What are these contact lenses?

Do you hate wearing glasses, or do you find wearing glasses a hassle because you live an active lifestyle? Then you've probably heard of contact lenses. These are small, round lenses that fit into your eyes. Shall we talk more about them?

What are these contact lenses?

Simply put, contact lenses are thin, round lenses that sit on the surface of your eye. They help you see clearly. Just like glasses, contact lenses correct vision problems called refractive errors. These are changes in the shape of the inside of your eye that prevent light from focusing properly. This is what causes blurry vision. Contact lenses are commonly used to help people with the following vision problems:

• Nearsightedness ( Myopia )
• Farsightedness ( Hyperopia )
• Age-related farsightedness (Presbyopia)
• Astigmatism (light entering the eye does not focus in one place - `(Astigmatism)`)

Did you know that millions of people around the world wear contact lenses? They give you very clear vision . They also move naturally with your eyes, so they don't interfere with your ability to run or jump. Many people also prefer the look of contact lenses over glasses. But remember, contact lenses are medical devices. So, they are not without some risks. The main one is the risk of eye infections. So, it is very important to learn how to clean and care for your contact lenses properly, so that you can use them safely. If you are considering wearing contact lenses, you should first see an eye care specialist. He or she will examine your eyes and determine if you can wear contact lenses. He or she will also explain the different types available. Because everyone's needs vary depending on their eye health, medical history, and lifestyle. If contact lenses are right for you, your doctor will write a prescription for the type you need, and they will also fit the lenses to your eyes properly.

What types of contact lenses are there?

There are many types of contact lenses. Your eye doctor can help you choose the type that is best for you. There are four main things to consider:

• The material the lens is made of (`Lens material`)
• How long it can be used (`Wear schedule`)
• How often should new ones be installed (`Replacement schedule`)
• Special features

Lens material

Contact lenses can be either soft or gas permeable (GP) . Most people choose soft contact lenses. Let's compare the two clearly.

How long can it be used? (`Wear schedule`)

You can choose between `Daily wear` or `Extended wear` lenses.

• Daily wear lenses: These are worn during the day and removed at night. You should never sleep with these lenses in. Doing so increases your risk of eye infections. Depending on your lens replacement schedule, you should either remove the lenses at night and throw them away, or clean them as directed by your doctor and store them for reuse the next day.
• Extended wear lenses: These lenses can be worn both during the day and at night (even while sleeping). They can be worn continuously for up to 30 days. However, this varies from person to person and depending on the type of lens. Your doctor will examine your eyes and decide how long you can safely wear them. After each scheduled removal, you should sleep without your lenses for at least one night to give your eyes a rest. Extended wear lenses can increase your risk of eye infections . Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor about this risk.

How often should new ones be installed? (`Replacement schedule`)

This tells you how often you should replace your contact lenses. This only applies to soft contact lenses. ``(RGP)`` lenses are usually worn for a long time, until your doctor tells you to replace them. There are two main replacement schedules for soft contact lenses:

• Daily disposable lenses: With this method, you use a new pair of lenses every day. You put a new pair in the morning, wear them throughout the day, and take them out before going to bed at night and throw them away. You should never reuse these lenses for any reason. Doing so can cause eye discomfort or infection . This method is especially good if you have allergies . It also reduces the risk of dry eye disease and discomfort from contact lens solutions.
• Planned replacement lenses: In this method, you wear your lenses throughout the day and take them out at night before going to bed. Instead of throwing them away, you clean them and store them in a solution. If you take good care of them, you can wear them for up to 30 days. Unless they are approved for long-term use, you should never wear them at night.

Contact lenses with special features (`Special features`)

Some contact lenses have special features that can help control certain eye conditions or provide additional benefits. Here are some types of lenses that may be right for you:

