Contact lenses bring normality to people who believe they look less than their best in spectacles. It is true that many people look very presentable in glasses but some just do not suit them. For those who believe glasses compromise their appearance, contact lenses are the ideal solution and can produce a transformation in a person’s image.
For active people who have a passion for sport, contact lenses can mean the difference between playing to a level that is safe for someone who wears glasses, and playing to win. The use of contacts means there is no risk of crushing frames onto the face and no risk of broken pieces of lens or frame entering the eye. Sporting professionals nearly always opt for contact lenses over conventional spectacles and many would find a return to wearing glasses extremely inconvenient.
So where do you start? Start by finding a great eye care professional and one you can trust. Have your eyes professionally tested and always make sure you re-test regularly and your prescription is up to date. Do not ever skip over this first stage in your rush to find convenience lenses: if you have not had your eyes tested recently, take the opportunity to do so and avail yourself of the best possible advice. Your eyes are a precious commodity, so do not play about with your eye health.
Contact lenses are available in either the soft version or the rigid type. The right type of lens for you will depend on the shape of your cornea; your lifestyle and whether you can reliably change and clean your lenses; also the exact prescription for you so that your vision is as clear as it can be.
These days, contact lenses are available for every lifestyle. Some lenses may be worn for a month at a time without changing them or removing for cleaning – known as ‘Continuous Wear’. Others should be taken out at night and soaked in lens solution, ready to be worn again the following day.
Your eye care practitioner will advise on the most appropriate type of lenses for you and how to wear and clean them. It is important to tell your eye care practitioner exactly what your requirements are. Coloured lenses are now an option and with the advent of disposable lenses, it is possible to change eye colour regularly!
Most people opt for either Daily Wear lenses or Extended Wear – Daily Wear, as the term suggests, involves removing the lenses at night, whereas Extended Wear lenses may be worn for a week before changing.