Making the decision to switch from glasses to contacts is a big one! Not only does it change your appearance but getting the correct prescription is critical to maintaining eye health. That’s why it’s important to learn all of the facts about contacts before you make the decision to make the switch.

As you probably know, contact lenses are an alternative to glasses. They were invented more than 100 years ago, and they were originally made from glass. As medicine became more advanced, contacts were made from hard plastic. In the present day, they are made from soft plastic. Contacts are tiny, thin discs designed so that you can place them directly on the surface of your eye, the cornea.

Typically, eye doctors and other eye care professionals prescribe contact lenses for issues with vision. These issues can be nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or uneven focus. However, contacts can also be prescribed to treat certain eye conditions and diseases.

When considering the important decision of switching to contacts, consult with your Vistar doctor first. Contact lenses are medical devices, and they need to be properly fitted by an eye care professional. This is also the case for cosmetic lenses. Your eye doctor must first examine the eye to see if it is ok for you to wear contacts.

Should I stick to glasses?

Medically speaking, contacts are not for everyone. Statistically, nine out of the ten people who want to wear contacts absolutely can. However, there are cases where contacts are not recommended. They may not be a good fit for people who:

  • Prone to repeated eye infections
  • Suffer from severe allergic reactions
  • Are exposed to large amounts of dirt, smoke, or dust
  • Have a specific vision problem or need special lenses
  • Have difficulty with eye lubrication

Different Types of Contact Lenses

There are many different types of contact lenses. Gas-permeable lenses are the most common, as they allow more oxygen to reach the surface of the eye.

Soft contact lenses come in two forms: daily wear and extended wear. Both of these lens options are made from a thin and flexible material primed for optimal comfort. Daily-wear lenses must be removed, cleaned, and stored every day. Extended-wear lenses are designed for long-term wear, and even overnight wear. It should be noted that this does increase the risk of infection. They should be worn for the period of time that is prescribed by your doctor.

Without a doubt, daily-wear soft lenses are the most comfortable and take less time for your eye to adapt. But with soft lenses comes a bit more maintenance. It’s important to clean them as much as possible, as they can tear and become dirty easily. They may not last as long as hard contact lenses. Disposable soft contact lenses are replaced every day to every few months depending on the type of lens and your preference. Soft lenses are also available in a variety of colors.

Hard contact lenses, while not as comfortable, may offer clearer vision with certain eye conditions, and some may last longer. Numerous hard contact lenses are available in bifocals. Unfortunately, it may take longer to adapt to wearing hard lenses rather than soft contact lenses. Additionally, hard contact lenses can be prone to sliding out of place more easily, especially if you live an active lifestyle.

Risks Associated with Contacts

Naturally, anytime something foreign or unnatural is placed in the eye, there is an increased risk of any range of issues. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your Vistar eye doctor immediately:

  • Any change in vision
  • Unexplained pain or discomfort
  • Watering of the Eye
  • Redness

Caring for Your Contacts

The specific types of care and cleaning of your contact lenses all depend on what types of lens you are wearing. All lenses need regular cleaning and should be stored properly. As mentioned above, extended-wear and daily-wear contacts have different cleaning and storing needs. It is important to follow the recommended cleaning, disinfecting, and lens case cleaning procedure.

For the cleaning of all lenses, always buy the recommended commercially prepared sterile solution. Shy away from homemade saline solutions as these are dangerous. Reach out to your doctor so they can provide you with information and instructions for the proper care for your contact lenses.

Using Caution with Cosmetic Contact Lenses

The cosmetic contact lenses have been a popular choice to elevate one’s appearance, however, there are many things to keep in mind if you’re considering using these. These are often called zero-power contact lenses. Many of these types of lenses are sold at boutiques, tourist shops, and other nonprofessional retailers, and when purchased without a doctor’s recommendation, they can pose serious health risks.

It is important to always visit a doctor to fit your eyes for contacts. Buying contacts from a retailer that isn’t affiliated with an eye doctor is quite a risk and could result in loss of vision or other eye health risks.

If you’re considering the switch to contacts from glasses, contact the eye experts at Vistar Eye Center to set up an appointment!