All You Need to Know About Contact Lenses

I am a long time contact lens wearer. I went from far sighted lenses to bifocals. Since glasses seem to just fall off my nose and cause too much distraction, I opt for contact lenses. I love the ease of wearing them when they were just the single vision, but when I have to change to bifocal, it was a struggle between near and far corrections.

However, technologies are coming out with so many different types of lenses from bifocals, to multifocal, to even corrections for astigmatism; they are worth another look since there are more choices than before.

Prefer lenses that breathe

About half of the contacts lenses today are made of silicon hydrogel, which is a permeable plastic that allow more oxygen to reach the cornea than soft lenses. However, they are slightly stiffer, and require a little getting used to. These lenses can also minimize the problems of redness, dryness, swelling of the cornea, and corneal infections.

The FDA has approved some silicone hydrogel contact lenses for up to a month of continuous wear. However, wearing soft lens overnight increase your chance of infection up to seven times.

Different types of lenses

1. Bifocals-these lenses correct both up-close and distance vision. The new bifocal lens works better. Some models offer near/distant/near/distant in concentric rings from top to bottom. While others provide distance correction in the center of one eye, with near correction in an out ring and the other lens reverses the set up.

2. Monovision lenses-one lens corrects your dominant eye solely for distance, and the other lens corrects the other eye for near vision. With these lenses, any mid-range is not corrected.

3. Multifocal-give you all three: near, mid-range, and distance correction. If you're having trouble with near vision, and you use computer regularly, this is the best solution.

I suggest that you should try all three different types of lenses to find what work for you. It took me three weeks, three different pair of lenses, and three follow-ups later to decide on what lenses work for me, and that are also comfortable to wear. I was lucky to have a very understanding optometrist who was willing to help.

Things to consider

1. Toric-if you have astigmatism (blurred vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea); there are soft toric lenses that created with varying prescription powers to correct the problem. Fitting these lenses require an experienced eye doctor, and a bit more expensive.

2. Moisturizing-Eye dryness is a major problem for lens wearers, especially for middle age. The FDA approved CooperVision Proclear for minimize dryness, but haven't completely solved the problem either. Rewetting drop is the best way to go, but finding a good one is still an issue.

3. UV Protection-Even if your contacts have UV rays filter, they can't replace sunglasses, because they don't protect the whole eyes area.

Cleaning safety to avoid infection

-Wash your hands before putting in or taking out lenses or touching your eyes.

-Rub your lenses when you clean them, because soaking alone doesn't remove debris.

-Clean your lens case with hot water and let them air-dry. Rinse with multipurpose solution, filling them with fresh supply, and never mix old solution with new.

-Remove your lenses before bed time, even if they are approved for over-night uses.

-Use rewetting drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes moist several times a day. You might have to try several different brands to find one that works best for you.

I have been wearing contact lenses for over 20 years, and had no problem with infection, since I rigidly follow the cleaning procedure. If your eyes ever feel irritated or uncomfortable, remove the lens, and give them a break.