Visual impairment has become very common in the world. In today’s technological world there are very few moments during the day that an individual is not staring into a screen.
Many visually impaired people have opted to wear contact lenses instead of the traditional bulky glasses. There has been a surge in the popularity of lenses in recent years. This isn’t only due to weak eyesight but also that from a fashion perspective. In fact, people with perfect eyesight buy non-prescription glasses to change the color of their eyes. The reasons aside, the lens wearer must be well aware of the specifics of lenses before they opt to start wearing them.
Soft Lenses
Soft lenses or hydrogel lenses are the most commonly used lenses today. They are very soft lenses, similar to cling film and very comfortable to wear. Much larger than other lenses, they cover most of the iris and the cornea. These lenses are mostly chosen for daily wear. They also come in the form of monthly replacement and single-use disposable lenses which can be thrown away after usage.
Gas Permeable Contact Lens
Also known as Rigid gas permeable lenses, these have been available for a much longer time than soft lenses. They were intended for longer wear than soft lenses and require better care and cleaning. Improvements to the lens were made over time to ensure that more oxygen passed through the material. The associated care and maintenance, along with discomfort when wearing them, has made them unpopular. Regular users of the rigid lens however claim them to be comfortable. These lenses are smaller than soft lenses and are placed within the corneal area. Practitioners however suggest use of the rigid lens as opposed to the soft one due to its durability. They also believe them to be healthier options for long-term wearers. They are also credited with better abilities to correct eyes that are irregularly shaped.
Scleral Lens
The scleral lens is much larger than the rigid gas permeable lens. As the name suggests they cover most of the part of the sclera which is the white part of the eye. This makes them very comfortable to wear since there is no contact between the lens and the cornea. These are usually prescribed by practitioners for specific medical conditions.
No matter which lens a person chooses to wear, it is imperative for them to know the lens they have picked and the care associated with its use. It is strongly recommended that the wearer wash hands thoroughly before handling any lens and removing them before going to sleep to avoid any eye infections. They should also be removed before taking a shower or going for a swim. The lens should be cleaned carefully with the solution and rubbed even if it’s a no-rub solution. A vigilant eye must be kept on the expiration date and the lens should be promptly replaced as soon as the date is reached. Three to six months is the usual life of a contact lens.