You probably know how significant oxygen is to your body. For your organs to function properly, they need sufficient oxygen–and your eyes are no exception. It’s especially important to let your eyes “breathe” if you wear contact lenses.
Learn more about the importance of oxygen to your eyes from a local eye doctor.
The cornea is the transparent part of the eye covering the pupil and iris. It protects the eye from infection and allows light inside. This part of the eye is avascular, meaning it does not have blood vessels to bring oxygen-rich blood. It gets the oxygen it needs from the environment to stay nourished. Wearing contact lenses can cause oxygen restriction to your cornea. To keep your eyes healthy, make sure to wear the ideal contact lens type for the right amount of time.
With insufficient oxygen, red, spidery veins may start appearing on the whites of your eyes. You may experience hazy vision if your cornea does not receive enough oxygen. It’s also common to experience optical discomfort due to restricted oxygen flow to the eyes. Over time, this can lead to structural deterioration of the cornea and even corneal ulceration. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to contact an eye doctor immediately.
Besides choosing the right type of lenses, you can ensure your eyes can breathe properly with proper contact lens wear. Make sure to replace your contacts as recommended by your eye specialist. Don’t overwear them or wear them in your sleep. Always wash and dry your hands before handling them, and make sure to replace their case regularly as well.
Ensure all your vision and eye care needs are met by visiting your eye doctor regularly. At Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we offer eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and more! Call us at (425) 771-8472 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We assist patients in Redmond and Kirkland, WA.