• Hybrid contact lenses: These lenses have a hard (RGP) center and a soft material around it. They can be more comfortable than RGP lenses and provide clearer vision. They are suitable for people with irregular corneas due to conditions such as astigmatism and corneal ectasia.
• Toric contact lenses: These are a special type of lens designed for people with astigmatism. They are made from the same materials as other lenses, and come in both soft and rigid (RGP) forms. Like bifocal glasses, toric lenses have two powers. One to correct astigmatism and the other to correct myopia or hyperopia.
• Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses correct both distance and near vision at the same time. They are great for people who are nearsighted or farsighted, as well as those who become nearsighted as they age (presbyopia). A single lens has two or more prescriptions (powers) to correct vision at different distances.
• Scleral contact lenses: These are also a type of RGP lens. The main difference between these lenses and regular RGP lenses is that they are larger. Therefore, their edges do not rest on your cornea, but on the white part of your eye (the sclera). There is a small gap between the lens and the cornea, which helps keep the eye moist. These lenses are helpful for people with dry eye disease and other corneal conditions.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses: These are a special type of hard lens that you wear only while you sleep. They reshape your cornea to correct vision problems (often nearsightedness). When you wear Ortho-K lenses at night, you can see clearly for most of the day, if not all day. Your doctor will decide how often you need to wear the lenses, depending on your vision needs.
• Cosmetic (decorative) contact lenses: These lenses change the appearance of your eyes. Sometimes they improve your vision, but not always. Some cosmetic lenses change your eye color or make your eyes look like an animal's. These are great for fun, but you should be aware of the risks. Even though they don't change your vision, all cosmetic lenses require a prescription.They also need to be properly cared for and used. Do not buy fashion lenses from stores without a doctor's prescription. It is illegal to sell them, and wearing lenses without a prescription can cause serious damage to your eyes. If you are interested in fashion lenses, talk to your doctor.

Who should not wear contact lenses?

Although contact lenses have many benefits, they may not be suitable for you if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have dry eye disease.
• If you have frequent eye infections.
• If you have severe allergies.
• If you frequently spend time in dusty or smoky places.
• If you feel like you can't properly clean and care for your contact lenses.

What are the disadvantages of contact lenses?

Although contact lenses can help many people, they require extra care and attention. If you wear glasses, you can still go about your day with them on. However, as a contact lens wearer, you need to do the following:

• You should carefully clean your contact lenses and the case they come in, as directed by your doctor.
• You need to have regular follow-ups with your doctor.
• You need to learn how to put in and take out contact lenses.
• You need to be aware of the symptoms of possible complications .

What are the possible complications of using contact lenses?

Contact lenses are medical devices. Like all medical devices, they carry some risks. Wearing contact lenses can increase your risk of complications such as:

• Microbial keratitis: This is a rare but serious infection of your cornea. It can happen if you wear your lenses for longer than recommended or if they are not cleaned properly. Tiny organisms, such as amoeba, can get into your eye and cause damage. If treated quickly, it can be cured. However, in severe cases, the infection can lead to blindness or the need for a corneal transplant.
• Corneal abrasion:This is a scratch on your cornea. It may heal on its own in a few days. However, in severe cases, germs can enter the damaged area and cause emergency conditions like corneal ulcers.
• Contact-lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE): This is when your eyes become red and uncomfortable because of your lenses. This can happen if you sleep with lenses that are not recommended for overnight wear or if you don't change your lenses often enough. Usually, CLARE gets better after you stop wearing your lenses for a while. Your doctor may also give you eye drops to help your eyes heal.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): This is a condition that causes redness, inflammation, and swelling of the inside of the eyeball. Small bumps may also develop. To treat GPC, you may need to stop wearing your lenses for a few weeks. You may also need eye drops or ointments. In some cases, you may need to limit the amount of time you wear your lenses or change the type of lens. Using a preservative-free lens solution may also help.

How to use contact lenses safely?

Ask your doctor for advice tailored to your specific needs. In general, these tips can help you reduce your risk of complications:

• Wash your hands: Before handling your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Choose a soap that is free of lotions, oils, or perfumes. Such soaps can leave a film on your hands, which can transfer to your lenses and cause eye discomfort.
• Clean your lenses and their case: Your doctor will tell you how to clean your lenses and case. It is important to follow these instructions exactly to avoid serious infections. Never clean your lenses or case with water or saliva. These things contain germs. Use only contact lens cleaning solutions. Your doctor will tell you which type to use.
• Keep water away from your lenses: Water and your lenses should never come into contact. Even if it looks clean, water can contain tiny germs that can cause eye infections. Do not wear your lenses while swimming, bathing, or using a hot tub.
• Remove your lenses before bed: Unless you are wearing them medically approved for overnight wear, be sure to remove them before bed. People who wear lenses at night are at higher risk of eye infections.
• Follow your lens and case replacement schedule: Your doctor will tell you how often you should replace your lenses and the case they come in.

How do you put contact lenses in your eyes?

