudden change in the type or number of spots or ashes, advise them to see an ophthalmologist right away. Floaters are also common after cataract operations or after trauma. Contact lens wear does not affect oaters although they may become more apparent with visual correction from CL wear making them easier to see.
Excess tearing: Excess tears may be from sensitivity to light, wind or temperature changes. Protecting the eyes by wearing sunglasses is a simple solution to the problem. Sometimes excess tearing may mean a more serious eye problem, such as an infection or a blocked tear duct, both of which can be treated. Epiphora or watery eye is typically caused by infection or in ammation creating blocked tear ducts. Treatment is available. Excess tearing will result in discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Yet another reason that everyone who wears contacts should also have a fabulous pair of glasses
on hand.
Eyelid problems: This comes from a variety of different diseases or conditions. Common eyelid complaints include pain, swelling, itching, tearing or being photophobia (sensitive to light). Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) can be caused by a chemical reaction or an immune reaction, but it can also be brought on by physical irritation such as the eyelid rubbing against a contact.
Secondary GPC is not an infection, but an in ammation of the inside surface of the lid, caused by constant rubbing of the lid across a contact lens or other foreign body. Normally, the undersurface of the upper eyelid is completely smooth. In patients with GPC, the undersurface of the eyelid becomes roughened and in amed, and the entire eye becomes irritated. In addition to mechanical irritation, contact lenses also trap deposits on their surface, which add to the in ammation. The condition is so named because large bumps (papillae) appear on the underside of the eyelid. GPC occurs both in patients who use soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses, though it occurs much more frequently in soft contact lens wearers. Contact lens wear should be discontinued until the condition abates. Recommend that patients give
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