Contact lenses are placed on the cornea of the eye and serve the same corrective purpose as glasses but are lightweight and indistinguishable, serving corrective, cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. It is estimated that approximately 125 million people use contact lenses worldwide. However, there is no one contact lens that addresses all of the possible eye conditions that individuals suffer, as well as their specific eye dimensions. The main eye conditions that affect sight that can be corrected through the use of contact lenses are termed Myopia, Hyperopia, Presbyopia, Astigmatism and Keratoconus.
Vision difficulties when attempting to focus on objects at a distance, commonly being termed short-sightedness, is a frequent condition as a result of Myopia. Individuals suffering from this eye disorder are characterised with an eyeball that is either too short or too long, creating a situation where the curvature of the front section of the eye is exaggerated.
Hyperopia, commonly called long sightedness, occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too curved, resulting in light reflecting of objects being focussed behind the retina. Common systems include tired eyes or eyestrain when attempting to focus on objects that are near to the face. Presbyopia reduces the focussing ability of the eyes, forcing the reader to move further back to clearly see the small print. Astigmatism is a unique condition whereby the usual shape of the front of the eye is oval shape instead of round, whereas Keratoconus occurs when a cone shape of the eyes is formed through a process of thinning of the cornea.
To cater for the various eye conditions creating vision difficulties, along with differences in the physical size and shape of individual’s eyeballs, there are various types of contact lenses to deal with each and every situation, common or unique. Additionally, developments in design, material and performance of contact lenses are forever shifting as innovations create better solutions for both patients and eye specialists charged with their care. Among the most recent developments in vision technology has been the origination of astigmatism-correcting lenses which offer the convenience of daily replacement.
Designed to be replaced on a regular basis, disposable contact lenses offer convenience and a cost effective solution to vision difficulties. These lenses are a logical choice option for individuals who only require the benefits of their lenses a few times a week. Disposable versions reduce the necessity to clean, as after they have been used, they are simply thrown away. For extended use, leave-in contact lenses are designed to be worn constantly for up to 30 days. One of the major benefits of choosing an extended use alternative is the reduced need for daily cleaning and maintenance. Providing premium clarity in vision, gas permeable has been designed to be multi-purpose, with specific applications for those individuals suffering from astigmatism. This has been enabled though the gas permeable lenses ability to allow a similar amount of oxygen to pass over the eye that naturally occurs without a lens being in place.
If you are having any difficulties with your vision, contact an eye vision specialist who will be able to promptly assess you requirements and customise a solution that is specific for your situation and eye dimensions.