By Dr. David Christensen

Dr. David Christensen

The Iris

 The colored part of the eye is actually a combination of two muscles collectively called the iris.  The iris functions as a dynamic aperture, allowing only a limited amount of light into the eye.  In dim light the dilator pupillae muscle contracts and the sphincter pupillae muscle relaxes, opening the aperture allowing more light to enter the eye.  In bright light, the opposite is true; the dilator pupillae muscle relaxes and the sphincter pupillae muscle contracts, closing the aperture allowing less light to enter the eye. 

Iris color is a result of pigmentation.  Pigment acts to block light from entering the eye.  The most common colors are brown, blue and green.  Eye color is genetic and is the result of influences from both mother and father, but is not a simple blend of color from both parents.  The genetic influences of eye color are not fully understood.

You may not know that eye color can change over time and may a result from several different factors.  Many young children are born with light-colored eyes that gradually become darker during the first few years of their life.  Other eye color changes may be the result of eye disease.  For example, pigmentary glaucoma, Fuch’s heterochromic iridocyclitis, and Horner’s syndrome can all result in changes to eye color.  Furthermore, some medications can alter eye color.  Prostaglandin glaucoma medications have been known to modify eye color over time.  Furthermore, the brilliant colors of youthful eyes can fade and dull over time.  If your eye color changes suddenly, please seek care immediately.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare always welcome new patients.

Contact lenses now give you a choice in your own eye color.  Colored contact lenses are a medical device and require a prescription from an eye doctor.  Never purchase lenses from friends or from a beauty shop.  The damage from contact lens abuse can cause permanent vision loss.  If you are interested in colored contact lenses contact Iowa EyeCare in Marion, Robins, or Cedar Rapids, Iowa, today!

Genetics and Eye Color

 

Wearing contact lenses can be freeing, and can even increase the quality of life for the wearer.  Many people who wear eyeglasses for vision correction would prefer not to have to wear glasses at all.  No matter how stylish and in vogue, glasses can sometimes be a burden to wear and care for, and some wearers just can’t get used to them.  Contact lenses can be a welcome relief from eyeglasses and give the wearer self-confidence.  However, wearing contact lenses requires a great deal of attention and care.

There are many types of contact lenses to choose from, such as soft lenses, gas permeable, multifocal, toric, disposable, extended wear and more.  Contact lenses are actual medical devices, with a fitting and an annual prescription evaluation required by your optometrist.  It is important to keep up on your prescription, as it may change over time.  You may also need to change your prescription if you switch from one contact lens brand to another.   Making sure your contacts are the correct prescription will ensure comfortable eyes and prevent strain and vision problems.

One factor that can determine your enjoyment of wearing contacts is the choice of contact lens solution that you use.  Your contacts are really only as good as your contact solution and the care you give them.  There are enough contact lens solutions on the market to cover an entire wall at the pharmacy, yet only one might be the right one for you!  You’ll want to discuss with your optometrist which solution is the right one to use with your brand of contacts.  While it might be tempting to save some pennies and buy a store or generic brand, these often don’t provide the same level of cleaning as a name brand solution formulated specifically for your lenses.

Taking care of your contact lens solution is as important as making sure you’ve been fitted with the correct type of lens for your prescription.  Contact lens solution is carefully formulated for use with your specific brand of contact lens.  Anything that upsets the concentration of chemicals in your solution can potentially harm your eyes or lenses. To prevent this, make sure to always close the top of your lens solution.

Keep in mind that your eyes are constantly bombarded with dust, dirt, pollutants, organisms and proteins.  Be sure to rinse and rub your lenses every day, even if you’re using a ‘no rub’ solution.  Make sure to rinse and air-dry your contact lens case to prevent the growth of bacteria, use fresh solution every day and replace your contact lens case every three months.  These steps will ensure the best performance from your contact lenses!

You must also keep in mind the type of lenses you’ve purchased-are they extended wear or daily disposable?  There are many types to choose from and you’ll want to wear them according to the instructions.  If they are for daily use and to be disposed of every night, you shouldn’t wear them for an extended period of time, or wear them at night.  Both can be detrimental to your eyes’ health.  Contact lenses are FDA approved for wearing a certain length of time.  While it seems attractive to save money by wearing contacts longer than they are made for, you risk eye infections, discomfort or serious blinding damage to your eyes.  Wear your contacts according to instructions, and you’ll be comfortable and have great vision.

By properly caring for your contact lenses, you can enjoy wearing them much more and be free from eyeglasses!

Contact us to schedule an appointment today.