How to Put In and Remove Contact Lenses: A Simple Guide

If you are new to contact lenses, putting them in and taking them out may seem difficult at first. With a little practice and the right technique, it can quickly become part of your daily routine.

At Focus Vision Care, we help patients learn how to properly wear, remove, and care for their contact lenses.

How to Put In Contact Lenses

Before handling your contacts, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

1. Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger. Make sure the lens is facing the correct way.

2. Use your middle finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid.

3. Use your other hand to gently lift your upper eyelid.

4. Look straight ahead and carefully place the lens onto your eye.

5. Slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times.

The lens should feel comfortable and your vision should be clear. If the lens feels uncomfortable, remove it and check that it is clean, undamaged, and positioned correctly.

How to Remove Contact Lenses

Removing your contacts is simple once you get comfortable with the process.

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Look up and gently pull down your lower eyelid.

3. Use your index finger to slide the lens toward the white part of your eye.

4. Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger and remove it.

5. Clean and store the lens as directed, or dispose of it if it is a daily disposable lens.

Important: Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless your eye care professional has specifically recommended overnight wear.

Need Help With Contact Lenses?

If you are struggling to put in or remove your contacts, you are not alone. Our team at Focus Vision Care can show you the proper technique and help you find contact lenses that fit your eyes comfortably.

Whether you are getting contacts for the first time or need a new contact lens fitting, schedule an eye exam with Focus Vision Care today.

Visit Focus Vision Care at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us at 718-448-1622

Book online: https://www.focusvisioncare.com/

Your eyes deserve comfortable, personalized care!!

How to Prevent Eye Infections: Simple Tips for Healthy Eyes

Eye infections can cause redness, itching, swelling, irritation, and discharge. Fortunately, many common eye infections can be prevented with a few simple daily habits.

If you live in Staten Island, NY and are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, an eye doctor can determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Eye Infections

1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Eyes

Your hands can carry bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water before:

• Touching or rubbing your eyes

• Putting in or removing contact lenses

• Applying eye makeup

• Using eye drops

2. Don't Share Eye Makeup or Eye Products

Avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, eye makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eye drops. Sharing these items can spread germs and increase your risk of an eye infection.

Replace old eye makeup regularly, especially mascara and liquid eyeliner.

3. Take Care of Your Contact Lenses

Proper contact lens care is one of the best ways to protect your eyes.

Always:

• Use fresh contact lens solution

• Follow your eye doctor's instructions

• Keep your contact lens case clean

• Replace lenses and cases as recommended

• Avoid sleeping in contacts unless your eye doctor has approved it

Never use water or saliva to clean contact lenses.

4. Remove Eye Makeup Before Bed

Leaving makeup on overnight can irritate your eyes and contribute to blocked glands or infection.

Gently remove makeup from your eyelids and lashes every night. Avoid getting makeup remover directly into your eyes.

5. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Itchy eyes can be tempting to rub, but rubbing can transfer germs to your eyes and cause additional irritation.

Instead, wash your hands and use a clean, cool compress if your eyes feel irritated.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Contact an eye doctor if you develop:

• Persistent eye redness

• Swelling around the eye

• Eye pain

• Yellow or green discharge

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Blurred or changing vision

• Symptoms that are getting worse

Some eye infections can require professional treatment, so don't ignore symptoms that persist or become severe.

Eye Infection Treatment in Staten Island, NY

If you're looking for eye infection treatment in Staten Island, Focus Vision Care provides eye care for patients 

Visit us at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us at 718-448-1622

Book your eye exam: Focus Vision Care

If you have redness, irritation, swelling, or discharge, schedule an eye exam to find out what's causing your symptoms.

Healthy eyes start with good daily habits. Take care of your eyes, and don't ignore changes in your vision or eye health

Why Do I Keep Getting Styes?

Have you ever had a stye disappear, only to have another one show up a few weeks later?

If you keep getting styes, there may be more going on than just bad luck. Recurrent styes can sometimes be related to eyelid inflammation, blocked oil glands, poor eyelid hygiene, or certain skin conditions.

Here are some of the most common reasons.

1. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids and is a common cause of recurring eyelid problems.

If your eyelids are often red, itchy, crusty, irritated, or burning, blepharitis may be contributing to your styes.

2. Blocked Oil Glands

Your eyelids contain tiny oil glands called meibomian glands. They produce oils that help keep your tears from evaporating.

When these glands become blocked or don't work properly, they can contribute to styes, chalazia, eyelid inflammation, and dry eyes.

