Are you considering getting contact lenses? Thanks to all the safe and convenient alternatives, almost everyone can use contacts nowadays. For some people, especially those who lead an active lifestyle, using contact lenses might be a terrific alternative. However, it may not suit everyone since some people find them bulky and prefer to wear glasses.
What Exactly Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are tiny pieces of plastic worn on the eye to repair vision problems. They can be an excellent alternative to wearing eyeglasses and/or having corrective surgery.
The majority of individuals can wear contacts. In truth, millions of individuals wear contacts, particularly those who live busy lifestyles and desire sharp, clear vision without wearing glasses.
Contact Lens Exam
If you want to use contacts, the first step is to have a doctor examine your eyes. A contact lens exam is designed to fit you with contacts.
If you’re going to get a contact lens exam, be prepared for a more extended test than you’re used to. This sort of examination is comprehensive and consists of multiple phases.
Your practitioner will first decide if your eyes are healthy enough to use contacts during a contact lens examination. Because contacts touch and cover the eyes, your eyes must be as healthy as possible before wearing them.
A vision assessment will be performed to determine the amount of correction required for each eye. Then, your eye doctor will take exact measurements to ensure that your contacts fit correctly and pleasantly in your eyes.
Instructions
If you are new to using contacts, your doctor will show you how to insert and remove them from your eyes. They will assist you in practising and becoming accustomed to putting on and removing your contact lenses on your own.
You will be taught how to care for them correctly, including cleaning and storage. When caring for your contacts at home, use quality lens care solutions and wipe the lenses as often as advised to remove bacteria growth.
Warnings
Wearing contact lenses for an extended duration might be hazardous. Overwearing can cause difficulties such as poor vision, discomfort, and redness in the eyes due to a lack of oxygen. They can also cause corneal scarring and visual loss.
Types of Contact Lens
Contacts are classified into two types: soft contacts and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts.
Rigid gas permeable contact lens is composed of hard plastic and provide crisp, clear vision while correcting most vision problems. In addition, they are more sturdy and last far longer than soft contact lenses.
Soft contacts are ultra-thin and highly pleasant to wear. They are primarily composed of water and polymer from silicone and hydrogel.
Soft contacts are classified into four types:
- Spherical contact lenses
- Astigmatism contacts
- Presbyopia contacts
- Colour contacts (cosmetic)
Most contacts are intended for daily use, whereas extended-wear contacts can be worn for up to a week.
Contact lenses should not be worn in the shower or while swimming. In water, an organism can induce an acanthamoeba infection and, sometimes, blindness. As a result, some practitioners do not advocate wearing contact lenses for a lengthy period of time.