Contact lenses are invisible helpers for your eyes. What are the types of contact lenses for the eyes?

Date of publication:10.06.2016

"How beautiful and beautiful our world is!" This is usually the first exclamation of a person trying on contact lenses. And if this phrase has not yet sounded from your lips, and the surrounding objects and people seem to be shrouded in a veil, it's time for you to test your eyesight. Eyesight was checked - it's time to go buy lenses. And if you know what your vision is, but you recent times uncomfortable with glasses - then again it's time for you to switch to contact lenses. It's time to switch to contact lenses even if you decide to simply change your image and, possibly, eye color. To begin with, we suggest finding out what kind of lenses are and which ones are most suitable for you.

What are the types of contact lenses?

The first thing you will learn about species contact lenses- this is that they are of two types: soft and hard. It all depends on the material of manufacture.

Soft contact lenses, as you might guess, are the most comfortable, demanded and preferred by customers. But it's not just about preference and convenience, but also about medical recommendations. Soft contact lenses are prescribed for those who know what astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia are. In general, with the most common visual impairment among the population. For them, fortunately, soft contact lenses have been invented, which perfectly absorb moisture, allow air to pass through and have the super ability to become invisible and imperceptible assistant for better vigilance of your eyes.

Rigid contact lenses are prescribed for severe forms of astigmatism and keratoconus. They are called such because they are made of tougher materials. Unlike soft ones, you first feel them in front of your eyes with every blink. The process of adapting to the eyes takes time. But hard contact lenses are able to perfectly retain their shape and are durable, and, as a rule, do not cause allergic reactions, since deposits on hard lenses form more slowly than in the case of soft lenses.

How often to change lenses

A person who first bought lenses is often in the dark and thinks that lenses, like glasses, can be worn as long as possible. Of course it is not. Lenses have their own service life and must be replaced with new ones after it expires. The expiration dates of lenses are usually divided into:

• Daily lenses. This is a very convenient option. No care is required. Just remember to open a new pair of contact lenses every morning. The only negative is the price. Not everyone benefits from buying a box of lenses every month.
• Lenses of frequent planned replacement. Typically, these lenses have a lifespan of 1 to 2 weeks. Perhaps the most optimal option for the price and comfort for the eyes. In 1-2 weeks, the lenses do not wear out much, retain their original functions and give a feeling of the greatest comfort.
• Planned replacement lenses. This category includes lenses that can serve us for a month, quarter and six months. They are the most resistant to protein deposits and are arguably the most financially beneficial option.

Another important point. Lenses, in addition to the frequency of their replacement, are also divided according to the mode of wearing. Here you only need to know that some lenses can be worn without taking off for a week, or even a whole month, but some types of lenses must be removed before going to bed, having previously cleaned and washed them.

Lenses for everyone and for all occasions

Everyone who needs lenses primarily buys optical lenses for vision correction. But you need to know that there are lenses and therapeutic lenses that perform the function of protecting the cornea and have a therapeutic effect on the eyes. There are lenses and cosmetic and decorative, in the first case, correcting the color of the eyes, and in the second used for fun. But for people following healthy way life, lenses have been created even for sports activities.

As you can imagine, there are many factors to consider before purchasing lenses. In our article we have tried to display the most important points when buying contact lenses for the eyes. If you decide to wear contact lenses, do so without hesitation. They are really comfortable and the most comfortable. But first, do not forget to look for a consultation with an ophthalmologist.

If earlier vision problems arose mainly in older people, now it has come to grips with young people and children, even the smallest. And the point here is not so much in heredity as in our neglect of our eyes.

Correction of such a situation must necessarily begin with a visit to the doctor. Self-medication is absolutely inappropriate here. Depending on the complexity of the situation, the specialist will offer options for its solution: surgery, glasses or contact lenses. The latter will be discussed today.

