Contact Lenses

By: Michael Drenner

Numerous people wear contact lenses. Contact lenses are a way for people who regularly wear glasses to be free of the glasses and still see just as well, if not better, than with their glasses. Many years ago, contact lenses were hard and uncomfortable, often popping out unexpectedly and landing on the floor, much to the terrify of the wearer. However, times have changed. Contacts have become comfortable to wear, and available even as bifocals or for people with astigmatism.

Contact lenses are even available in a diversity of colours, for those who desire to see themselves with a different eye colour than they were born with. These contacts can be made for the wearer’s prescription just as normal contact lenses are.

Contact lenses are available from a person’s optometrist or ophthalmologist’s office, or to save money, prescriptions can be taken to a Target or Walmart store or ordered from one of numerous online suppliers. Be sure to check carefully before ordering online, to make sure the supply house you ordered from is legitimate. The Better Business Bureau has a free list of genuine companies, so you can check their website (www.bbb.org) before placing any online or telephone orders.

The contact lens wearer ought be aware of other essential things about contact lens use. Contacts need to be cleaned with a cleaning solution, and ought not be worn overnight. The eye needs oxygen, so then lenses ought not be kept on the eye over a whole 24 hour period. Eyes that are deprived of oxygen for too long can get infected, and the vessels in the eye can swell for lack of oxygen. This swelling can lead to lasting eye problems. So, be sure to clean the lenses regularly, and let the eye rest during slumber.

Besides oxygen, the eye needs moisture. Modern contact lenses are designed to act like sponges, retaining essential moisture within the eye. Still, the contact lens wearer may experience dryness from staring at a computer screen, working in air conditioned places, or strain from reading. There are numerous eye drop products that can help moisturize the eye while wearing contact lenses in these situations.

There are different types of contact lenses. Extended wear lenses can be used for a long time with methodical cleaning and daytime only use. Throwaway lenses are thinner and therefore more comfortable, but collect dirt particles quicker and tear more easily. They are designed to last for two weeks and then be replaced with a fresh, clean pair. They are cheaper than extended wear, which need to be replaced each 3-6 months. The most recently improved lenses have very elevated water content, allowing for longer more comfortable wear. Still, cleaning is essential to elude infection.

But if your eyes do become very irritated or infected while wearing contact lenses, grant your eyes a few days to peace, and throw away your lenses to escape re-infecting the eye. It may be necessary to see your ophthalmologist for some antibiotic drops. Contact lenses can be enjoyable and freeing to wear, when done responsibly for the eye health of the wearer.