Medical and Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Some of us may suffer from vision problems, such as Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, and others. Therefore, we resort to wearing medical glasses, which may be annoying to some, and sometimes embarrassing to others. Hence, what is known as contact lenses was invented, which can be cosmetic only to show the color of the eyes that you desire, or medical lenses to correct the problem of your eyes.

What are Contact Lenses?

They are thin lenses that you place directly on your eyes, and they are artificial devices you can wear to correct your vision or for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. According to research conducted in 2019, it is used by more than 150 million people around the world.

Why Do People Prefer to Wear Contact Lenses More Than Eyeglasses?

People choose to wear lenses for many reasons, aesthetic reasons are among the main factors. Especially if you are one of those people who want to avoid wearing glasses or change the appearance or color of their eyes. You can wear them for functional or visual reasons.

Contact lenses provide you with better peripheral vision compared to glasses. It also does not collect moisture or sweat. This makes them good while you practice sports and other activities. Also, when wearing contact lenses, we can also use sunglasses, protective glasses, and other glasses without having to fit them with the lenses.

In addition, there are pathological conditions such as keratoconus and anisikonia that are corrected using contact lenses better than usining glasses.

What are the Types of Contact Lenses?

The two most common types are hard lenses and soft lenses.

You may be wondering about the difference between the two types.

Honstly, there are several differences between the two types in their uses, installation and their types.

So, the most common type of hard lens is RGP gas permeable lenses, which are made of plastic and other materials, their shape does not change, and it allows oxygen to flow through the lens into your eyes.

You can use them if you suffer from astigmatism and keratoconus, because they provide you with clearer vision than soft lenses, and also if you suffer from allergies.

As for soft lenses, most people choose them because they are more comfortable than hard lenses. They have several types and each type has a specific use:

for example, we have daily lenses, that you must change them every day and you are never allowed to sleep in them.

Plus, there are longer-lasting lenses that you can wear while sleeping, you should remove and clean them at least once a week.

However, it is not recommended to use this type of lens because it increases the chance of infection with eye diseases.

We can use TORIC lenses to correct the vision of people with astigmatism, as they are not like hard lenses. And you can use them on a daily or long-term basis, but they are the most expensive types of soft lenses.

And also colored lenses that you can use to correct vision in addition to changing the color of your eyes.

Finally, decorative (cosmetic) lenses that never correct visio, only used for cosmetic purpose, and actors use it to change the shape and color of the eyes to match the character. You can also use it to hide some eye problems, whether they are congenital or caused by an injury. Although they do not correct vision, you need a prescription to use them to avoid serious eye infections.

Contact lenses are not limited to these two types only, there are other types such as:

Presbyopia lenses, which are designed to correct normal vision problems experienced by people after the age of forty, when it becomes difficult to see close objects clearly.

Hybrid contact lenses have a hard center surrounded by a soft outer ring, as it combines the clear vision of a hard lens with the comfort of a soft lens.

And because the lenses are in direct contact with your eyes, which may easily become infected and allergic, you have to take care of your lenses, clean them and store them properly.

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Important Instructions about the Use of Contact Lenses

After getting to know the lenses, we must talk about some important instructions that will protect your eyes and your health, which you must strictly follow:

Commit to the schedule given by your doctor for wearing and replacing your lenses.
Follow your doctor’s or manufacturer’s instructions for better cleaning and storage of your lenses.
Stick to your eye exam appointments. Contact lenses can deform over time, so they may change the shape of your cornea
Don’t shower, swim, or do anything that gets water in your eyes while wearing contact lenses.
You are not allowed to sleep while wearing daily lenses.

And since cleaning the lenses is an important instrustion that you cannot bypass, here are the correct steps:

Wash your hands with soap and water then dry them well before handling contact lenses.
Hold the contact lenses with clean fingers, and wash them with the solution before soaking them, regardless of the type of cleaning solution you use.
Never put contact lenses in your mouth to get them wet.
Do not wash or store contact lenses in water.
Never use a homemade solution.
Do not use saline solution or re-wetting drops to clean them.
Use a new solution every time you clean and disinfect your lenses.
Do not pour contact lens solution into a bottle other than its own, as it may not be completely sterile.

Finally, ask your doctor immediately after any strange symptoms or redness occur in your eyes, and do not apply traditional solutions, as they are often not based on a scientific medical basis..

Frequently Asked Questions about Contact Lenses

Are Contact Lenses Better Than Glasses?

Contact lenses give a more “normal” field of vision, because it sits on the surface of your eyes and moves with it. Thus, contact lenses provide smooth vision correction. Its benefits also extend to your peripheral vision and you will not suffer from the same types of visual disturbances as glasses such as reflections or blurring. Ask your doctor first.

How Many Hours Can the Lenses Be Worn?

Your optometrist will be able to discuss with you what is best for your personal situation. But in general, it is recommended to wear contact lenses for a maximum of 10-12 hours a day. Wearing lenses for a longer period of time may make your eyes uncomfortable, red, and vulnerable to infection.