Contact lenses Are small “cup” lenses with optical properties that fit directly onto the eyeball. They are among those medical devices, which cannot be picked up on your own, and it is strictly forbidden to do so. And all because there are a great many of them, and it is very difficult to understand their properties yourself.
On this moment there are the following types of contact lenses:

According to the materials of manufacture, they are divided:

Soft lenses

are prescribed by doctors for the correction of astigmatism, hyperopia (including senile), myopia, as well as, if desired, enhance or change the color of the eyes. They are held onto the eye by means of a capillary effect (tear tension). According to the degree of hydrophilicity, soft lenses are:

1. With a low degree (less than 50%) moisture content.
2. With a high degree (over 50%) moisture content.

Rigid Lenses

prescribed by doctors for the correction of vision in difficult cases of astigmatism and keratoconus. They are actually tough and each blink puts a certain amount of pressure on the cornea. Such lenses retain their shape, and this allows you to increase visual acuity. Their advantages include the rare occurrence of allergic reactions, since a much smaller amount of protein deposits appears on them.

In turn, rigid contact lenses are divided into:

1. Gas permeable (they include silicone and fluorine). Their disadvantages include active absorption of fats contained in creams and cosmetics.
2. Gas-tight (now almost never used).

By the frequency of replacement with new ones

lenses are:

• Daily replacement.
• Frequent planned replacement (you need to apply new ones after 1 or 2 weeks). They are also divided into:

1. One-day.
2. Weekly.
3. Fortnightly.

• Planned replacement (needs to be changed after 1 - 6 months),

which in turn are of several types:

1. Period.
2. Quarterly.
3. Semi-annual.

Planned replacement contact lenses are resistant to the formation of protein and protein deposits, as well as the accumulation of microorganisms. Lenses of this type can be worn no more than 15 hours a day.

Traditional soft contact lenses can last for about a year, and hard ones for several years. They are distinguished by high accuracy and reproducibility of parameters, as well as low indicators of air permeability and moisture content, which can cause discomfort in wearing. They need to be used no more than 10 hours within one day.

Their main disadvantage is the accumulation of a large number of protein and protein deposits, microorganisms that can infect the organ of vision. Therefore, those who use such lenses must use either enzyme tablets or peroxide systems to clean and disinfect them.

It is important to know that regardless of whether these lenses have been worn for a day, a week, a month, or a quarter, they must be replaced after the scheduled replacement period.

By wearing mode

they are:

• Daytime (removed at night).
• Flexible (you can not shoot for 1–2 days).
• Prolonged (used continuously for 7 days).
• Long-term continuous wearing (not removed up to 30 days).

As for the latter, this mode of use is available only for some silicone hydrogel and rigid gas permeable lenses.
By design, lenses are divided into:

• Spherical (used to correct hyperopia and myopia).
• Aspherical (recommended for the same indications as spherical).
• Toric (used to correct astigmatism).
• Multifocal (corrects hyperopia).

Depending on the purpose, lenses are:

• Optical (used to correct vision defects, namely myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia).
• Cosmetic (correct various congenital or acquired eye defects: corneal opacities, iris colobomas).
• For sports (increase the contrast of color recognition, for example, yellow - for playing tennis).
• Therapeutic (due to their hydrophilicity, they are used as a bandage protection of the cornea, or as a reservoir to prolong the therapeutic effect of drugs on eye tissues).
• Decorative (used to enhance or change the natural color of the eyes). They are divided into:

1. Contact lenses "Crazy".
2. Tinted contact lenses.
3. Contact lenses that change eye color.

Crazy contact lenses are lenses on which different colored patterns or effects are applied. It is more of a fashion item than a vision correction tool. They are intended for short-term wear and are used primarily in the film industry or are worn at discos, parties and other events.

Tinted contact lenses are light colored, translucent and give the natural eye color a certain tint. It is necessary to know that the owners of dark eyes do not need such lenses, since the effect from them will not be noticeable at all.

Contact lenses that change the color of the eyes to a large extent or completely block the light falling on the contact lens. This is achieved by applying a special reflective layer on top of which the iris image is applied. The pupil area of ​​the lens remains transparent to ensure normal vision.

All decorative lenses need to be very careful. Prolonged wearing of "Crazy" contact lenses reduces visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as narrows the field of vision.

According to the degree of transparency, contact lenses are:

• Transparent.
• Painted.

