The Basics of Soft Contact Lenses
Does the thought of putting anything, even prescribed contacts, in your eyes make you squirm in discomfort? If so, I understand. My friends are generally shocked that I can wear contacts; I have some major eye phobias. I probably never even would have tried contacts if it weren’t for the fact that glasses (or, more precisely, my lack of peripheral vision when I wear glasses) make me motion sick. But after I grudgingly put on my first pair of soft contacts, I discovered that they are actually surprisingly comfortable.
There are two basic types of contacts: hard and soft. Some people prefer hard contact lenses because they are durable, provide very clear vision, and are sometimes better suited for astigmatisms (misshaped corneas). However, most people wear soft contact lenses, which are considered more comfortable. Soft lenses are also less likely to be lost, since they do not tend to pop out of place like hard lenses can. There are even new soft contacts that are designed for people with astigmatisms.
In addition to better soft contacts that can treat astigmatisms, there have been a number of other breakthroughs in soft contact technology. Now, there are bifocal contact lenses, contacts that protect against UV rays, extended wear contact lenses, disposable contact lenses, and even tinted contact lenses that can make your eyes appear a different color. With
every breakthrough, soft contact lenses become more comfortable and convenient.
Disposable contact lenses are extremely convenient and sanitary. Two week disposable lenses are popular, although there are also one week and even one day versions. There are two main advantages to disposable contacts. First of all, you do not need to worry about losing or tearing your contacts; if this happens, you simply take out your next pair. This means that even if disposable contacts are a little more expensive than non disposable versions, you will save money if you are prone to wasting contacts. Second, soft contact lenses are not kept for very long, and they therefore do not have
a lot of opportunity to become contaminated. However, contamination is still possible; you need to clean your contact lenses.
Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for days at a time; other contacts need to be removed nightly. Extended wear contacts can be worn for longer periods of time because they are more permeable, meaning that more oxygen comes into contact with the eyes, thus preventing dryness. However, some people’s eyes are more sensitive than others, and many people will not be able to wear their contacts for days at a time. In general, though, people will be able to wear extended wear contacts for longer periods of time than they could wear other contacts for.
There are some drawbacks to wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, it is possible that you will develop red or irritated eyes, an eye infection, or a corneal ulcer. However, proper contact care will prevent most problems, and a trip to the eye doctor can treat any problems that do arise.
In order to avoid complications, make sure that your hands are clean before taking out or putting in your contacts. Clean your contacts frequently; daily is best, even if you have extended wear contacts. Remember, too, that not all cleaning solutions are the same. If you have sensitive eyes, you will need to experiment with different brands until you find one that works best for you. Some cleaning solutions require no rubbing, and these are probably the easiest to use.
No matter what type of contacts you are wearing, if your eyes become red, irritated, or painful, you need to take your contacts out. If the problem persists, you should contact your eye doctor. You will not be able to wear contacts if you have an eye infection or other eye problem, so make sure that you have a pair of glasses as well.
If you’re afraid to try contact lenses, relax. Contact lenses care is not complicated. You follow the instructions concerning how long to wear your contacts and how to clean them. Then, if your eyes become irritated, you take the contacts out. If irritation persists, you go to the doctor. That’s it.
