The Health Nut Blog

Correcting Vision With Contact Lenses

Eyeglasses are great for some people. Laser surgery works for many. But millions now enjoy the comfort, ease of use and sharp optics given by contemporary contact lenses.

Because of the way the eye and visual system work, it's relatively straightforward today to design contact lenses that correct most vision problems. Manufacturing techniques have been raised to a high art and most of the research now goes into finding materials for longer wear or less likelihood of eye health problems.

That makes choosing a contact lens a snap today. A modern, professional eye exam allows for extremely accurate measurement of the eye and vision correction needs. The result is a prescription that fits you perfectly in any of dozens of designs and types you might want.

Choices run the gamut.

Soft contact lenses have been in use for a generation now and they continue to be the choice of millions. Virtually gone are the hard, glass contacts of yesteryear. Today's soft lenses come in disposable, extended wear and many other options, including different types of tinting or coloring. Some tints are only meant to make the contact easy to see and handle and hard to lose. Others are intended to shift or change entirely your eye color.

But firmer lenses are still desired by or needed by many. RGP (rigid gas permeable) types are the most common here. Midway between a hard lens and a soft lens, they allow considerable oxygen through the lens to optimize eye health. Their extra firmness makes them a good choice for those with mild astigmatisms or who desire extra long life in a contact lens.

Toric contact lenses, particularly the prosite type, are useful for those with more pronounced astigmatisms. They're also a good choice for those who want a multifocal lens, such as bifocals or progressives.

Whichever type of contact lens you get, they will generally be comfortable and provide excellent vision, if cared for and used correctly. That means cleaning them when needed, inserting and removing them according to the manufacturer's and your doctor's guidance. It also means using them the right way, not trying to treat daily contacts like extended wear, for example.

But, even lenses that are designed and used perfectly can occasionally cause complications. Dry eye, blurred vision, discomfort and other issues do happen to a small percentage of contact lens users. In some cases, conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions and other eye health issues are possible. When they happen, remove the contacts and consult your physician immediately. In most cases, the problem can be cleared up quickly and you can resume wearing your contacts soon.

Get a careful exam, buy from reputable dealers and use your contacts the way they were meant to be worn and you can enjoy years of perfect vision.

# posted by NeilG @ 8:37 PM