A certain faint color is given to contact lenses for the purpose of their easy detection in a disinfectant solution in which they are stored. It should be noted that tinted lenses do not give the natural eye color any shade, nor do they change its color.

Excessive ultraviolet radiation negatively affects the structure of the eye, and this can lead to various diseases. Therefore, depending on their ability to interact with ultraviolet rays, contact lenses are divided into:
Those that do not absorb ultraviolet rays.
Those that absorb ultraviolet rays.

Special purpose lenses

These include:

• Scleral.
• Orthokeratological.
• Hybrid.

used only in situations where it is impossible to use conventional contact lenses. This is due to the presence of an irregular cornea, keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, as well as if keratoplasty has been transferred or scars remain on the cornea after the operation. These lenses are manufactured big size and due to this, they completely cover the cornea, while resting on the sclera. A space filled with tear fluid is formed under such a lens. Scleral lenses are made individually for each patient.
They, depending on the diameter, are divided into:

• Corneoscleral (12.9-13.5 mm in diameter).
• Semi-scleral (13.6-14.9 mm in diameter).
• Mini scleral (diameter 15.0-18.0 mm).
• Scleral (18.1-24.0 mm in diameter).

Such contact lenses are also used for cosmetic purposes, as they can completely change appearance eyes.

Orthokeratological contact lenses

- these are lenses that allow you to correct visual defects for a certain time. They are rarely used because of their high cost, as well as the complexity and laboriousness of the selection. Such lenses are worn at night, and this, in turn, leads to a change in the shape and thickness of the cornea, as well as its optical power. The effect of them lasts for several days.

These lenses are suitable for people who do not have the ability to wear contact lenses all the time, such as athletes, as well as those who work in very dusty environments.

Hybrid contact lenses

used in case of intolerance to hard contact lenses. They provide comfortable wearing, as with soft lenses, and visual acuity, as when using hard lenses.

The spherical center of the hybrid lens, which is located above the surface of the cornea, is rigid, and the lens itself rests only on its soft edges.

This type of contact lens is contraindicated in patients with internal astigmatism, as well as with pronounced symptoms of dry eye.

As you can see, the lens classification is quite impressive. That is why it is forbidden to select lenses on your own, a doctor's consultation before buying is simply a must. Otherwise, various complications may arise, which may lead to the need for surgical intervention.

Today medicine has a large number of ways to solve problems with the organs of vision: performing an operation, using contact lenses or glasses. The most popular methods for normalizing vision are lenses, since they have many advantages: they are invisible from the outside, easy to use, able to correct vision, do not interfere with performing various kinds of work, playing sports, etc. But in order to see well and at the same time not feel discomfort, you need to choose them correctly.

What kind of contact lenses are there?

Contact lenses are a great way to see a lot better people with poor eyesight, who are uncomfortable wearing glasses due to an active lifestyle, some kind of activity, or for other reasons. On store shelves there is a very large selection of funds, differing in service life, shape, manufacturer, material used for their production.

In addition, there are colored lenses with which you can change the color of your eyes, which is all the more important for fashionistas. Among the wide variety, it is very important to choose the appropriate option that will meet individual characteristics, only in this case there is an opportunity to re-look at the world in all its colors, and at the same time feel comfortable and look amazing.

When does a doctor prescribe contact lenses?

Before starting the choice of any type of contact lenses, it is imperative to consult with an ophthalmologist, since in certain cases they wearing is strictly prohibited... For example, these means cannot be used to correct vision during the presence of infectious or inflammatory eye diseases, increased sensitivity of the eyeball, when there is asthma or allergy to materials, and also if the patient has chronic diseases. internal organs or organs of vision.

Most often, an ophthalmologist advises their use. in the presence of the following factors:

What lenses are: Types and description

To date, due to modern technologies, various types of contact lenses have been created that do not cause any discomfort during operation, are quite comfortable to wear and normalize vision... Anyone can choose their own means to restore vision, taking into account their individual feelings and needs.

Lenses for eyes are divided into types, taking into account the material that was used for their production, design, operating time, etc. The main characteristic for the separation is the structure, taking into account which they are divided into hard and soft.

