About Contact Lens
Contacts Lens FAQ
What are some of my choices for contacts?
Although
the standard "hard lens" introduced in the 1950's are still around,
newer materials developed have made these lenses virtually obsolete.
Two types of contacts are fit today, Soft and Rigid gas permeable (RGP)
Soft contact lenses, first introduced 30 years ago, are made of
flexible, water-absorbent plastics. In fact, these contacts are
anywhere from 38% water and up. Some soft lenses are designed to be
thrown away daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending
on your eye care professional's instructions. Others can be used for up
to I year. Many people enjoy the comfort of soft contact lenses.
They're easy to insert, and fit securely on the eye. RGP lenses are
made of special, firmer plastics suited for the transmission of oxygen
and other gasses necessary to maintain eye health. These lenses are
very durable and typically last longer than soft lenses, sometimes more
than 2 years. RGP lenses offer crisper vision than soft and are often
preferred by people with high myopia, astigmatism or other hard-to-fit
contact lens patient's. While they may take a little longer to get used
to, regular wearers find them comfortable and the visual acuity
outstanding.
Can Contact Lenses be Prescribed to clear Distance and Near vision?
Many
doctors prescribe contact lenses to clear user's far vision. Patients
over 4O may notice a progressive decrease in the ability to view near
images, like medicine bottle labels or small print, through their
distance contact lenses. This may appear suddenly and leave the patient
wondering what is wrong with their lenses. The condition that causes
this is called Presbyopie and affects everyone over 40 years of age. A
contact lens fitting process called Monovision, where the doctor
underprecscribes the non-dominant eye is the most common way of
getting.around the effects of Presbyopiapia in contact lens wearers.In
the past few years, great advances have been made !n contact lens
technology allowing the user to "get their young eyes back" -- these
technologies include soft and RGP bifocal contact lenses and
progressive contact lenses. People who have tried these technologies
unsuccessfully in the past may now find them more accommodating,
science has greatly improved the functionality of the lens. The most
effective "multifocal" contact lens is a RGP aspheric design. An eye
doctor experienced in fitting these modalities should -evaluate your
eye to see if you are a candidate for a multifocal contact lens option.
In almost all multifocal contact lenses, night vision can be slightly
decreased. This can be remedied with a simple pair of night-driving
glasses you put on over the contacts and leave on the visor of your car
for such situations. Fine pint may be very clear and readable, but for
extended near work such as reading a book or an entire newspaper, a
small near prescription over the contact may help prevent fatigue.
What is the difference between daily wear, and extended wear?
Daily
wear contact lenses are designated to be removed each day for cleaning
and taken out before closing your eyes for extended period of time.
Extended wear lenses can be worn continuously for up to 7 to 30 days,
depending on the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration.
Extended wear lenses can also be removed each day for cleaning and
slept in occasionally when special circumstances arise. Eye care
professionals consider many variables in deciding between daily wear
and extended wear lenses for each patient's needs. The latest
technology in extended wear are the Silicone Hydrogel Soft Lenses.
These lenses are the safest lenses to date for extended wear. While the
risks of extended wear still exist in Silicone Hydragel, they have
demonstrated lower levels of complications than previous technologies.
Be sure you visit an experienced eye doctor to be fitted with Silicone
Hydrogel. Your doctor should recommend a quarterly eye check up to
ensure the lenses are compatible for your eyes health and well being.
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