Like Smart Phones, Contact lenses have become a part of our daily lifestyle. They are a thin film of corrective lenses which can be placed directly on the surface of eye. While most people wear lenses for medical reasons, change has also become one of the motivating factors. Change in the appearance – from specs to contacts, change in the colour of the eyes. Another factor which provides contact lenses a much better position is its functionality. In comparison with spectacles, Contact lens can be worn in every season. Unlike spectacles, it does not condense or get a film of sweat on it.

Types of lenses

Lenses are of two types:

Soft contact lens: These are the most common type of contact lens and are made from materials that incorporate water. It is the water which makes them soft and allows the oxygen to reach the cornea of the eye.

Soft contact lenses are available in following types:

• Daily disposable lenses: These lenses are expensive as they are switched every day.
• Two week or monthly disposable lenses: These lenses are most commonly prescribed by doctors for daily use.
• Toric contact lenses: These lenses are used to correct moderate astigmatism – a reflective error in front of the eye.
• Bifocal contact lenses: These lenses are helpful for patients who need both near as well as far sightedness, but it may not be right for everyone.

Gas-permeable contact lens: These lenses are hard and rigid as they are made of plastics in combination with other materials such as – silicone and fluoro-polymers that allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. For this reason, they are called “gas permeable.”

Hybrid lens: These lenses exist in very miniscule number. Typically, Hybrid lenses have a rigid center and a soft skirt. The combination of soft and hard lens is used in order to provide the vision of hard lens and comfort of soft lens.

People wearing spectacles or specs are many times asked this question: Why don’t you try contacts? But these contacts are not everyone’s cup of tea. Contact lenses have their own set of benefits and risks.

Benefits:

1.   They enhance the aesthetic appearance of the individual whether by changing eye colour or due to the absence of spectacles.
2.  Contact lenses provide natural and easy vision.
3. Contacts are ideal for sports and other outdoor activities.
4.   Contact lens wearers can also wear sunglasses, goggles, or other eyewear of their choice without having to fit them with prescription lenses or worry about compatibility with glasses.
5. Contacts neither fog up nor do they collect perspiration and blur the vision.

Risks:

1. If rigid or hard lens is worn while sleeping or is improperly placed on the eye, it can scratch the cornea.
2.  Hygienic and every night cleaning is necessary as unhygienic lens can lead to eye infections.
3. Many doctors advise against use of extended-wear lenses ad contacts often block oxygen flow to the eyes leading to irritation and corneal ulcers.
4. Do not buy or use boot-leg lenses. They are more harmful to your eyes and can even lead up to blindness in severe cases.

Whether it is glasses or contacts, some precautions are always needed. Every individual is made for different contact lens and to which contact you belong with can only be known with the help of an eye doctor. Go ahead, buy contacts, listen to your doctor and follow what he/she says because if we have our health, we have everything.