From blown glass to breathable materials, contact lenses have come a long way since the 19th century. Today, you can conveniently buy different types online and enjoy comfortable wear all day long. But it's not all about comfort. Are you aware of the technology that goes into contact lenses? Check out our informative guide that covers everything you need to know about contact lenses.

WHAT ARE CONTACT LENSES?

Contact lenses are medical devices that are placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision or for cosmetic purposes. They are thin, curved discs made of various materials that are designed to be comfortable and provide clear vision. Contact lenses are primarily used to correct refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. They replace eyeglasses by refracting light directly on the surface of the eye to provide focused vision. Contacts are also available for cosmetic purposes, allowing individuals to change or enhance the color of their eyes. These colored or decorative lenses can provide a subtle or dramatic change in eye color and are available with or without prescription power.

CONTACT LENS TYPES

Contact lenses come in several types to meet different needs and preferences. These include:

- Soft contact lenses are made of water-containing, flexible plastic materials; soft contact lenses are the most common type. They conform to the shape of the eye and are generally comfortable to wear.

- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of a rigid plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They provide crisper vision and are more durable than soft lenses, but may require a longer break-in period.

- Hybrid lenses combine elements of both soft and RGP lenses. They have a rigid center for clear vision and a soft outer ring for comfort.

- Scleral lenses are large, gas permeable lenses that fit over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye). They are used for irregular corneas, such as keratoconus, and provide improved comfort and visual correction.

Contacts can also be classified as daily wear or extended wear, depending on how long they can be worn continuously. Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn during the day and removed before bedtime. They are typically worn for up to 12-16 hours and require daily cleaning and disinfection. Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously for extended periods of time, including during sleep. They are made of materials that allow more oxygen to reach the eye, reducing the risk of complications. However, they still require regular cleaning and replacement according to the recommended schedule.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Are you new to contact lenses? Here's what you need to know about caring for and wearing your lenses. Although adjusting to contact lens wear can be challenging, most people find that they can quickly adapt to lenses that fit their correction needs and lifestyle. Then discover a world of freedom and clarity! It takes some practice, but you'll soon find that contact lenses become a natural part of your daily routine. As soon as you receive your lenses, don't forget to set up a cleaning routine.

It's important to disinfect and clean your contacts, especially if they're reusable! The process usually takes a few minutes. Start with the same eye to avoid mixing the lenses, as each eye has a different prescription. Immediately after removal, clean the lenses with the disinfecting solution recommended by your eye care professional. Finally, never clean your lenses or lens case with tap water. By following these basic rules, you'll quickly become comfortable with contact lenses and make them a part of your lifestyle! For the best fitting lenses and vision solution, visit Modern Day OptX at 575 Columbus Ave, New York.

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