Contact lenses are thin, transparent, disc-shaped plastic lenses that sit over the eye’s tear film and are used to improve vision. They are considered useful and beneficial medical devices to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia). They are not fashion accessories.
Types of contact lenses
- Rigid gas permeable: allow a better flow of oxygen between the lens and the cornea, and are recommended for people with astigmatism or keratoconus. They are better because they prevent the buildup of protein deposits that can lead to corneal infections or ulcers.
- Soft: more comfortable and less expensive. However, they allow less oxygen flow to the cornea and have a higher chance of protein deposits building up, which can negatively affect the eye.
- Colored: soft lenses that change the color of the eye.
- Daily use: disposable lenses worn during the day and removed at night. Depending on quality, you wear a new pair every day, week, or month. Recommended for people who wear contact lenses from time to time.
- Toric: disposable and recommended for astigmatism. They are of lower quality than rigid gas permeable lenses.
- Bifocal: advanced soft lenses that correct both presbyopia and astigmatism.
- Scleral: gas permeable and large in diameter, specially designed to treat keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. They tend to be more expensive because they are custom made.
Improper use of contact lenses can cause cuts, wounds, and infections that can lead to blindness.
Risks of wearing contact lenses
- Corneal injury
- Corneal ulcers
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Chronic dry eye
Tips for wearing contact lenses safely
- Wash your hands before and after putting on your contact lenses.
- Apply a lubricating drop before putting on and taking off the lens so it slides off easily.
- Use artificial tears to maintain good lubrication and oxygenation of the cornea.
- Do not sleep with contact lenses.
- If you have allergies, avoid wearing contact lenses.
- Rub, rinse, clean, and disinfect your lenses daily with multipurpose solutions.
- Keep them in their case.
- Do not clean contact lenses with saliva.
- Do not lend them to anyone or wear someone else’s contact lenses.
- If you wear them at the beach, also wear sunglasses.
- Maintain good eyelid and eyelash hygiene.
- If you wear makeup, put your contacts in first.
- Never put a contact lens on an irritated eye.
- If it itches, burns, hurts, or looks blurry, see your trusted ophthalmologist.
Which lenses should you choose?
The most popular contact lenses are silicone hydrogel soft lenses: comfortable, disposable, and less expensive. The safest are rigid gas permeable lenses, which are usually less comfortable and more expensive but can last a year or more. In all cases, take care of your lenses by cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them safely. If you want specific recommendations, see our roundup of the top contact lenses.
Seek eye care if you experience eye discomfort from contact lens wear. At Dr. Reichmann’s clinic in Roatan we help you choose the right type of lens and perform a complete eye exam as part of our eye care services. Book your appointment today.