Contact Lenses

What are Contact Lenses?:

Contact lens is medically tested lens that is placed on the eye for beauty or curative reasons. There are different types of contact lenses which are available in the market. People suffering from faltering vision are generally the one who opt for contact lenses. Aesthetics and cosmetic may also be the reasons that lead people to wear contact lenses. But before understanding what contact lenses are, it’s very important to know the pros and cons of common types of contacts which can be worn.

What are the types of lenses?

Soft Lenses:  Soft lenses are made from soft material which is easy to fit and molds according to the eye. This is a perfect wear for indulging in some sports activity or a party. This type of lens is generally used to correct vision problems which include:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Blurred vision (astigmatism)
• Age-related loss of close-up vision (presbyopia)

Soft lenses are a comfort wear and come in different variants like daily lenses, extended wear lenses and disposable lenses. Daily wear lenses are a cost effective option that can be worn throughout the day. Their duration may vary from 12-24 hours. Extended wear lenses can be worn during sleep and they must be removed and cleaned at least once a week. Disposable lenses are the most expensive option. You can wear these lenses during the day and can remove at night.

Hard Lenses: Hard lenses are specially formulated with crisp and clear vision. They are more breathable when compared to soft lenses. Hard lenses lower the risk of eye infections as they are rigid and permeable. Hard lenses take a longer time to adjust and if they are not able to adjust, they might lead to discomfort and blurred vision. Their duration may vary from two to three years.

Specialized contact lenses: There are different options available in the market depending on your vision needs. These include:

• Hybrid contact lenses: They are made of a hard (gas permeable) center surrounded by a soft outer ring. This is suitable for irregular corneal curvature (keratoconus) or if you have trouble wearing traditional hard lenses.
• Bifocal or multifocal contact lenses: These lenses are available in both soft and hard material and can help you correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism in combination with age-related loss of close-up vision (presbyopia).
• Tinted contact lenses: These lenses are formulated for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes to give an enhanced color perception or to compensate for color blindness.

How to choose the right contact lenses?

Consult an ophthalmologist or any other eye care specialist to try contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses is not rocket science and can be learned gradually with time. The eye specialist will suggest you the best contacts to wear, they may vary from monthly to yearly.

How to take good care of your eyes?

Wearing contact lenses of any type increases the risk of corneal infection, simply because contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the corneas. Eye infections aren't inevitable, however.

To prevent infections:

• Practice good hygiene. Wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts.
• Remove your contacts before you go to sleep. This applies to extended wear contacts, too. Although extended wear contacts are designed to be worn overnight, continuous wear significantly increases the risk of eye infections.
• Minimize contact with water. Remove your contact lenses before you bathe, swim or use a hot tub.
• Don't moisten your lenses with saliva. Resist any temptation to put your lenses in your mouth to wet them.
• Take care with contact lens solutions. Use only commercially prepared, sterile products designed specifically for the type of contact lenses you wear — not water or homemade saline solution. Discard the solution in the contact lens case each time you disinfect the lenses, and don't "top off" old solution that's already in the case.
• 'Rub and rinse' your lenses. Gently rub your lenses while you're cleaning them, even if you choose no-rub solution.
• Keep an eye on the expiration date. Don't use contact solution that's past the expiration date.
• Replace contact lenses and cases as recommended. Follow manufacturer guidelines for replacing your contact lenses — and replace your contact lens case every three to six months.

Even with proper use and care, dry eyes can be an issue for contact lens wearers. If your eyes are itchy or red, remove your contact lenses and use lubricating eyedrops.

If your vision becomes blurry or you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light or other problems, remove your contact lenses and consult your eye care specialist for prompt treatment.