Rigid - silicone is used for the production of lenses, due to which they retain their shape quite well, are very resistant to damage (scratches, microcracks, etc.) and have a long service life.

Soft are the most demanded and popular in modern world, and taking into account the material, in turn, are divided into:

Taking into account the operating time contact lenses are also divided into a number of types:

• Traditional ones that need to be replaced after 6-12 months. This long operating time is due to the use of special compositions for cleaning and preserving their original properties, as well as careful care of them. They protect the cornea from UV rays. Apart from this, it is the most economically profitable choice... But there are certain disadvantages in wearing: during improper care, cosmetics, microorganisms, dust accumulate, which can subsequently lead to an allergic reaction, and also some people often have dry eyes, this can cause discomfort, and sometimes even severe and pain.
• Planned replacement contact lenses are vision normalization products made from various materials, they must be replaced once a month or quarter, in certain cases - once a week. They retain moisture well, which makes it possible to prevent dry eyes, allow oxygen and air to pass through. They are considered the safest, in contrast to the first type, since due to the short operating time, the likelihood of their contamination or damage decreases.
• Daily contact lenses are quite wasteful, but the safest type, designed to be used during the day, and they are simply thrown into the trash before going to bed. They are hygienic and hypoallergenic, there is no need to use special preparations for processing.

Taking into account the design and appearance are divided into the following types:

• Aspherical - lenses that correct spherical aberrations.
• Toric - prescribed during myopia and hyperopia with astigmatism.
• Multifocal - used to correct hyperopia, which is caused by age-related changes.
• Spherical - used to correct hyperopia and myopia.

Special purpose lenses

These include:

• Hybrid.
• Orthokeratological.
• Scleral.

Hybrid

Used when hard lenses are intolerant, these products provide comfortable use as when using soft lenses, and visual acuity as when wearing hard lenses.

The spherical center, which is located above the surface of the cornea, is rigid, and the lens itself rests only on its soft edges... This type of model is contraindicated for people with internal astigmatism and severe dry eye syndrome.

Orthokeratological

These are contact lenses that make it possible to correct visual defects for a certain time. They are not often used because of their expensive cost, as well as laboriousness and complexity of selection. These products are worn only at night, which, in turn, leads to a change in the optical power of the cornea, as well as its thickness and shape. The effect of them lasts for several days.

These models are suitable for people who do not have the opportunity to wear lenses all the time, for example, athletes, as well as people who work in dusty conditions.

Scleral

They are used only in cases where it is impossible to wear conventional products. This happens due to keratoconus, the presence of an irregularly shaped cornea, a severe dry eye symptom, as well as when the cornea is left with scars after surgery or has undergone keratoplasty. These models are made in large sizes and due to this completely cover the cornea, while resting on the sclera. A space filled with tear fluid appears under this lens. These products are made individually for any patient.

Taking into account the diameter, they are divided into:

• Semi-scleral (13.7-14.8 mm in size).
• Corneoscleral (12.8-13.4 mm in diameter).
• Scleral (18.2-24.1 mm in diameter).
• Mini scleral (size 15.1-18.2 mm).

They are also used for cosmetic purposes, since they can completely change the appearance of the eye.

For the choice of contact lenses, it is very important to consult with an ophthalmologist, who, in addition to the standard eye examination process, will perform a number of additional studies in order to most accurately determine the existing deviations and select the most effective means for correction. The main factors are the following indicators:

• diopter size;
• intraocular pressure;
• examination of the curvature of the cornea;
• determination of peripheral vision;
• the work of the optic muscles.

So that wearing contact lenses does not create discomfort, when choosing a very it is important to consider such factors:

Contact lenses will serve as long as possible and efficiently, fulfilling their main function when to use and care for them correctly. For the use of vision correcting aids, it is necessary to observe a very simple instruction:

• Wash and disinfect hands, for which sprays with disinfectants, liquid antibacterial soap, etc. can be used. Wipe with a towel, after which no lint remains.
• Remove the product from the container, make sure the lens is not turned out, inspect for scratches, lint, etc. It is necessary to get into the habit of constantly starting the procedure with one eye in order to prevent putting on the wrong one.
• Raise the upper eyelid with your free hand and pull back the lower one (this will avoid blinking and make it possible to safely install the lens).
• Raise the eyes up and place a contact lens on the eyeball, close the eyelid for a short time so that the product takes the required position.
• Perform the same manipulation with the other eye.

