Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses The Basics

Considering contact lenses? Contacts are great for those who do not want to wear glasses. For those visually required to wear prescription glasses, contacts can be used in lieu of wearing them. Contact lenses are small prescription lenses, worn in contact with the eye. They are designed to correct refractive errors and maintain ocular health. Contacts naturally move with you, which is one main advantage of wearing them. They function much like regular eyeglasses, refracting and refocusing light making objects more clear. If wearing contact lenses will result in significantly better visual acuity and/or binocular function, contacts might be an option.

For one to see clearly, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison.

Visual acuity is the clarity or clearness of vision. It is a measure of how well a person sees. If you have ever heard the term 20/20 vision then you have heard a way to express normal visual acuity. For one to see clearly, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. If you wear glasses and are thinking about switching to contact lenses, understand that you will need a contact lens exam in addition to a comprehensive eye exam before you can move forward. People wear contacts for different reasons. For some, it is to maintain an active lifestyle without impairing performance, and for others, it is simply cosmetic. Whatever the reason, it is important to know the basics about contacts.

Types of Contacts

Contacts materials range from soft to hard, and there are specialized ones that range from colored to hybrid lenses. For those who like to stay active, soft contact lenses are the more favorable type. Whether one is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism, soft contact lenses adapt to the contour of the eye. Not only are soft contact lenses comfortable, they tend to stay in place well. Soft contact lenses come in daily wear, daily disposables, and extended wear. Hard contact lenses are traditionally more breathable than are soft contact lenses. Depending on a person’s condition, lifestyle, and frequency of use, the type of contact one will use will vary greatly. There are five types of contact lenses, soft lenses, silicone hydrogel lenses, gas permeable lenses, hybrid contact lenses, and PMMA lenses. To prevent the risk of eye infections, proper care, and frequency of replacement is important. This known fact, makes disposable contacts a very popular option.

To prevent the risk of eye infections, proper care, and frequency of replacement is important.

Disposable Contact Lens

A disposable contact lens is a soft contact lens worn for a recommended length of time and then discarded. Disposable lenses range from daily disposable lenses, to disposable lenses that need to be discarded every two weeks or sooner. Daily disposable contacts lenses are intended to be used for only one day. At the end of each day, they are removed, and discarded. Disposable contact lens does not always mean single-use. A disposable contact lens is one that is thrown out every two weeks. A daily disposable contact lens is a single-use contact that is thrown away daily. Daily disposable contact lenses are typically a healthier and more convenient choice as compared to other types of contact lenses. Because this type of lens is disposed of daily there is no day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits, and thus no lens cleaning is required. No matter which type of contact lens one uses, replacing lenses often is a healthy thing to do.

Daily wear contacts are not to be confused with daily disposable contacts.

Daily Wear Contacts

Daily wear contacts are not to be confused with daily disposable contacts. This type of contact must be removed before going to sleep. Generally speaking, daily wear contacts are the least expensive contact alternative. Daily wear contacts are worn throughout the day, removed each night to be cleaned and disinfected. This type of lens usually lasts up to 30 days, but there are contacts that are bi-monthly, quarterly, and bi-annually, depending on the brand.

Colored Contacts

Colored contacts are tinted contacts that are worn for cosmetic, or therapeutic purposes. As an example, a cosmetic use for colored contacts would be to make your green eyes even greener, or turn your brown eyes to blue eyes. Keep in mind the type of colored contacts we are describing are the ones that still must be prescribed by your eye doctor. Important to make note of, stay away from the contacts you can buy over the counter. These types of contacts come from unreliable sources and can result in damage to your eyes. Colored contacts while still something your eye doctor prescribes, can either enhance or change your eye color altogether. It is a fun little accessory one can change depending on the mood, outfit, makeup, or plans. Regardless of the intended use, remember, they need to be fit to your eyes, and proper care must be taken. It is always good to follow your eye doctor’s advice as to which contact lenses will work for you.

Do What you Want, Enjoy Life

Whatever your vision challenge, it can most likely be met with an array of specialty contact lenses customized for your individual vision needs. Contact lenses will allow you to do all the things you love without the hassle of worrying about your glasses. Today there are more comfortable and healthy contact lens choices than ever before. Contact us today to book an eye exam, or learn more about your options.

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