To treat vision issues, contact lenses are tiny, curved, and thin optical lenses applied to the cornea of the eye. The comfort, convenience, and natural appearance of contact lenses have made them a popular option for vision correction. It’s critical to comprehend the many varieties, maintenance advice, and potential concerns of contact lenses if you’re thinking about getting them.
What exactly are contacts?
Definition
To remedy vision issues, contact lenses are tiny, curved optical devices affixed to the cornea of the eye. They come in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors and are often composed of flexible or stiff materials.
History
Early contact lenses were manufactured of glass and were initially made available in the late 1800s. When plastic lenses were developed in the 1950s, they started to gain popularity. Today, a variety of contact lens options are available, including both rigid and flexible gas permeable lenses.
Types of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses come in a variety of varieties, including:
- Soft lenses: The most common kind of contact lenses, these soft lenses are comprised of flexible plastic. They are perfect for everyday usage since they are cozy and simple to get used to.
- Hard gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These lenses are more durable than soft lenses and are constructed of hard plastic material. They support eye health by allowing oxygen to reach the cornea via the lens.
- Hybrid lenses: These lenses combine soft and RGP materials to provide both soft lens comfort and RGP lens durability.
- Scleral lenses
These lenses are bigger than conventional contact lenses and sit on the sclera (the white area of the eye) rather than the cornea. They are used to address severe visual issues including astigmatism and keratoconus.
Contact Lenses: Care Advice
Cleaning and Infection Control
To avoid eye infections, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect your contact lenses every day. To clean and sanitize your lenses, use a multipurpose solution that has been suggested by your eye doctor. After carefully cleaning the lenses with your fingers to get rid of any dust or debris, rinse them with the solution, and then put them in a new case with clean solution.
Space
Keep your contact lenses in a case that is spotless and full of new solution. Never top up the solution in your case or reuse an old batch. Every three months, or as your eye doctor advises, replace your case.
Handling
Before handling your contacts, always wash your hands. To handle the lenses, use your fingers rather than sharp things like tweezers or fingernails that might scratch them.
Wearing Schedule
Adhere to the advice of your eye doctor on your wearing schedule. Never use your contact lenses for longer than is advised. When swimming or taking a shower, avoid using contact lenses.
Sleeping Issues with Contact Lenses
The risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections is increased by using contact lenses while sleeping. Contact lenses limit the amount of oxygen that may reach the cornea when you sleep, which increases the risk of corneal infections. Additionally, wearing your contact lenses while you sleep might make them dry out, which can be uncomfortable and irritating.
Conclusion
The ease of use, comfort, and natural appearance of contact lenses make them a popular option for vision correction. It’s crucial to comprehend the many kinds of contact lenses, maintenance advice, and dangers connected to them. You may avoid eye infections and maintain clear, healthy vision by handling and caring for your contact lenses properly. To lessen the risk of problems and eye infections, always adhere to the wearing schedule advised by your eye doctor and refrain from sleeping with your contacts.
FAQs
Q: Can I use contact lenses when bathing or swimming?
A: Because contact lenses may pick up germs from the water and should not be used when swimming or taking a shower.
Q: How often should contact lenses be changed?
A: Depending on the kind of lens, several contact lens replacement schedules exist. Observe the timetable that your eye doctor has advised.
Q: Can I use my contacts beyond the suggested period of time?
A: Because it raises the risk of problems and eye infections, it is not advised to use contact lenses for longer than is advised.
Q: When my contact lenses feel uncomfortable, what should I do?
A: Remove your contact lens if it is unpleasant and check it for debris or damage. Before re-inserting it, clean and disinfect it if it seems to be in good condition. You should see an eye doctor if the irritation doesn’t go away.
Q: Can astigmatism be corrected with contact lenses?
A: Yes, astigmatism may be treated using contact lenses. A variety of lens options are available, including toric lenses that are designed to treat astigmatism.
