Contact Lenses
What to know before you buy
Here are some pointers on safe disinfection, storage and handling of contact lenses, followed by a rundown of contact lens types. Avoiding eye infections Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of corneal infection. Some of the added risk is unavoidable: All types of contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea the clear tissue that lies over the pupil and iris and less oxygen can promote infection. This reduction in corneal oxygen makes proper cleaning and disinfection all the more important. Here are some tips: * Use multipurpose contact lens solutions with caution. * Choose daily-wear contacts, and take them out before you go to sleep. Infections are more common with extended-wear contacts, worn continuously, than with daily-wear contacts. * Wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts. * Follow your eye-care professional's instructions for taking care of your lenses. Make sure you use lens-care products formulated for the type of lenses you wear. * Replace your contact lenses as recommended. If one or both lenses bother you before you are due to replace them, get them checked or try a new set if you have a supply. Types of contact lenses and their comparison
Contact lenses are made of many different types of plastic, but in general, they fall into two main groups: soft contact lenses and gas-permeable contact lenses. Soft contact lenses are thin, gel-like lenses conform to the shape of your eye. They are more flexible than gas-permeable contact lenses, so they are more comfortable and easier to get used to. Soft contact lenses are flexible lenses, more comfortable, with extended-wear and disposable options available. They have shorter adjustment period and stay in place better, even with vigorous physical activity. Disadvantages include less durability, requirement of more frequent replacement. They are not as effective in correcting some vision problems, such as high degrees of astigmatism. Gas-permeable lenses are more durable, can correct optimal vision problems for many conditions, need less frequent replacement, have greater oxygen permeability. They are better for eye health. On the other hand these lenses are less comfortable initially and require adjustment period. Readjustment may be necessary any time you stop wearing them for an extended period. They may slip off the center of your eye more easily and may lead to discomfort and blurred vision. Getting the right fit
If you decide you want contact lenses, have a thorough eye examination and fitting by an experienced professional. Follow-up exams are important to monitor any changes to your vision and to update your prescription. If you are a regular contact lens wearer, see your doctor annually for an eye exam and a contact lens evaluation more often if you have any problems.
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