The easier it is to wear your contact lenses, the easier it will be to get them into your eyes. Your doctor will give you some tips to help you do this. Below are some general steps you can follow:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly: This is always the first thing to do.
2. Decide which eye to put in first: Always start with the same eye so you don't have to switch lenses. Also, choose the hand you will use to put in the lens (usually your dominant hand).
3. Rinse the lens: Take the first lens out of the case and hold it in your hand. Rinse it with a rinsing solution (not water). If you cleaned the lens the night before and soaked it in the solution, you may be able to remove it without rinsing.
4. Check the lens: Hold the lens on your index finger and look for dust, scratches, or other damage. Also, check to see if it is inverted (inside out). An inverted lens will have the edges protruding outward. When it is in the right direction, the edges of the lens should be straight or turned inward.
5. Hold your eyeball: Hold the upper eyeball with the hand that is not holding the lens. Hold the lower eyeball with the middle finger of the hand that is holding the lens.
6. Bring the lens to your eye: Look "through" the lens and your finger as you bring the lens to your eye. Carefully place the lens directly on your cornea. Do not blink until the lens is in place.
7. Blink your eyes: Do this slowly. First, remove the lower eyelid, then the upper one. Blink your eyes a few times. You should be able to see clearly through the lens, and your eyes should feel comfortable.
8. Do the same for the other eye: Follow these same steps for the other eye.

How do you remove contact lenses?

Follow these steps to remove your lenses:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Pull the lower eyelid down with the middle finger of your preferred hand.
3. Gently touch the bottom edge of the lens with the tip of the index finger of your preferred hand.
4. While looking up, push the lens down towards the white part of the eye.
5. Use your index finger and thumb to gently remove the lens from the white part of your eye.

A few tips for those starting to use contact lenses

If you are new to using contact lenses, you may have many questions. As you continue using them, more questions will arise. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Should I put in my lenses before or after applying makeup?

Always put your contact lenses in before applying makeup or lotion to your face. This will reduce the chance of makeup getting on your lenses or getting stuck in your eyes. It's also a good idea to apply hand or body creams after putting your lenses in.

Can I wear contact lenses with long nails?

Keeping your nails short will make it easier for you to put in and take out your lenses. If you prefer to keep your nails long, talk to your doctor about how to work with your lenses safely.

What to do if you fall asleep with your lenses on?

Unless it is recommended to wear your lenses at night, try to remove them before going to bed. But if you fall asleep before removing your lenses, don't worry. When you wake up, check to see if the lenses move easily on your eye. If they do, remove them and go without them for a few hours. If the lenses don't move, wait about 10 minutes until your eyes are moist again. Or, put re-wetting drops in your eyes. When the lenses start moving easily, remove them.

Do I need glasses to wear contact lenses?

Yes, you should always carry a pair of glasses that are made for your current power. You will need to wear glasses if one of your lenses breaks or if you get an eye infection. It is a good habit to carry glasses with you everywhere you go, because you may need them at any time.

Can the power of contact lenses be changed?

Yes, just like the power of your glasses, the power of your contact lenses can change over time. This is because your vision can naturally change over the years. People under the age of 21 may need to have their prescriptions changed as their eyes continue to grow. People over the age of 40 may develop presbyopia (changes in vision with age). Talk to your doctor about any vision changes you can expect.

When should I see an ophthalmologist?

Call your eye specialist if you have any of these symptoms:

• If you feel pain or discomfort in one or both eyes.
• If there is redness in one or both eyes.
• If there is sensitivity to light (blue eyes).
• If your vision suddenly starts to become blurry .
• If your eyes are watering more than usual.
• If there is a pus- like fluid coming out of the eyes.

Finally, some important things (Take-Home Message)

Contact lenses really do help you see the world in a new way. If you're new to contact lenses, you may have a lot of questions. Some of these questions may make you feel a little nervous and stressed, even if you're excited about the whole process. It's normal to feel a little nervous when trying something new. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. They'll help you get the answers you need and help you start enjoying your lenses. If you've been wearing contact lenses for a while, you may want to try a different type. Especially if your eye health or vision has changed over time. Talk to your doctor about your options and see if a different type might be better for you.

For both new and old, the most important thing is to take care of your contact lenses and use them correctly. After years of wearing contact lenses, it can be normal to bend the rules a little or find easy ways to do things. But going against your doctor's advice can be detrimental to the health of your eyes. If you have any questions about how to care for your lenses, how long to wear them, or when to replace them, talk to your doctor. Your eyes are precious, so take care of them!

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