3. Poor Eyelid Hygiene

Oil, makeup, skin debris and bacteria can build up along your eyelashes and eyelids.

If you frequently get styes, make sure you:

• Remove eye makeup before bed

• Keep your eyelids clean

• Wash your hands before touching your eyes

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

4. Makeup & Contact Lens Hygiene

Old eye makeup, dirty makeup brushes, or improper contact lens hygiene can increase irritation and bacterial exposure around the eyes.

Replace old eye makeup regularly and always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.

5. Rosacea & Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as rosacea and dandruff can sometimes affect the eyelids and contribute to inflammation and blocked oil glands.

If you have recurring styes along with chronic eyelid irritation, it's worth having your eyelids evaluated.

Stye or Chalazion?

Not every eyelid bump is a stye.

A stye is usually red, swollen and tender.

A chalazion is typically a firmer lump that develops when an oil gland becomes blocked. It may remain even after the initial inflammation goes away.

An eye examination can help determine what you're actually dealing with.

How Can I Stop Getting Styes?

If styes keep coming back, don't just treat each new bump. Find out what's causing them.

Your eye doctor may evaluate your eyelids, oil glands and ocular surface for conditions such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease and recommend a personalized prevention plan.

Recurrent Styes? We Can Help.

At Focus Vision Care in Staten Island, we look beyond the stye to identify underlying eyelid and eye-surface problems that may be causing repeated flare-ups.

If you're tired of getting styes over and over, schedule an eye evaluation and let us help you find the cause.

Address
2260 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314

Call Us
718-448-1622

Book an Appointment Online
https://www.focusvisioncare.com

Don't just treat the next stye. Find out why it keeps coming back.

Stye on Your Eyelid? Here's What You Need to Know

If you've noticed a painful red bump on your eyelid that looks like a pimple, you may have a stye. Styes are common and usually aren't serious, but they can be uncomfortable and sometimes require treatment from an eye doctor.

If you're looking for stye treatment in Staten Island, NY, the team at Focus Vision Care is here to help.

What Is a Stye?

A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a small infection of an oil gland in your eyelid. It usually forms near the base of your eyelashes and can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness.

Common Symptoms

• A red, swollen bump on the eyelid

• Pain or tenderness

• Watery eyes

• A gritty or scratchy feeling

• Mild eyelid swelling

How to Treat a Stye at Home

Most styes heal on their own within a few days.

To help speed up healing:

• Apply a warm compress for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day.

• Keep your eyelid clean.

• Don't squeeze or pop the stye.

• Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until it has healed.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Make an appointment if:

• The stye isn't improving after a week.

• It becomes larger or more painful.

• Your eyelid becomes very swollen.

• Your vision is affected.

• You get styes frequently.

An eye doctor can determine whether it's truly a stye or another eyelid condition and recommend the right treatment.

Stye Treatment in Staten Island

At Focus Vision Care, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for styes and other eyelid conditions. If your stye isn't going away or keeps coming back, we'll evaluate the cause and recommend the best treatment to help you heal safely and comfortably.

Visit Focus Vision Care

Address
2260 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314

Call Us
718-448-1622

Book an Appointment Online
https://www.focusvisioncare.com

Don't ignore a painful or persistent stye. The sooner it's evaluated, the sooner you can get relief.

We proudly serve patients throughout Staten Island and the surrounding communities with comprehensive eye care for the whole family.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments in Staten Island: TearCare & Lacrifill

If you've been using artificial tears every day but still experience burning, gritty, or watery eyes, it may be time to look beyond eye drops. While over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide temporary relief, they don't always address the underlying cause of Dry Eye Disease.

At Focus Vision Care in Staten Island, we believe successful treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Using advanced technology such as meibography, we can identify what's causing your dry eye symptoms and recommend personalized treatments designed to provide longer-lasting relief.

Why Finding the Cause Matters

Dry Eye Disease isn't the same for everyone. Some people don't produce enough tears, while others have tears that evaporate too quickly because the oil glands in their eyelids aren't functioning properly.

That's why the first step isn't choosing a treatment, it's understanding what's causing your symptoms.

During your dry eye evaluation, we use meibography to capture detailed images of your meibomian glands. These glands produce the protective oil layer of your tears, and when they're blocked or damaged, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to chronic irritation and discomfort.

This advanced imaging allows us to recommend treatments based on the root cause of your dry eyes rather than simply managing the symptoms.

