Are you considering getting contact lenses? If so, you will probably be wondering what to expect and how exactly to go about it. Below, you will find information concerning the different types of contact lenses available, how to decide whether or not they are right for you, and how to look after them properly.
The different types of contact lenses
There are two main types of contact lenses, namely, daily wear lenses and extended wear lenses.
- Daily wear lenses: Daily wear lenses are designed to be worn for an entire day and should remain comfortable for up to 18 hours without worries about dryness. They can be disposable or re-usable.
- Extended wear lenses: Extended wear lenses can be worn for longer periods of time than daily wear lenses, but must still be removed before going to sleep at night. They are more breathable and can usually be worn for up to 24 hours at a time without sacrificing on comfort.
There are also two types of contact lenses in terms of color – clear and colored contact lenses. Clear contacts do not alter the color of the eye when worn. They are always used as prescription lenses for people who struggle with eyesight issues. Colored contact lenses are designed to alter the natural color of the eye, and they can be created to suit a person’s unique vision prescription or to simply fulfill the color-changing function for individuals who want to experiment with a new eye color.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for Smart contact lenses!
Are contact lenses right for you?
There are a number of important questions to ask yourself before opting to invest in contact lenses. The reality is that they are not for everyone!
- Are you squeamish about touching your eyeball with your finger?
- Will you be diligent enough to ensure that you keep your contacts clean and maintain the best use practices?
- Can you afford to pay for contact lenses on a monthly basis if you choose disposable soft lenses?
It is also important for your optometrist to confirm whether or not you are a viable candidate for contacts. Some people are physically unable to wear them. This may be due to allergies, irregularities of the cornea, or previous eye surgeries, for example.
How to look after your contact lenses
It is essential that you take proper care of your contact lenses for your own health. If you do not, you can put yourself at risk of a host of nasty eye infections. To take care of your lenses, you must:
- Always make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before inserting and removing your lenses.
- Handle your lenses with your fingertips, being careful not to damage them with your nails.
- Rinse the lens with a solution before inserting and every time upon removal.
- Never wear the lenses for longer than recommended.
- Never sleep or nap with your lenses in.
- Contact your optometrist immediately if you notice any discomfort, vision issues, or discharge from the eye.
- Visit your optometrist regularly for testing and to ensure that your eye prescription has not changed.
Now that you know all there is to know about contact lenses, you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not they are a good fit for you.