Before removing the lenses, the same thorough disinfection of the hands is carried out, then the lens is pushed off with a finger and moved from the eyeball, grasped by the hand and removed from the eye. In order to prevent contamination and infection, it is very important to immediately put the contact lenses in special containers with a solution, when for some reason this cannot be done, they are unusable and must be replaced.

Care and maintenance rules:

Contact lenses are a modern and unique vision correction tool that is suitable for almost all people with visual impairment. They are pretty easy to use and comfortable for people different types employment and professions (including this great option for active people who spend a lot of time on the move). The most important thing while wearing lenses is to comply with timely renewal, hygiene and the rules of their use.

Today, many people increasingly prefer contact vision correction. Many people face the problem, which contact lenses are best? Today we will try to determine how to choose the highest quality lenses for your eyes.

Who needs contact lenses and why?

Modern breathable materials, wide optical range and the latest technologies will make it possible to restore vision. It is necessary to choose contact lenses for such eye diseases as:

• Age-related changes (presbyopia);
• Disturbance of the shape of the cornea and lens (astigmatism);
• Farsightedness (hyperopia);
• Nearsightedness (myopia of varying degrees).

When deciding to choose the most suitable lenses for your eyes, you need to consider the optical power, radius of curvature and individual characteristics. The best contact lenses are able to form a real system with the eye, providing high vision:

• Without limiting the field of view (as is the case with glasses);
• Not subject to weather influences (rain, snow);
• Suitable for active sports;
• Ideal for people with a strong range difference between the right and left eyes.

Choice of lenses

Some people believe that you can independently switch from glasses to lenses of any company, because there is nothing difficult in this - just look at the prescription for glasses and select the required optical power. However, this can lead to strong consequences- ranging from dry eye syndrome and ending with a sharp deterioration in vision as a result of hypoxic changes in the cornea.

The ophthalmologist should choose the most suitable lenses for you. A regular eye test will not be able to give anything - lenses with the same optical power and radius may differ in other parameters not indicated on the package:

• Product thickness and shape;
• The elasticity of the material;
• Edge processing method.

The eye lens selection procedure starts with accounting individual characteristics patient - work schedule, lifestyle, chronic diseases, bad habits, possible contraindications and motivation for wearing them. Before choosing which company is better to choose lenses, the doctor will prescribe the following examinations:

• Assessment of the condition of the anterior ocular segment;
• Determination of the degree of visual acuity;
• Examination of the eye day for possible pathologies;
• Carrying out computer diagnostics.

Thinking about which lenses are better, you need to take into account the tripling of the eyes - the density of the eyelids and the incision, the features of the vessels, high-quality and quantitative composition mucous fluid. Using special tests, the ophthalmologist will assess the fit of the lens on the cornea, the local reaction of the ocular surface, and the level of vision correction.

If lenses are prescribed for the eyes for the first time, the doctor should show the patient how to put them on and take them off. Provide information on wearing and caring for them.

Types of contact lenses

Rigid Lenses

Until the end of the 60s of the last century lenses were created from organic glass - this material could not pass oxygen and delivered a lot of unpleasant sensations. The gas-permeable rigid lenses created after them allowed the eyes to "breathe", but caused corneal edema and mechanical irritation of the eyes.

Modern types of hard lenses for eyes are made of silicone: they do not fall out when blinking, do not dry and have a long operational life, not like one-day types. They are much inferior in the degree of wearing comfort compared to the soft types, in some cases they lead to blurry vision. Modern doctors do not recommend choosing this type of lens for wearing, recommending choosing a more suitable option.