TearCare: Treating the Source of Dry Eye

One of the most common causes of Dry Eye Disease is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). When these glands become clogged, they can't release enough oil to keep your tears from evaporating.

TearCare is an advanced in-office treatment designed to gently warm the eyelids and soften blocked oils inside the meibomian glands. After the glands are warmed, your eye doctor can express the trapped oils, helping restore healthier gland function.

By improving the quality of your natural tears, TearCare can help reduce symptoms such as burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, and dryness. Many patients experience more lasting relief compared to relying on artificial tears alone.

Lacrifill: Helping Your Natural Tears Last Longer

For patients who don't produce enough tears or whose tears drain away too quickly, Lacrifill offers another effective treatment option.

Unlike traditional punctal plugs, Lacrifill is a soft gel that fills the tear drainage canaliculus, helping your natural tears remain on the surface of the eye longer. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and performed right in our office.

Because Lacrifill helps retain your own natural tears, many patients enjoy improved comfort throughout the day without constantly reaching for lubricating eye drops.

Personalized Dry Eye Care in Staten Island

No two cases of Dry Eye Disease are exactly alike. Some patients benefit most from improving the function of their meibomian glands with TearCare, while others may achieve better results with Lacrifill. In some cases, a combination of treatments provides the best outcome.

At Focus Vision Care, we take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your eye health, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is to provide long-term relief so you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation

If dry, burning, itchy, or watery eyes are interfering with your daily life, don't settle for temporary relief.

Focus Vision Care offers comprehensive dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options, including TearCare, Lacrifill, and meibography, to help identify and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Located at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us 718-448-1622

Book your appointment online https://www.focusvisioncare.com

Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance: Which One Should You Use for Your Eye Exam?

Many patients ask us:

"Should I use my vision insurance or my medical insurance for my eye exam?"

The answer depends on why you're coming in. This simple guide will help you understand the difference.

Use Vision Insurance if you are:

• Having your yearly routine eye exam

• Checking if your glasses prescription has changed

• Interested in contact lenses

• Having blurry distance or near vision without an eye disease

A vision exam focuses on keeping your eyes healthy while determining the best prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

Use Medical Insurance if you have:

• Dry eyes

• Eye pain or redness

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Diabetes affecting your eyes

• Macular degeneration

• Eye infections

• Flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes

• Other eye diseases or ongoing eye conditions

Medical insurance is used when your visit is for diagnosing or treating an eye health problem.

Good to know: Sometimes a routine eye exam uncovers a medical condition. If additional testing or treatment is needed, those follow-up visits are typically billed through your medical insurance.

Still Not Sure?

Don't worry, we'll help you determine which insurance is appropriate before your appointment and explain any out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises. We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans.

At Focus Vision Care, we're committed to making eye care simple, personalized, and stress-free. Whether you need a routine eye exam, treatment for an eye condition, contact lenses, or dry eye care, our experienced team is here to help.

Located at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us at 718-448-1622

Book online:https://www.focusvisioncare.com/

How to Store Your Eyeglasses When Not in Use

Your eyeglasses are an important investment in your vision. Taking a few simple steps to store them properly can help prevent scratches, bent frames, and costly repairs.

1. Always Use a Hard Case

The best place for your glasses when you're not wearing them is inside a hard-shell case. It protects them from accidental drops, pressure, and damage while traveling.

2. Never Place Them Lens-Down

Setting your glasses with the lenses facing down can cause scratches. Instead, fold the arms and place them with the lenses facing upward.

3. Keep Them Away From Heat

Avoid leaving your glasses in hot cars, near heaters, or in direct sunlight. Excessive heat can warp frames and damage lens coatings.

4. Use a Microfiber Cloth

Keep a microfiber cloth handy for cleaning. Paper towels, tissues, and clothing can leave tiny scratches on your lenses over time.

5. Create a Safe Spot at Home

A glasses stand or tray on your nightstand or desk gives your glasses a dedicated place and helps prevent accidental damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tossing glasses into a purse or backpack without a case

• Leaving them in a humid bathroom

• Sleeping with them on a couch or bed

• Cleaning lenses with paper products

Protect Your Vision

Taking care of your glasses helps keep your vision clear and your eyewear in great condition. If you're experiencing blurry vision, eye strain, or it's been over a year since your last exam, schedule an appointment with Focus Vision Care. Regular eye exams help ensure your prescription is up to date and can detect eye health issues early.

Located at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us at 718-448-1622

Book online:https://www.focusvisioncare.com/