Adults are encouraged to visit either an ophthalmologist or optometrist every 1 to 2 years to make sure their eyes are healthy, and their vision has not deteriorated. Issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are caught during regular check-ups that include a contact lens exam. These problems can be fixed by using contact lenses.
Many people opt out of these biannual examinations because they think it’s much easier to take online vision tests and browse eyeglasses and contacts through the internet. These online tests are no substitute for visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Eye exams are necessary because they detect vision problems before they worsen by allowing your eye doctor to intervene and help solve the issue. In most cases, annual eye exams are required in order to update your contacts prescription.
What Are the Different Kinds of Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are most commonly soft or hard. Soft contact lenses are regarded as more comfortable because it takes the eye less time to adjust, and they use a water solution to allow oxygen to pass through. Hard contact lenses, while less adjustable, are durable and available in a wider variety of colors and prescriptions.
Soft contact lenses are available in two forms, daily wear and extended wear. Daily-wear contact lenses are the most comfortable according to users, and they are easier to adjust to than hard lenses. These lenses can be worn during any physical activity without falling out or causing any issues. Since they are more fragile than hard lenses, they require gentle cleaning and handling. They are known as daily-wear lenses because they are disposable and should be changed daily.
Extended-wear soft contact lenses are made from the same materials as soft daily-wear contact lenses and offer the same benefits. These contacts are meant to be worn for an extended period. They are slightly stronger to make them more durable, but they still have the same comfortable feeling as daily wear contacts. These contacts require daily cleaning, and their expected range is normally one week to one month, depending on the type you buy. If you neglect to clean them properly, extended-wear lenses are known to cause bacteria build-up, irritation, and even more severe issues.
Finally, hard contact lenses or rigid gas-permeable lenses are not ideal for physical activity, and they also take longer to become accustomed to. They do offer availability in bifocals and last longer than soft lenses if taken care of properly.
Why Should I Consider Daily Lenses?
Daily lenses are better than extended-wear contact lenses because they are the easier to adjust to and easier to remove than rigid gas-permeable lenses. Daily contact lenses are more convenient for people who live active lifestyles because they don’t slip as often as hard lenses do, and they can be removed and disposed of after a single use.
Daily disposable contacts are a beneficial alternative to extended-wear contacts because they allow contact lens wearers to simply throw away their contacts at the end of every day without having to worry about constant maintenance. Also, by disposing of the contacts after only one or two uses, wearers avoid the potential of the dangerous eye infections associated with extended-wear lenses.
Because they’re so frequently changed, daily contact lenses are less likely to trap dirt underneath them. Extended-wear lenses that capture dirt and debris often lead to issues such as corneal abrasions and other severe eye problems. Overall, daily-wear lenses present less risk and are more effective.
How Do I Take Care of My Daily Lenses?
Taking proper care of your daily-wear contact lenses is essential. Always wash your hands with soap and water before putting your contacts in, to prevent any dirt or lint from coming in contact with the eyes.
Also, use a sterile contact solution made specifically for daily-wear contacts, and never clean your contacts with saliva or water. Contact with water should be avoided if possible, try to remove your contacts before swimming in the pool to prevent any issues. Also, make sure your contact solution is not past the expiration date.
You should follow instructions from your contact lens manufacturer explicitly, and replace the lenses as directed. You want to avoid any dirt or bacteria coming close to your contacts, so make sure to change after the recommended time has elapsed.
If taken proper care of, daily-lenses present several benefits to contact lens wearers. Daily-wear lenses are significantly more convenient than any other available contact lens.