ARE CONTACT LENSES RIGHT FOR ME ?
Common eyesight defects – such as short-sightedness and long-sightedness – are easily corrected with contact lenses, but now conditions such as astigmatism and presbyopia can also be treated very effectively.
In the past, people with astigmatism, (where the cornea is more oval than round, causing distortion of vision) were restricted to wearing glasses. Today’s ‘toric’ contact lenses can correct this and be custom made for each individual to provide clear vision. Many of these can now be ordered from stock and be available to wear in just a few days.
Presbyopia, gradually affects everyone over the age of about 40, making it difficult to shift focus between near and distant objects; this condition can also be managed with contact lenses.
As contact lenses are worn on the surface of your eye, there’s nothing to obstruct your peripheral vision in the way that spectacle frames might. As your eyes move, the lenses move too, so that you’re always looking through the centre, where your vision is best. In many cases, people actually see better with contact lenses than they do with their glasses.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LENSES
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
These are small lenses, which allow the passage of oxygen through to the surface of the eye.
Tinted lenses
Tinted contact lenses, which can enhance or change the colour of your eyes without affecting what you see, are now widely available.
Soft lenses
The latest lenses are made from materials known as silicone hydrogels, which allow around six times more oxygen to reach the eye compared to ordinary soft senses.
CONTACT LENS APPOINTMENTS
All contact lenses, whether cosmetic or with a prescription, must be fitted by a qualified practitioner, so before you can wear contact lenses you must have your eyes examined.
During the eye examination the health of your eyes, inside and out, will be checked and your spectacle prescription determined. The quality of your tears, needed to keep your lenses comfortable, will also be assessed.
A number of measurements will be taken for each eye, including the corneal curvature and diameter. Based on this information, your practitioner will be able to advise you about the most suitable contact lenses and offer a free trial.
AFTERCARE AND ADVICE
Developments in lens care products have made it easier than ever to keep your contact lenses clean, comfortable and safe from harmful bacteria. Always remember that if your eyes feel uncomfortable, sore or irritable, you should take your lenses out and make an appointment to see your eyecare practitioner. When in doubt, take them out!