Tag: Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic plastic. As soon as they are applied, they absorb the water in the eyes and become soft and pliable. This allows them to fit perfectly in the eye. They are very popular as vision correction lenses and comfortably contour to most eyeballs without any complications.

As mentioned, lenses for people with astigmatism either due to near or far sightedness, bifocals problems, color contacts, and practically every other kind of vision correcting lenses can be found in soft contact lenses varieties. A specialized variety of soft contact lenses are also used these days to reshape the cornea during nights. This helps in giving clear vision even without the contacts during the day, but is not a permanent solution to the problem and the specialized lenses need to be worn every night for good vision the next day. Cornea reshaping helps to encounter myopia during the day.

Since most eyes can adjust to the soft contact lenses, they are definitely more popular than other types of contacts. Also, since they mold well to the eyeball, chances of dust particles getting caught and causing irritation is considerably lesser. Patients who use them find it easier to handle them while inserting and removing as they stick to the finger due to their softness.

Soft contact lenses require much care. The best option would be to use the disposable kind if the patient can afford them since they are the expensive kind in contact lenses. They must be cleaned in a sterilizing solution if they are not the disposable kind. After the soft lenses are cleaned, they must be stored in storing solution and must not be allowed to dry. In the event the lenses are not clean, they are liable to cause eye infections, irritation, and itchiness. It is suggested to choose disposable contact lenses. If the daily disposable ones are too expensive, the next option would be to change the lens at least once a week or once a month at the latest.

Contact lenses are prescribed to a wide variety of individuals who have vision problems associated with astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. The retinas of individuals who suffer from these conditions cannot properly focus light. When the retina does not function properly and/or does not properly focus light then the result is imperfect and blurry vision.

Contact lenses are made differently depending on the eye condition they are trying to correct. For instance, if you suffer from astigmatism your optometrist will measure your cornea so a contact can be made precisely to fit your eye. By doing this a contact is made that will fit your eye perfectly and direct light rays to one place on the cornea, which in turn corrects your vision.

Those suffering from myopia, also known as nearsightedness, will wear lenses that are thinner in the middle and thicker on the edges. This design allows the light rays to be processed correctly by the retina.

Farsightedness sufferers are prescribed just the opposite contact lens, but with the same end result. They allow the retina to process light correctly as well, resulting in corrected vision for the wearer.

All contact lenses use the basic technology to correct vision for the wearer. They redirect light to the retina so it is processed correctly. The only difference is contacts are made differently to treat different eye problems.

People concentrate a lot while working at their computers, and blink less frequently. This can lead to severe discomfort for contact lens users, as not blinking for longer periods can cause the surface of their contact lenses to dry out. Dry eye syndrome, due to lack of blinking in contact lens wearers, can cause blurring and discomfort to them. According to studies, computer users blink around three times less than they normally should. For contact lens wearers, it is advisable that they blink once every 4 to 5 seconds to keep their lens from drying.

Other than the lack of blinking, some types of contact lenses can also cause dry eye syndrome. Generally, soft contact lenses are made of polymers and water, with up to 70% water at times. You feel comfortable as long as the lens is moist, but as the day progresses the water evaporates. The lens absorbs the tears from the eyes to remain moist, but leaves you with a feeling of dry eyes. It is known that the more water the lens contains, the more it is prone to lose its moisture.

As this is a serious problem with contact lens wearers, and more so with those spending hours in front of the computer, many manufacturers are constantly trying to produce contact lenses that will be comfortable for people with dry eyes. One way, it whas been found, is to reduce the water content of the lens. Some people have responded well to the new hydrogel contact lenses. Modern silicon hydrogel lenses are only about 30% water – which is much less than the 50% to 60% of traditional lenses, and the 70% of soft contact lenses. In addition, the new polymers used in the contact lenses keep the lens moist.

Such contact lenses are a boon for computer users, as they will help avoid dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye is a common disorder, caused by the deficiency of tears in the eyes, or by excessive tear evaporation. Dry eyes are associated with a number of causes, such as drug use, inflammation, allergic reactions, and contact lens use. Dry eyes often cause contact lens intolerance. People normally suffering from mild dry eyes may not feel any discomfort until they wear contact lenses, and the discomfort increases with the hours spent in front of the computer.

Some doctors recommend switching to Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses for those who spend hours working on the computer with their dry eye syndrome. RGP contact lenses are made from polymeric materials and do not contain any water. This is unlike soft lenses, and so water will not evaporate from their surface.

One major advantage of RGP contact lenses is that they do not block oxygen flow to your corneas, as they are gas permeable. This is healthy for your eyes as lack of oxygen can cause serious eye problems, including inflammation of the cornea. Another advantage is that as they contain no moisture, they do not dry out. Therefore, they may be ideal for those working in conditions, such as in front of their computers, where there is a chance of dry eye syndrome.

A computer user with contact lenses with an ophthalmic prescription for nearsightedness – that is for distant viewing – may require either a separate set, or glasses, for extended mid-range VDT use. There are lenses available with tints, to reduce the glare of the VDT screens. The tints used by the computer users can affect either the perceived brightness, or the perceived color, or both.

Let us look at what you can do with your contact lenses to combat your dry eye syndrome while working long hours on your computer:

• Use Re-wetting Drops – Though a temporary solution, it does offer relief. If you have sensitive eyes, look for preservative free drops.

