Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a popular vision correction alternative for those seeking to get rid of their eyeglasses but aren't sure that LASIK is right for them.
Contacts have been around for more than a hundred years and continue to grow in popularity. In fact, of the Americans who require vision correction around 20 percent wear contact lenses to correct their myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
The most common material for contact lenses is a gel-like plastic that contains water. These are referred to as "soft lenses" and are generally a bit larger than the size of your iris. Gas permeable, or "GP lenses," are made from more rigid plastics and are more effective for presbyopia and cases of high astigmatism.
Another way to distinguish between the types of contact lenses is disposal intervals. Soft lenses can be classified by how frequently they should be replaced like this:
- Daily lenses: Replace after a single day
- Disposable lenses: Generally replaced in two week intervals, sometimes sooner
- Frequent replacement lenses: Replaced monthly or quarterly
- Traditional or reusable lenses: Replaced every six months, sometimes longer
It is important to follow the disposal interval guidelines for your particular type of lenses. Not following them closely enough can result in complications such as a corneal ulcer, which can be similar to pink eye symptoms.
Advancements in contact lens technology has allowed for their use in more specialized situations as well. One example of this is orthokeratology, also called ortho-k. This corrective technique allows specialized lenses to reshape your cornea during sleep. Then, you can remove the contacts in the morning and not have to wear them again until you are ready to sleep again.
Toric contacts are used mostly to correct for astigmatism, but are sometimes used for myopia and hyperopia as well. If you were bifocal eyeglasses there are even bifocal contact lenses available. They work in the same way as bifocal glasses, containing different portions of the lens for correcting the up close and distance visual fields.
Sometimes traditional contact lenses don't work for certain individuals. If this is the case for you, it is possible to have custom contact lenses created by your eye doctor. These are lenses specifically designed to fit your eye shape and vision correction needs.
One common issue among contact lens wearers is the sensation of dry eyes. There are many options available to help with contact lenses for dry eyes. If your eyes feel dry while wearing your contacts, speak with your eye doctor about your options. Treatment options include changing the material of your lenses, switching brands of lenses and eye drops to name just a few.
If you are looking to change your look, contact lenses are available to do just that as well. Theatrical contact lenses come with custom designs such as a cat or vampire eye that can help you complete your costume. Like any other contact lens, even these special effect lenses must be ordered with a valid prescription from your eye doctor.
If you are looking for a more subtle change then color contacts might be what you are looking for. These lenses come in three different types that are specific to the change you are trying to achieve. Visibility tints are colored lenses that won't actually change your appearance but will help you locate the lens if it falls out. Enhancement tints can be used to brighten your natural eye color. Color, or opaque, tints are used to completely alter your eye color.
Need More Contact Lens Information?
For more in-depth information on contact lenses, please visit the Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses.