Contact Lenses
Robert Smith, OD, one of our contact lens specialists, discusses contact lens options
Have you ever wanted to be able to walk in the rain without your glasses getting wet or have them fog up when coming inside from the cold outdoors? Do your glasses get in the way when playing sports or other vigorous activities? Do you feel that glasses detract from your appearance?
Like millions of people maybe you should consider wearing contact lenses and today it is easier than ever. Contact lenses have been available for decades, but unlike lenses of the past, modern lenses are more comfortable, easier to take care of, and are available in a wide array of modalities to enhance comfort, convenience and appearance.
Types of contact lenses
There are two main categories of contact lenses: rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) and soft contact lenses. Each has its benefits and disadvantages. Rigid gas permeable lenses offer the advantage of excellent vision and durability. Some eye conditions are best handled with rigid lenses such as high degrees of astigmatism or eye conditions in which the surface of the eye is not smooth and regular. If one can get over the longer initial adaptation to these lenses, they are a good choice for eye health, value and vision. Soft lenses are the choice for most people due to the ease of adaptation, which can be almost immediate. But, for some people these lenses may not give vision as sharp as RGP lenses. The main disadvantage to soft lenses is that they are not as durable, which means that they can be torn, but more importantly can build up deposits that can interfere with vision, comfort, and eye health.
Advantages of disposable soft lenses
The problem of lens deposits and torn lenses has been all but eliminated with the advent of disposable soft contact lenses. Disposable lenses are available for one time use only or for re-use when cleaned and disinfected nightly then discarded after 2 weeks to three months. (Some disposable lenses are available to leave in the eye continuously for up to a week then discarded, but are not recommended due to the increased risk of sight-threatening infections).
If you do have contacts that you currently leave in overnight, you should consider changing to the newest lenses available which allow your eyes to breathe more. Also, these lenses along with others made from the latest materials can reduce the dryness that some wearers experience.
Some uses for soft lenses
Soft lenses are available to correct almost any eye condition including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and reading problems (presbyopia). Soft lenses come in colors to enhance your own eye color or to change it completely! Soft lenses are excellent for most sports because they hug the eye, reducing the chance that they will be dislodged or for dust and dirt to get under them. For many sports contact lenses do not replace the need for eye safety protection which can more easily be worn with contacts.
Therapeutic uses for contacts
In addition to the cosmetic use of contact lenses, both RGP and soft lenses are used to help people with medical eye conditions such as after cataract surgery, keratoconus and disfiguring eye injuries or diseases.
Conclusion
Contact lenses are used successfully by millions of people but some wearers may experience problems that range from minor irritations to serious complications, including loss of vision. Most of these problems are usually due to improper care and use, infrequent lens replacement and not seeking regular checkups!
At Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates we offer a comprehensive contact lens service staffed with Doctors of Optometry with extensive experience in fitting and evaluating all types of contact lenses. Call any one of our participating offices to set up a contact lens eye exam. For your convenience we offer a wide range of appointment hours including evenings and Saturdays at some locations.