Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci imagined the concept of contact lenses? Since their invention, many types of lenses have appeared on the market. There are many to choose from one-day, coloured, rigid and soft contact lenses. Are you wondering which ones would be best for you? An optometrist can recommend lenses that fit your prescription and shape of your eyes, and your lifestyle.
Soft contact lenses
The majority of contact lens wearers use soft lenses. Adapting to their use is faster than rigid lenses because they instantly become comfortable. Soft lenses are the easiest to put in and take out. Therefore, it is the most commonly recommended option for people who have never worn contact lenses.
Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses
Rigid contact lenses allow more oxygen through than soft lenses. These lenses can be more comfortable for people who tend to experience frequent eye dryness. Because they are placed directly on the cornea, these contact lenses are also recommended for astigmatism. They correct astigmatism more accurately than other types of lenses.
A person who wears rigid lenses must take great care of them as they will keep them for a long time, from 1 to 2 years. These lenses usually require a few weeks of adaptation before reaching optimal comfort.
Coloured contact lenses
Would you like to change the colour of your eyes for a special occasion or daily? Coloured contact lenses make it possible. Opaque lenses allow you to completely change the colour of your irises, while translucent lenses enhance their natural colour. Contact lenses can even correct abnormalities cosmetically. For instance, people with a condition called aniridia, which is when they are missing irises, or have a pupil deformation called dyscoria.
Reusable contact lenses
These lenses must be changed every two weeks or every month, depending on the type of lenses. They should be cleaned every night after wearing them. To do this, simply rub them and soak them in a specialized solution to disinfect them overnight. These types of contact lenses are more cost-effective. For those who wear them often, the cost per day is less than that of 1-day lenses.
One-day contact lenses
A new pair of these lenses must be changed every day. Unlike reusable lenses, these lenses do not require cleaning. These contact lenses are convenient for people who only wear them occasionally, for example, when playing sports or travelling. Using a new pair daily reduces the risk of eye infection compared to reusable lenses.
Extended-wear contact lenses
It is possible to wear these lenses both day and night for a maximum of 30 days. They can be a good solution for people who often forget to remove them before sleep.
However, it is not uncommon to experience dry eyes when wearing lenses continuously. Your optometrist's advice must also be followed to the T to avoid infections. Indeed, complications are much more frequent for those who wear lenses day and night. To prevent them, make sure you use a new pair of lenses monthly and follow up with the optometrist's recommendations.
Do you want to get contact lenses? It's essential to consult your optometrist or optician. They will help you choose the right lenses for your eyes and adjust them to remain comfortable all day long.
By consulting an eye care professional, you can ensure that you are well-informed about the hygiene rules to follow to keep your eyes healthy. To find out what type of contact lenses are right for you, make an appointment at an IRIS store for a contact lens trial!
