Contact lenses are an interesting alternative to glasses for all those who need corrective lenses. They are worn for convenience, aesthetics or simply for comfort.
While some people swear by contact lenses, others are afraid to wear them because of the inconveniences that can sometimes occur. While there are many advantages to wearing contact lenses, it is important to care for them properly to avoid discomfort, eye irritation and infection.
Here's everything you need to know about contact lenses.
Contact lenses are small, thin lenses placed directly on the eye's surface to correct a vision defect. They can correct different types of problems, such as nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness.
Where to start?
The first step is to make an appointment with your trusted optometrist for a complete eye exam. In addition to checking your ocular health, the eye exam will provide you with a prescription for your future contact lenses. The prescription for contact lenses is not necessarily the same as for your glasses.
Be sure to have regular eye exams to check your eyes' health and ensure that the type of contact lenses prescribed still fits your needs and lifestyle.
There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses.
Among other things, contact lenses allow for better vision correction. Since the lenses are placed directly on the cornea and move with the eye, you get a wider peripheral vision, as if you were not wearing anything. In addition, the view is never obstructed by the frame. From an aesthetic standpoint, contact lenses clear the face. Lenses are more practical than glasses for sports, such as swimming or racquet sports. Also, contact lenses do not fog up like glasses in humid environments and when going from cold to warm (hello, winter!).
Follow these guidelines to maximize pleasure, comfort, and safety when wearing contact lenses.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, even if you feel discomfort. Dust or a lash could be in your eye and cause irritation.
- Stay away from temporary lenses, such as those sold with Halloween costumes. Eye care professionals do not approve of these.
- If you tend to get dry eyes when you wear lenses, use artificial tears.
- Never wear your lenses longer than your eye care professional prescribes, even if they are still comfortable.
Want to take the plunge and try contact lenses? Make an appointment with your IRIS optometrist today.
