Today, millions of people are enjoying improved vision by wearing contact lenses. However, the proper wear and care of these magical little optical discs are of the utmost importance to prevent contact lens contamination and possible eye conditions and diseases.
Why contacts?
Contact lenses are delicately crafted, very thin optical disks placed on the eye and held in place by a natural layer of tears between the lens and the cornea of the eye. Contacts were designed to improve vision, especially in those suffering from refractive eye disorders such as near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism.
These disorders all have one thing in common, namely that the light that enters the eye from outside is not reflected correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. When this happens a distorted view or picture emerges. Contacts are specially crafted to help eliminate this problem.
Types of contact lenses
Contact lenses are commonly grouped according to the following:
-
- What they are made of, for example soft lenses, GP/RCP (rigid, waterless plastic) lenses and hard lenses (that are rarely prescribed these days)
-
- How long you can wear them, for example daily wear, extended wear or continuous wear
-
- How often you have to dispose of them, for example soft lenses either have to be disposed of after one day (daily wear lenses); every two weeks (disposable lenses); monthly or quarterly (frequent replacement lenses) or six monthly (traditional reusable lenses), while gas permeable lenses and GP lenses can last longer
-
- The design of the lens, for example lenses designed to correct near-sightedness and far-sightedness; bifocal lenses that are similar to bifocal spectacles; lenses designed to reshape the cornea while you sleep or to protect an injured or diseased cornea; lenses for dry eyes; coloured lenses for cosmetic purposes but also to help people who are colour blind; and lenses that protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, to name a few.
Recent new innovations include monthly replacement lenses for those spending long hours using computers and other digital devices as well as lenses with embedded sensors and other miniaturised electronics for example to measure glucose levels in the tear fluid of the eyes of diabetics.
Daily wear and care
There are two mayor rules that all contact lens wearers should take note of.
Rule number one when wearing contacts is to remove them as prescribed, for example daily wear means daily wear; remove your lenses before you go to bed. Most eye care professionals agree that daily disposable contacts are the safest option if you can afford them! If you want to sleep with them, buy extended wear lenses. Also, replace them as and when prescribed by your eye-care practitioner. You may damage your eyes permanently if you don’t. The other golden rule to remember is that when in doubt, take them out! Take them out if you experience any discomfort or if your eyes are red and itchy.
Rule number two is to keep your lenses clean. Wash your hands with a non-perfumed soap, rinse thoroughly and dry on a lint-free cloth before touching your lenses to avoid eye irritations caused by allergens in the soap.
Lens care depends on the material your lens is made of. Fortunately, there are many lens care solutions on the market to choose from. Distilled water or saliva will most definitely not do the trick and the enzymes and bacteria in your saliva may cause serious lens contamination and eye infections. Also, make sure you change the lens storage solution after each use and also discard and replace the lens storage case at least every three months.
Ask your eye care practitioner to recommend a lens solution that will suit your eyes and lenses. Some solutions contain preservatives that may irritate your eyes if you have an allergy or sensitivity to them. Preservative-free products, though they have a shorter shelf life, are by far the better option.
Another aspect to consider relates to the ladies and their make-up. Only put make-up on after inserting your lenses and remove your lenses before you remove your make-up. Be very careful when applying make-up and do not apply any to the inner edges of your eyelids. Mascara and other eye make-up particles may irritate your eyes and harm your lenses. Use hair spray before you put in your contacts.
Cause for concern
Eye care practitioners and researchers are very concerned about eye conditions caused by contact lens contamination. They are especially concerned about bacterial keratitis and contamination by the streptococcus and staphylococcus germs. Although soap, water and lens cleaner solutions alone will not kill these super bugs once they have established a foothold, keeping your lenses super clean remains an essential tool to help prevent contamination in the first place. Prevention is always better than cure and may save your eyes from harm.
Today millions of people are enjoying the benefits of wearing contact lenses and so can you.
Sources
Contact lens. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org
Segre, L. Contact lens basics. Retrieved from: http://www.allaboutvision.com
Wake up to a totally new kind of contact lens. Brochure supplied by Bausch & Lomb (SA) (Pty) Ltd
What’s new in contact lenses and solutions? Retrieved from: http://www.allaboutvision.com/
Revised by M van Os