Rigid silicone lenses are most preferred for these types of eye conditions:

• Refractive errors (orthokeratological correction);
• Hyperopia (presbyopia);
• Keratoconus (thinning and reshaping of the cornea);
• Severe astigmatism that cannot be corrected with toric lenses.

Soft lenses

Soft lenses for the eyes contain a large percentage of water, which makes them very comfortable to wear, limits the period of use, some of them can be one-day. Based on the purpose, there are three types of soft lenses:

• Toric - for patients with astigmatism;
• Spherical - to correct hyperopia and myopia;
• Multifocal and bifocal - for presbyopia correction.

Separately, carnival and colored lenses should be distinguished (they can both correct vision, so be simple), orthokeratological (worn at night to improve vision during the day) and therapeutic (used to protect the eyes after surgery).

Mode and timing of wearing MCL

Depending on the duration of wearing, three groups of lenses can be distinguished:

• One-day (change every day);
• Classic (replacement every 6-12 months);
• Planned replacement lenses (from two weeks to three months).

The longer the service life of the product, the more thorough care they need. If wearing daily lenses, you may only need drops to moisturize the eyes, then planned replacement lenses require the use of disinfecting and moisturizing solutions, and the traditional option is additional cleaning from protein deposits using special tablets.

According to the mode of wearing, soft-type lenses can be:

• Daytime wear (must be removed before bedtime);
• Prolonged wear (can be worn without removing from 3 to 30 days without damage to the eyes);
• Deep wearing (removed periodically at night).

According to ophthalmologists, it is better not to overuse long-term lenses, in this case, one-day wear is better. If these are not daily lenses, then daily care should not be neglected - they accumulate microbes and natural deposits on their surface, which can cause infectious diseases. Only one-day lenses are an exception, the lenses are individually packaged and discarded after each wear.

What are soft lenses made of?

The composition of soft contact lenses includes hydroxyethyl methacrylate and various copolymers of silicone and hydrogels. Polymeric material HEMA, has an incredible ability to absorb moisture. It was first synthesized in 1960 in Czechoslovakia. Dragoslav Lim and Otto Wichterle were the creators of the first soft lenses. Later, this technology was purchased by Bausch & Lomb. She managed to open a new level in the field of contact vision correction.

The development of new lenses continued in the 70s of the last century, and in 1999 the first silicone hydrogel lenses were created with the ability to wear for 30 days without interruption. The most important characteristics that can affect the length of wear and the quality of lenses are:

• Oxygen transmission coefficient (Dk / t), which takes into account the ability to let oxygen to the vessels of the cornea and the thickness of the lens. The higher this indicator is, the longer period continuous wearing and lower the likelihood of hypoxia;
• Liquid content: low hydrophilic lenses contain less than 50% moisture, high hydrophilic lenses - from 50 to 80%. The higher this indicator, the higher their strength;
• The elasticity model (MPa) affects the wearing comfort and the ease of donning the lens.

Manufacturers can use materials under different proprietary names, indicating characteristics on the packaging.

Soft modern lenses

Hydrogel Lenses

The first mass-produced contact correction product is still popular today. Hydrogel contact lenses can provide high level wearing due to its softness and delicacy.

Low gas permeability values ​​are leveled by a high water content, which conducts oxygen molecules to the cornea. When choosing such lenses, you need to focus on the level of moisture content in them.

Silicone hydrogel lenses

The addition of silicone to the material allows you to create a kind of "lattice" that is transparent to allow oxygen to pass through. The degree of elasticity is higher compared to hydrogel, so the lenses hold their shape better. This type of lenses is very demanding on the mode of wearing them:

• Recommended to be worn in the daytime with their removal at night;
• Prolonged mode - no more than two weeks, after which you need to throw out the old lenses and open a new package;
• Obligatory consultation on the choice of a product;
• Using a peroxide cleaning system.

Biocompatible Lenses

Wearing any type of contact lens can cause defensive reaction- the body perceives it as a foreign body, the active production of proteins begins. Protein deposits allow the lens to be part of the eye, but at the same time degrade its optical properties. New developments involved biocompatible materials that are as close as possible to the natural composition of eye tissues. Such components have many advantages:

• Resistant to dehydration;
• Resistance to the formation of deposits;
• Minimizing the possibility of dry eye syndrome and allergic reactions.

