Rare Disease Day
- By Monica Coelho
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- 10 Jan, 2023
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Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare condition that affects contact lens wearers
by the Amebae Acanthamoeba, called Acanthamoeba Keratitis and what you should do to avoid it. This organism is easily found everywhere in the world, and it likes to live in the soil, dust and all sources of water (sea, rivers, hot springs, lakes, marsh, etc). This Amabae causes an infection in your cornea called Acanthamoeba Keratitis and, although rare, because it likes to live in water sources, it is more common to find it in among Contact Lens Wearers.
Why does it mainly affect Contact Lens wearers?
Unfortunately some patients are not aware of the dangers that might come from improper handling. Using tap water to clean or store contact lenses or having poor contact lens hygiene increases the risk of infection. Examples of poor lens care are:
- Not using disinfection solutions properly or at all;
- Reusing the solution in the contact lens case;
- Failing to empty and dry the contact lens case after use;
- Storing lenses in water overnight;
- Use Saline Solution to store them;
- When they fall on the floor or anywhere that might contain bacteria, not disinfecting them before putting them back in the eyes.
Wearing contact lenses when swimming or taking a shower also increases the risk, so does putting lenses in with your hands wet from tap water.
Buying contacts online, costume stores, etc, might also increase your chances to develop this infection, as this places will not worry about storing contact lenses properly (humid spaces with no ventilation, wet boxes, direct exposure to the weather conditions, etc).
In the UK it is forbidden to supply Contact Lenses without a Eye Examination & Contact Lens check-up in date. This prevents you from buying something that might not be compatible with your eyes anymore, prescription and material wise. Contact Lenses are always changing parameters and materials, for the patients safety and comfort.
If you want to start wearing contact lenses, please consult a professional first. Opticians will advise you on the prescription, they will teach you how to put them on and take them off and they will explain how to handle them according to the type of contact lenses you need (dailies, monthly's, RGP's, etc).
At Care Optics we provide Eye Examinations and Contact Lens Checks, and we work with the better contact lens Companies to ensure your safety comes first. If you want to start wearing contact lenses or you just need a new check-up, make sure to contact us so we can book that appointment for you. We will be more than happy to help!
Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care
We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.
This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.
The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:
- Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
- The Judges’ Award (2024)
- Customer Service
- Charity and Community Impact
- Innovation through the Use of Digital Media
Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.
As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.
Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.
Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!
Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!
