Contact lenses appeared relatively recently, but already firmly entered our life. A lot is known about them, but opinions are extremely contradictory. Some argue that the lens is unsafe, others - that this is a real find for a modern man. But in this article we will talk about what ophthalmologists say about contact lenses. Specialists answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
What are contact lenses in general and what are they made of?
Contact lenses are a mini lens. Their principle is the same as that of glasses in ordinary glasses - they are designed to correct vision. Although recently lenses have become fashionable without diopters - for healthy eyes. They change the color of the eyes, give them shine and even "draw" in the eyes of various drawings. Once the lenses were made of plexiglass, but now for their production, hydrogel polymers are used. These substances are very complex structures, obtained during a complex process. Of these, now make different lenses, but the traditional name "contact lenses" remains.
Do I need special tests before wearing lenses?
Such a preliminary examination is not required. A doctor who picks up lenses for the patient conducts a vision test using a computer, then studies visual acuity for the best possible correction. Visual assessment of the conjunctiva and the cornea of the eye. And then decide whether it is possible to use contact lenses.
It is also better if your ophthalmologist chooses the right lens size. She must very firmly put on her eyes, but at the same time the cornea should breathe. Contrary to popular belief, a lens with a weaker diopter is more safe for the eyes. Although if the lens is too loose on the eye - this can cause discomfort.
Are there any absolute contraindications to wearing lenses?
There are no absolute contraindications. It is not recommended to wear contact lenses and people with severe form of dry eye syndrome. With this syndrome there is a violation of the secretion of tears, and the eye can not be properly hydrated. There are more general contraindications. To them, ophthalmologists include diabetes and allergic diseases. Also, lenses can not be worn during a cold - bacteria from the mucous eye easily penetrate the porous structure of the lenses. Then you just can not wear them even if you are well.
Can contact lenses be recommended by an ophthalmologist?
Wearing contact lenses instead of glasses is recommended if the difference between one and the other eye is more than 4 diopters. This can happen, for example, after an operation to remove cataracts. At the same time, it is very difficult to pick up glasses, and even with a successful selection of the eye in such glasses quickly get tired. And contact lenses do not cause any unpleasant consequences. Often contact lenses are recommended to use in a situation where it is necessary to isolate the cornea from the environment. This occurs with corneal disease after trauma or surgery - contact lenses play a special role in this. In addition, with irreversible congenital or acquired eye lesions, contact lenses are able to perform important cosmetic functions. They make the eyes as close as possible to their physiological appearance.
Can there be an allergy to the material from which the lenses are made?
No. Often people mistakenly take allergic reactions to lens liquid for allergies to the lenses themselves. It is the liquid that contains some substances that can cause allergies. Especially the liquids that are used to clean the lens. In such cases, simply replace the liquid with another one.
Can the installation and removal of contact lenses lead to infection of the eyes and conjunctivitis?
Of course, in negligent patients who forget to wash their hands thoroughly before using lenses, not only conjunctivitis may occur. In general, on the contrary, if the lenses are properly stored, maintained in their proper form - they are able to protect against eye infections. This is due to the improved hygiene of the eyes by the disinfecting properties of the liquids used to service the lenses. But for those who use contact lenses, there is a more common threat - infectious diseases of the cornea. This follows from microdamages that can be formed on the cornea. Places without epithelium can become a gateway to infection. But with the observance of all the rules of hygiene, this, as a rule, does not happen.
How long do I need to get used to lenses?
There are two types of lenses: soft and hard. Soft lenses are worn by most people, the period of eye adaptation is very short. Some time after the beginning of wearing people simply forget about their existence. Adaptation usually takes from several hours to several days. With hard lenses there can be certain difficulties - addiction can be more lengthy - up to several weeks. But with them it is easier to manage inexperienced patients - they are not so susceptible to tears and deformations.
How long can I wear lenses?
In fact, the less, the better. Most types of contact lenses need to be removed at night. Some can be worn for a week, day and night. It is convenient during trips, hiking trips to nature, traveling. The lens absorbs all impurities from the environment, like a sponge. The thinner the lens, the less their ability to absorb impurities from the air. But even if the lens can be worn for a week or more without removing it, it is still worthwhile to remove them for processing. It is always better to use lotions for their care, able to remove most of the contaminants. In addition, the shorter the wearing time, the better. On sale already have one-day lenses. Unfortunately, they are still very expensive. Therefore, experts recommend choosing lenses, the period of wearing which is up to 3 months.
Can lenses protect against solar radiation?
Of course! It is believed that one of the risk factors for senile macular degeneration (glaucoma) is ultraviolet radiation. Wearing lenses, eliminates the effect of UV and partially protects the eyes from degeneration of the retina.
Can a woman wear lenses during pregnancy?
As a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy, the composition of the tear changes. A woman can begin to suffer badly from contact lenses, which she used to wear well before. In this situation, experts recommend the transition to short-term lenses. And in the period immediately after childbirth, the use of ordinary glasses is recommended.
Is it possible, working constantly at the computer, to be in contact lenses?
When we work on the computer, we blink less often, so the lenses dry up faster than usual. Therefore, we must constantly remember to additionally blink your eyes from time to time! In addition, you need to use for this purpose moisturizing drops. Preventive use of such drops is useful even for people who do not wear contact lenses.
How to use lenses correctly?
There are the main rules, which are spoken by ophthalmologists - with contact lenses it is necessary to adhere to them.
1. Before the base, wash the lenses themselves and rinse your hands thoroughly.
2. Work with lenses over a clean and smooth surface that does not damage the lenses if they fall.
3. To avoid confusion between lenses, get used to removing the right lens first.
4. Touch the lenses with your fingertips, avoiding contact with the nails.
5. Do not rub contact lenses in a circular motion, only linear.
6. Before you put the lens on, check if it is wet enough, completely transparent.
7. Avoid contact with soap and makeup.
8. Do not apply moisturizing cream or cream on hands before dressing the lenses.
9. Disinfect the lens every day or after each removal from the eyes.
10. Store the lens only in a special container with a cleaning fluid.
11. Dispose of used liquids after each use of the lens and replace with fresh ones.
12. After installing contact lenses, make-up can be done, but you should avoid penciling the edge of your eye.
13. First remove the make-up, and then remove the lens.
When to use lenses?
When diopters in one eye is large, and in the other - very small. The maximum a person can withstand four diopters of the difference between one eye and another. If one eye has 7 diopters and the other is healthy - you need to adjust the eyesight to one eye (to have the correct binocular vision.) With the help of glasses this can not be done. Here also come to the aid of contact lenses.
After the operation to remove cataracts on one eye with the implantation of the intraocular lens, you will have to wear 10 diopters. Only contact lenses can compensate for this defect.
After congenital cataracts or trauma in children - unless lenses were implanted. Then, it is likely that amblyopia will develop. With the use of contact lenses you can see the almost healthy eyes of the child.
With the so-called cone cornea, when the cornea is thinner and tapered at the end. If the cornea cone can not be corrected with glasses, lenses can handle it.
With bullous keratopathy - a disease with the formation of blisters on the cornea. Her nervous endings are open at the same time. This is a very painful condition. Smooth the cornea with contact lenses that have a special structure and do not irritate the eyes.
After removing the foreign body from the cornea, you can wear contact lenses instead of bulky eyeglasses. The pain after this is significantly reduced, and the patient sees the damaged eye.
After chemical and thermal burns, contact lenses help the eye to heal faster, and the pain will be less.