Aspherical lenses

The parameters of each type of lens for the eyes are kept exactly in its center. As it moves towards the eyes, visual acuity will decrease, and visual tension arises. The surface of this type of lens is created in the form of an ellipse - gradually the radius of curvature changes from the center to the periphery. This lens shape is able to neutralize eye aberrations as much as possible, providing a high degree of wearing comfort.

This type of lens is especially relevant for people with large diopters (more than 4.5) - they reduce eye strain.

Contact lens care

Incorrectly selected lenses can cause serious eye diseases, so it is not recommended to make a decision to buy them yourself. A visit to an ophthalmologist should become a rule - you need to go to the doctor's office 1-2 times a year (in case of discomfort - immediately).

Observe clearly the terms of wearing lenses - mark in advance the day of replacement lenses. The operational life of the product must be counted from the moment the package is opened, it does not matter how many days the lenses were actually worn. It is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene - always wash your hands before putting on and removing lenses, do not use drops and solutions that have expired. If you don't have time for daily care, opt for daily eye lenses.

Only an ophthalmologist can choose the appropriate type of lenses. You should not try to do it yourself, because you can only harm your eyesight. Taking proper care of your lenses can help prevent inflammation and other eye complications.

and surgery to change the curvature of the lens. But now, in the 20th century, medicine made a leap in the field of ophthalmology and alternative techniques for the correction and treatment of visual impairments appeared - contact lenses.

Initially, they were made from hard materials (glass or PMMA). Such rigid devices caused a lot of inconvenience for patients when wearing them, moreover, they were processed for a long time using boiling.

Eliminating these shortcomings, scientists came to the discovery of soft contact lenses, which are made from modern thin and elastic materials (silicone or hydrogel). Such products give people the opportunity, without changing their appearance, to see the world again with 100 percent clarity.

Lens types

What are eye contact lenses?? They differ in materials from which they are made, in terms of wearing and in scope.

Manufacturing technology lenses are:
– hydrogel, they are characterized by a very comfortable fit on the mucous membrane of the eyes, are able to retain a large amount of moisture, but require frequent removal to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the cornea when worn. Care of such lenses is provided with the help of antiseptic solutions and solutions that break down protein deposits;
– silicone hydrogel contact lenses - are ultra-thin transparent products that allow oxygen to pass well to the eye. Thanks to them, long-term vision correction (over a period of weeks or months) has become possible. These lenses are treated with special antimicrobial compounds containing enzymes that cleanse the lens surface from any organic contamination.

By wearing time allocate:

– daily lenses which are the most acceptable option for people with sensitive mucous membranes of the eyes. Their use is limited to use from morning to evening. The next day, put on a new pair of lenses. Manufacturers make such lenses in 30 (per month) or more pieces. They do not require leaving;
– planned replacement lenses, apply for one, three or six months. Such products are worn in the morning and removed in the evening, they are stored in containers with saline solution, and periodically require cleaning. This line of products has lenses that can be worn for up to a week without removing during a night's sleep.

Basically, lenses are used to correct vision (myopia, astigmatism); for this, their transparent forms are intended. But now they are used for cosmetic purposes, to change the color of the eyes.

In cases, they use not only the usual options with minus diopters, but also. This latest technology is based on putting on special lenses at night, changing the curvature of the lens during this time. The procedure allows patients to see well for the next day and do without glasses.

To correct several visual impairments at once, a different type of lens has been developed - multifocal contact lenses. What it is? They are a means for correcting visual impairments, which allows you to see objects at different distances (near and far), i.e. make it possible for people with age to adapt to changing conditions. For example, move smoothly from driving a car to reading documentation and books.

for eyes use with cosmetic purposes to change the appearance (image). They are made from traditional materials on which special environmentally friendly paints are applied. These lenses are safe and can be used for vision correction. However, their "breathability" (oxygen transmission) is lower than that of classic clear lenses.

