Eyes Part 2

Contact lenses Contact lenses have been around for just over 100 years although Leonardo da Vinci was the first to describe the possibility of using them over 500 years ago. While there are different types of lenses, soft lenses tend to be the most popular because they are easy to wear from the start, but an optician will be able to recommend a lens best suited to your needs. The high water content in soft lenses (40-80%) allows more oxygen to reach the eye covered by the lenses and so they can be worn for longer periods. However, despite their obvious success, problems can occur such as:

Eye infections through a failure to keep lens maintenance equipment clean, wash hands thoroughly before putting in/taking out lenses and keep lenses properly disinfected.

Sensitivity to the lens or maintenance solutions.

Using lenses for extended periods of time.

Hard lenses that scratch the eye if they're put in roughly or are worn for too long.

Problems with tear production.

Sleeping in lenses particularly after a long night out when you may be dehydrated. You sometimes have to peel the lens off the eye. This is not good. Symptoms include:

Redness, stinging and a sensation of heat in the eye.

Pain or prickliness in the eye.

Lenses jumping around the eye.

Increased mucus leading to cloudy or foggy vision. If you experience any of the above, stop wearing your lenses immediately and head straight for your optician or GP. Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye causing a range of symptoms including redness, discomfort, discharge and a sensitivity to light. Most cases are caused by bacteria which are spread from hand-to-eye contact or by viruses (eg cold or sore throat). However, an allergic response can also be caused by contact lenses and associated cleaning solutions, pollen and cosmetics. While warm water will wash away the discharge and remove any crusts on the eyelids, the infection itself usually requires treatment with eye-drops or an ointment containing an antibiotic, antihistamine or cortico-steroid drug. The important thing to remember is to see your optician or GP as soon as you think you have a problem. (This doesn't mean making an appointment in a weeks time.) Eye care tips

Whatever your age, get your eyes tested at least once a year - or sooner if you notice any change.

Depending on how long you use a computer at work, you employer has a legal responsibility to provide you with an eye test.

TVs are brighter than you might think, sit at least five feet away from the screen.

When using a computer, rest your eyes every 15 minutes by focusing on something else. Every hour you should have a few minutes break away from the screen. This will help prevent eye strain.

If you're using artificial light to read, ideally the light should shine on to the page from behind you.

Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight; never look directly into the sun.

Swimming pools are usually highly chlorinated - consider wearing goggles.

Protective goggles should be worn when welding, handling dangerous chemicals or working high- speed machinery.

When you'er doing DIY, always wear protection. It may seem like overkill but splinters, glass fragments, dust, metal fragments, plaster, paints etc can also seriously damage your eyesight.

Avoid rubbing your eyes as this a common way of picking up infections.

Moisturisers, soaps and other beauty products can badly irritate the eyes even if they are low allergy.

Last but by no means least - a surprising number of everyday substances will sting badly if you get them into the eye, eg poppers, cum, and sweat. If you get anything into your eye(s) wash out with plenty of water and if you have any worries seek medical advice immediately. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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