Whether prescription contact lenses are for vanity or general sight, anybody who needs them should know the advantages and disadvantages, and effects and side effects of wearing them. People should also know which type to wear, how to wear, and how to take care of them. This article will indicate the necessary information on owning these visual aids.
- Prescription Contact Lenses
Prescription contacts are lenses, prescribed by a doctor, that rest at the surface of the eye. A doctor’s prescription will include the base curve, diameter, material, and expiry of the contacts.
- Pros and Cons to Prescription Contact Lenses
Contact lenses come with several benefits. Apart from the evident correction in vision, here are a couple more advantages to wearing contacts:
- Less hassle once worn on the eyes
- Peripheral vision correction
- Visually pleasing compared to glasses
- Additional vanity
These benefits also come with risks. There are some side effects that people may get when wearing prescription contact lenses. These risks and other cons include but are not limited to:
- Eye irritation in combination with medication
- Oxygen blockage
- Dry eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Corneal abrasion, scratches, and scrapes
- Corneal ulcer
- Diminished corneal reflex which refers to how fast your eyelids react when foreign matter tries to come in contact
- Ptosis which refers to the drooping of eyelids due to tears in the tissue
- The additional workload in caring and wearing them
It now depends on the person if the benefits outweigh the risks. After all, most of the latter are just possibilities. It can also be avoided if the user wears their prescription contact lenses properly.
- Wearing Prescription Contact Lenses
There is a need to wear contacts correctly to avoid further scratches. The following list can be used as a guideline when wearing them.
- Prepare tissue paper in front of dry fingers.
- Wash hands with unscented soap before anything else.
- Slide the lens out of the case and catch with the palm.
- Clean and disinfect the lens.
- Dry fingers on tissue paper.
- Put the outer curve of the contacts on the tip of the index or middle finger, whichever preferred.
- Make sure the contacts are not inside-out with the shape, only forming one curve without any rim or edges curving outward. Otherwise, repeat the process until here.
- Relax eyes as the upper and lower eyelids are stretched apart by the other hand or the same hand, depending on preference.
- Place contacts while eyes are looking forward, upward, or sideward.
- Close eyes and let the lens position itself before blinking open.
Removing them may take some time to get used to, but requires less effort. The list is similar, but instead of placing the contacts, gently moving the contacts by touching it while looking away, then pinching will do the trick. Also, prepare tissue paper in front of the sink to avoid them falling into the drain. And the cleaning of the contacts will be done after using them before placing them back in the case with fresh solution.
Here are some reminders when wearing contacts.
- Only wear prescription contact lenses for a limited time during the day.
- Do not fall asleep while wearing them. The prevention of scrapes in the cornea relies on these limitations.
- If the reason for wearing is only for vanity, only use during the actual time of the event and not the entire day.
- Remove contact lenses when swimming and taking a shower.
- Apply drops regularly.
- Only use drops given by the doctor.
- Wearing contact lenses before or after applying makeup depends on the user, whichever is the best decision for the eyes of the user.
- The use of cream-based eye makeup is less likely to get into the eyes but irritates it more when it does.
- Non-allergenic, water-based makeup goes best with contacts in terms of safety.
- Remove contacts before removing makeup.
Not heeding these warnings can result in bacterial, acanthamoeba, or fungal keratitis. These conditions are corneal infections caused by bacteria, amoeba, and fungi, respectively. One of the leading causes of blindness in India is fungal keratitis.
- Taking Care of Prescription Contact Lenses
It is essential to know how to take care of the prescribed contact lenses because it comes in direct contact with the eyes. It can also be costly to keep replacing them. A list is provided to help prolong their usefulness.
- After use, clean contacts by rubbing it on the palm with the solution. Do this step three times.
- Place the contacts in a cleaned case with a fresh supply of solution.
- Never reuse solution or put the new one on the top of the old one.
- If the contacts are rarely worn, clean them, and replace the solution weekly.
- Change the case when there is damage or after three months.
- When traveling, use a travel-sized contact solution straight from the brand’s bottle instead of using it from a possibly contaminated bottle.
- Places to Find Prescription Contact Lenses
Many eyeglasses stores also sell contact lenses. These stores should have a licensed doctor to conduct a comprehensive exam for a prescription of contact lenses. Some doctors also sell contact lenses. Users have many options to choose from, aside from the color. These options include silicone hydrogel, daily, bi-weekly, and monthly disposables, toric, and multifocal. Choices range from material to expiry of the contact lenses. Consult with a doctor the best option.
- The Perfect Time to Buy Prescription Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are not for everybody. It requires some commitment to be able to work with it smoothly. It also requires one to be diligent in the cleaning aspects of it. It is most significant to be eligible for it. Some eyes cannot use contacts due to special conditions. If one is decided to buy a pair, it would be best to have a month’s dry run with it before any big event is to come.
- Making an Informed Choice
Is it necessary to buy contact lenses? This question depends on the person inquiring and their doctor. With all the information given, the future user should critically think if the risks outweigh the benefits since there are prevention methods, anyway. They also need to consider if they can manage the trouble of getting used to wearing and cleaning them. The internet can only offer so much, and there is no harm in window shopping and asking around. In fact, for this situation, it is encouraged. This article is only the basics of all anyone needs to know. Ask for further details from the doctor.
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