Colored lenses can completely change the color of your iris, however, in the case of severe color overlap, they can look unnatural and puppet. Colored lenses that visually enlarge the eye are very common in Asian countries.

Eye lenses cost

Lenses price depends on the manufacturer, the timing or technology of their use, materials and design, as well as the ability to transmit oxygen and retain the proper level of moisture. These parameters determine how much the lenses cost for the eyes.

For example, average price for lenses for every day is from 100 to 200 rubles (per pair), lenses for monthly wear from 300 to 500 rubles, lenses for three-month use from 600 to 900 rubles, lenses for semi-annual wear from 1000 to 3000 rubles.

• How much do eye lenses cost , depends on the quality of the paint, the value of the diopters and the purpose. Tinted lenses for light eyes can be purchased at a price of 400 rubles, lenses that drastically change the color of dark eyes are more expensive - from 700 to 1500 rubles.
• Multifocal lenses can be purchased for 1000 - 3000 rubles.
• The most expensive are night wear lenses, they cost from 15 thousand and more.

Rating of the best contact lenses

1. Brand Acuvue... Designed to correct the most common visual defects: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism. These lenses are soft, perfectly permeable to oxygen (from 50 to 70 percent), and are comfortable to wear.
2. Biomedics, a product that retains moisture for a long time (from 55 percent), has protection from ultraviolet rays.
3. Proclear designed for sensitive eyes, it permits oxygen well and retains moisture, reduces the risk of irritation of the mucous membranes.
4. TuttiPremium- colored contact lenses with correction of myopia, fit well on the cornea and retain moisture for a long time.
5. Air optix a product with good air permeability, with a low risk of cramping and dry eyes.
7. Soflens 59, the convenience of these lenses lies in the ability to use them both while working on a computer and while driving a car. It is characterized by high moisture-containing properties along with good strength.

How to choose lenses for your eyes for the first time?

1. At the first stage it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist for and selection of lenses.
2. After choosing lenses, you need to walk along the street for some time, get used to new sensations. This will take 10 to 20 minutes. The lenses will "fit" as needed at this time. If persistent discomfort occurs, you can replace them immediately.
3. It is necessary to decide on the mode of wearing the lenses. To do this, analyze your lifestyle, profession features, the risk of allergies and your financial capabilities.
4. It is important to carefully study the rules of wearing and caring for lenses.

If you have been observed by an ophthalmologist for many years and know your diopters, then the problem of how to choose lenses for your eyes without a doctor will not be particularly difficult for you. In any optics salon or online store, after carefully reviewing the parameters of the products offered, you can order or buy a suitable pair of lenses.

Lenses Wearing Guidelines

Exists medical instructions on the topic:
"How to take care of contact lenses and wear them correctly"

In order not to be mistaken in the question how many lenses can you wear, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommended periods of use for this product.

Daytime lenses should be removed at night, and night lenses should not be forgotten during the day. If lenses for long-term wear are in use, you cannot ignore and exceed the maximum application time prescribed in the instructions. Violation of the instructions can cause irreparable damage to the eyes.

For the prevention of diseases of the mucous membrane and its gradual addiction to foreign objects, you need to start using lenses by wearing them no more than half an hour a day, gradually increasing the time.

It's important to know how to remove lenses from eyes for the first time, this process requires some skill.

Be sure to wash your hands and dry them well. Then gently and slowly remove the lens with the pad of your finger and immerse it in the solution with the container.

Store the right and left lenses in specially labeled compartments. It is undesirable to confuse them, since such storage ensures the prevention of eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis, barley).

• To reduce discomfort or dryness, you can use eye drops when wearing contact lenses. You can find special moisturizing drops at any local pharmacy.

• You do not need to use hairsprays or perfumes if you are wearing lenses. Particles that are finely sprayed clog their surfaces and they can lose their elasticity and deteriorate quickly.

• The lenses can be used to swim in ponds and take a shower. But, in the event of a collision with a strong wave or jet of water, you must take precautions so that the lenses do not wash out of the eyes, cover them.

• V summer time In case of a lot of dust and bright sun, it is recommended to wear sunglasses outdoors in order to preserve the original properties of the lenses.

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