Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Aaron Barriga
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are worn directly over the cornea. They perform the same function as eyeglasses. Refractive errors are corrected by contact lenses and eye glasses. Contact lenses are safe to use and are a good alternative to eye glasses. 24 million people in the U.S.A. wear contact lenses.
Contact lenses are used to correct conditions such as:
- Presbyopia (Bifocals are needed)
- Astigmatism (Vision is distorted)
- Hyperopia (Far sightedness)
- Myopia (Near sightedness)
Choose an optometrist who is experienced. You must have a pair of eye glasses as a backup. Which contact lenses to choose depends on your medical condition. There are two kinds of contact lenses which are soft lenses and gas permeable lenses.
Contact lenses should not be worn for a very long time and must be removed at bed time. Damage can occur to the cornea if not properly used. The cornea can catch infections if it is not properly cleaned and cared for.
Intolerance can develop if lenses are not worn properly. Gas permeable lenses can cause damage to the cornea if not worn properly or worn during sleep. They can be hidden under the lid of the eye. They can pop out of the eye. Protein build up can cause lens related allergies. Discomfort and blurring can occur. It is important to clean the lens properly. People with allergies must use disposable or rigid gas permeable lenses.
Some conditions can stop you from wearing lenses:
- Not taking proper care of the lenses
- Dirty working environment
- Dry eye
- Allergies
- Eye infections
Contact lenses should be cleaned to remove germs and prevent any infections. They should be replaced every 3 months. Don’t use contact lenses solution again. Dispose off the lenses solution in the lens case after each use and let the case air dry. Do not put your lens in your mouth. Don’t use homemade cleaning solutions. Use only good quality eye drops. Wash hands before wearing lenses. Don’t share your lens. Don’t use fashion lenses.
Follow the guidelines of the optometrist. Consult an optometrist if your eyes are sensitive to light, your eyes are painful, your eye is red for more than two days, you have discharge coming out of your eyes, you have blurry vision or your eyes feel scratchy. Get your eyes checked every year as a precaution.
LASIK
LASIK is a better option for people with eye vision defects. This type of surgery is safer and has better long term benefits than wearing contact lenses. For the surgery your eyes will first be evaluated and surgery will then be scheduled.
Before the surgery don’t wear contact lenses for up to a week. Eat a light meal before the surgery and avoid wearing any head bands which may interfere in the surgery. The surgery lasts for 10 to 30 minutes. A medical device called microkeratome is used and the cornea is reshaped during the process. Local anesthesia is given to the patient during this time. Your vision may be blurred for some time after the surgery. This improves substantially after 24 hours and recovery is very fast. You must visit your doctor 24 to 48 hours after the surgery and at regular intervals for up to six months.
Advantages of LASIK:
The vision is corrected and you will have the desired vision after LASIK surgery. The patient experiences less pain because of the numbing drops which are used. Vision is corrected immediately or the next day. Bandages and stitches are not required after LASIK. Patients no longer need eye glasses or contact lenses after LASIK.
The possibility of eye infections is more in contact lenses wearers. An experienced surgeon must be consulted for LASIK. They must use the latest technology. Don’t let cost come in the way. Tell the surgeon your medical history. Consult your surgeon whenever needed.
Call us at 559-449-5050 to know which is the best option for you.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
