A few things about contact lenses

Many people wear contact lenses every day, but few know everything about the product they're wearing. There are a few things you should know about before you start on your journey.

Warmer weather is coming- and with it, many people will be switching from glasses to contacts. But the switch can be tough! If you're wondering what questions to ask before you commit, we've got your back:

1. Do I need a prescription?

2. What material do contact lenses use?

3. What are my options for the best lenses for my eyes?

4. Can I wear contact lenses any time of day?

5. Can I go swimming without causing problems?

6. Will my contacts harm my eyesight or cause me other health problems?

7. How often should I clean my contacts?

8. Is there a risk of infection wearing contacts all the time, or do contact lenses need to be removed frequently?

9. Are there any risks associated with "dry" (non-wet) contact lenses?

10. Are there any alternatives to contacts?

When you're thinking about contact lenses, your vision is the most important thing. So, first and foremost, you should be sure that wearing a contact lens is even right for you. If you have any doubts, go ahead and make an appointment with an eye care professional before you do anything else!

Because your eyes are soft and flexible, it takes time for them to adjust to contacts. You'll probably have a few days of discomfort as your eyes get used to the hard plastic lenses. And while dry-eye symptoms might disappear after a few days, some patients can experience problems from time to time with dryness, itching or irritation.

If you have eye symptoms that aren't bothering your vision, these may not be significant problems. But if you're experiencing pain or blurry vision, don't push your contacts. Your eyes are telling you something isn't right.

The consequences of ignoring the signals of irritation can range from a simple problem that's easy to fix to more serious consequences like stubborn inflammation (like when you get pink eye) that could lead to infections and permanent damage to your corneas.

It helps to have some background information about the contact lens types available for patients and how they work.

"Wet" (oily) vs. "dry" lenses

The most common lens used by patients is a soft, flexible hydrogel contact lens. They are inserted into the eye with a medical instrument that looks like a cross between a syringe and a tampon applicator. The first step is to brush the contacts to make sure they are dry and free of extraneous bacteria or debris from your skin before inserting them into your eye.

Once the lens is in place, you can start wearing them! We recommend that most new contact users wear their lenses at night for at least two weeks before they try removing them by themselves. This allows your eyes to adjust to the daily wear of the lenses and helps to ensure you are ready for contact lens use.

Once you are able, you can try wearing them during the day as well, which is convenient if your vision is corrected for both day and night with glasses. That said, some patients find that their vision feels better or more comfortable when they wear contacts during the day and glasses during the night.

If you're trying to decide between fresh or wet lenses for daily wear, ask yourself a few questions. Some people experience dryness or discomfort with uncorrected lenses which can make it uncomfortable to wear them all day long without a break. If you're having a reaction to the lens material, these ones might not be for you.

There are also "dry" hydrogel lenses which can be worn during the day but do not have any lubricants or ophthalmic oils in them. These could be for people with hypoallergenic contact lens needs. Dry lenses tend to last longer than wet lenses and require no special handling or cleaning. So if dry-wear is more comfortable, these could be an option for you.

"Gas exchange lenses" are some of the most popular lens options for people with dry eyes. The lenses are filled with a special gas that helps to keep the moisture in your eyes, so you don't experience the uncomfortable feeling of drying out that happens without them. However, these lenses do require care and cleaning more regularly than traditional contacts. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals and returning to your eye care professional if you have questions about how long you can wear these before they need replacing.

Conventional plastic lenses

Plastic contact lens patients tend to have many answers when it comes to what type of lenses are best for them. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each type of contact lens, but especially when it comes to extended wear lenses or even daily wear lenses.

"Conventional" lenses have come a long way in providing comfort to patients for extended wear. They tend to have a softer feel than other types of contacts and provide a more natural looking appearance without compromising visual acuity. The drawback is the regular need for cleaning and replacement. But if you find that an all-day option is right for you, then conventional contact lenses may be best suited for you.

Customized lenses

Scientists have been working on creating a contact lens that could provide superior vision for patients with presbyopia or nearsightedness. But until recently, the most successful design has been a soft lens that is shaped like an ordinary contact lens.

The lenses are designed to be worn over your natural eye-colored multifocal contacts, so you can complete your daily activities with fewer adjustments and less discomfort than other types of lenses. They have more surface area than regular contacts and therefore tend to be "thinner" in thickness.

Custom contacts usually require you to visit your eye care professional every month or two for cleaning and exam, but the benefits of wearing them may make the extra effort worthwhile for some people.

If you've decided that contact lenses are right for you, it's a good idea to get a detailed list of your prescriptions from your optometrist or eye care professional so that you can easily choose the best lens type for you.

When selecting contacts, we suggest that you check out the "Swisskop" website to determine if your prescription can be accommodated with any of their lenses .

The tip of the day: If you are experiencing eye symptoms while wearing contact lenses, don't ignore them! They could be an early sign of a more serious problem such as dry eyes or serious impact on vision.

No one wants to have problems with contact lenses.

Conclusion

The information in this article is meant to educate readers on a variety of issues concerning contact lens use. We hope it provides you with valuable information that will help in the decision-making process.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss an eye health concern, please contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can quickly connect you with a knowledgeable staff member who can provide the assistance and expertise you need to manage your eye health.

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