• Re-soak Lenses – After working for a few hours on your computer, remove your contact lenses, soak them for a few minutes and put them back. You will experience relief from dryness symptoms, and will be able to continue for a few more hours.

• Cleaning Lenses – You need to take good care of your lenses, by cleaning them properly. This will add to your comfort, as protein deposits, and other build up such as lipids etc, can contribute to dryness. Insert new lenses as often as prescribed, or change to a better and stronger lens cleaning system.

• Increase Blinking – This is the most important thing you can do if you spend many hours in front of your computer. Blinking often, rewets the lenses and increases the comfort level. Lack of proper blinking is the main reason for the dryness of eyes of computer users. You need to make a conscious effort to blink frequently.

• Switch To Different Contact Lenses – If you wish, you can still switch to a different brand of contact lenses. It is said that effective contact lenses for computer users are those that are made of the newer, more oxygen permeable silicone hydrogel materials.

The same mechanism is involved in bifocal contact lenses as with bifocal glasses. There are contact lenses available with two different vision options at the top and bottom of the lenses. One advantage with contact lenses is there are lenses where the lens is accommodated with different powers on different parts of the lens. Eyes can adjust the power according to the distance from the object, which is not be possible with glasses where in the maximum number that can be accommodated is two, one type at the top part and the other at the bottom part of the glasses.

Soft and RGP contacts are the two main varieties available for patients suffering from presbyopia. As with the regular wear lenses, they can be disposable or made for long-term usage. The disposable kind is the most popular since the user has the option of using a new pair every day.

Bifocal lenses also come in different designs to accommodate people with different eye problems. With the perfect design, the eyes can adjust the distance and adjust the vision.

Most contact lenses are daily wear – you wear them during the day and take them out for the night. Lenses have to be taken out because they partially block the flow of oxygen to your cornea. In other words, your eyes need a rest without contacts.

However, many contact lens wearers wish that they didn’t have to remove their lenses every evening. Knowing this, contact lens manufacturers have worked really hard to develop a contact lens material that doesn’t block oxygen and would allow you to wear your lenses for several days – or even weeks – without risk to your health.

Modern technology allows the production of contact lenses that let through approximately six times more oxygen than ordinary soft contact lenses. Lenses intended for extended wear are made of extra-permeable silicone hydrogel materials and “breathe” so well that oxygen deprivation is no longer a problem, even if you wear your lenses for several days.

Lenses that are FDA approved for extended wear, like Focus Night and Day or Acuvue 2, are safe if you follow your doctor’s instructions. They feel quite comfortable for many days, unless you have very sensitive eyes.

The only problem with extended wear contact lenses is that since you don’t clean them every day, tiny particles of dust can accumulate on them.

To prevent this keep to the following rules:

• Avoid dusty rooms
• Stay away from cigarette smoke
• Try to keep the water away from your eyes when showering and wear tight goggles while swimming
• Never wear your contact lenses longer than your doctor recommends. Remember weekly disposable extended wear lenses should be thrown away once a week and 30 day wear lenses can only last a month, not a day longer.

Also to minimize the risk of eye infection it is very important to pay attention to how your eyes feel and not to ignore any unpleasant symptoms. If your eyes feel irritated or simply uncomfortable, take the lens out immediately and give your eye 6-8 hours rest. Rinse the lens well before putting it back in. And if discomfort continues, don’t ignore it, see your doctor. Maybe extended wear lenses are not for you after all.

Two brands of extended wear contact lenses are FDA approved for 30 day continuous wear – Focus Night and Day by Ciba Vision and PureVision by Bausch & Lomb. Other lenses can be worn for a week without removal. The most popular of these is Acuvue by Johnson and Johnson

Surprisingly, the price difference isn’t that big. Extended wear contact lenses are slightly more expensive that the usual weekly or monthly disposable contacts, and they are cheaper than daily disposables. Also, since you will wear your contacts for a week or a month and then discard them, you save on cleaning and storing solution. So cost is not an issue when it comes to extended wear contacts.

White colored contacts have become popular because of various reasons. It could be lens that serves cosmetic purpose or it may be sported by crazy people for fun. Youngsters love these white lenses for fun parties in order to give themselves a distinct look. In theaters and movies these lenses are in great use and are meant to serve the specific needs of particular characters.

Most often in vampire movies these lenses are used to give a dreadful look to the character. Even for other characters who are meant to portray horrific image, these white lenses could be used. Even for portrayal of a blind these lenses are used.

Where ever you would go with these lenses on your eyes you can create a stir. But before using these white lenses you must check out your eye’s suitability against usage of these lenses.

White color lenses too come in variety. There is one that comes with a hole in lens. Such white lenses give a very dramatic look to eyes. Each of the white lenses gives distinct appearance to your eyes.

Halloween white contact lenses happen to be most sought after. In certain cases these white lenses have been found affecting the vision. That’s why, if you have to use these lenses for an extended period, you should seek recommendation from eye specialist for the same.

Crazy folks love to surprise their buddies by sporting these white lenses.

Now vision corrective white colored contact lenses have also come on the block.

You must buy these lenses after checking reputation and credibility of the brand. So, never prefer a substandard brand. These white lenses most often happen to be disposable colored contacts. They must not be used beyond the directed period of usage. Before and after use these lenses must be properly cleaned with the help of contact lens cleaner.