The Ultimate Guide to Contacts: Everything You Need to Know

Contacts are a convenient and popular way to correct vision problems. They come in various forms, including soft contact lenses, gas permeable contact lenses, and scleral lenses. Each type of contact lens has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best option for your needs.

Types of Contact Lenses

1. Soft Contact Lenses

• Advantages:

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Easy to insert and remove
  • Widely available

• Disadvantages:

  

  • Can be more expensive than other types of contact lenses
  • May not be suitable for people with dry eyes

2. Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

• Advantages:

  

  

  • More durable than soft contact lenses
  • Provide clearer vision
  • Can be worn for longer periods

• Disadvantages:

  • Less comfortable to wear than soft contact lenses
  • More difficult to insert and remove
  • May not be suitable for people with astigmatism

3. Scleral Lenses

• Advantages:

  

  • Provide the clearest vision
  • Can be worn for long periods
  • Suitable for people with severe eye conditions

• Disadvantages:

  • Most expensive type of contact lenses
  • More difficult to insert and remove
  • May not be suitable for everyone

Contact Lens Care

It is important to properly care for your contact lenses to avoid infection and other eye problems. Here are some tips:

• Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
• Clean and disinfect your contact lenses every day.
• Store your contact lenses in a clean, airtight container.
• Replace your contact lenses according to your eye care professional's instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing contact lenses for longer than recommended. This can increase your risk of infection.
• Sleeping in your contact lenses. This can also increase your risk of infection.
• Using contact lens solution that is not approved for your lenses. This can damage your contact lenses and your eyes.
• Reusing contact lens solution. This can lead to contamination and infection.
• Touching your contact lenses with dirty hands. This can transfer bacteria to your contact lenses and your eyes.

How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses

Inserting contact lenses:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Rinse your contact lenses with contact lens solution.
3. Place the contact lens on your index finger.
4. Look up and gently pull down your lower eyelid.
5. Look straight ahead and gently place the contact lens on your eye.
6. Blink several times to center the contact lens.

Removing contact lenses:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Look up and gently pull down your lower eyelid.
3. Look to the side and gently pinch the contact lens between your thumb and index finger.
4. Gently pull the contact lens off your eye.
5. Rinse the contact lens with contact lens solution.

Pros and Cons of Contact Lenses

Pros:

• Convenience
• Clear vision
• Wide range of options

Cons:

• Cost
• Can be uncomfortable to wear
• Risk of infection

FAQs

1. How often should I replace my contact lenses?

The frequency with which you should replace your contact lenses depends on the type of lenses you wear. Soft contact lenses typically need to be replaced every two weeks, while gas permeable contact lenses can be worn for up to a year.

2. Can I wear contact lenses overnight?

Most types of contact lenses are not approved for overnight wear. Sleeping in contact lenses can increase your risk of infection.

3. What are the symptoms of contact lens infection?

Symptoms of contact lens infection can include redness, pain, swelling, itching, and discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your contact lenses and contact your eye care professional immediately.

4. Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Some types of contact lenses are designed for people with dry eyes. Consult with your eye care professional to determine which type of contact lenses is right for you.

5. Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes, there are contact lenses available that can correct astigmatism. Consult with your eye care professional to determine which type of contact lenses is right for you.

6. How much do contact lenses cost?

The cost of contact lenses varies depending on the type of lenses you wear and the brand. Soft contact lenses typically cost between $20 and $50 per box, while gas permeable contact lenses can cost between $100 and $200 per pair.

7. Where can I buy contact lenses?

Contact lenses can be purchased from eye care professionals, optical stores, and online retailers.

8. How do I choose the right contact lenses for me?

The best way to choose the right contact lenses for you is to consult with an eye care professional. Your eye care professional can assess your vision needs and recommend the type of contact lenses that is right for you.

Conclusion

Contacts can be a great way to correct vision problems and improve your quality of life. However, it is important to properly care for your contact lenses to avoid infection and other eye problems. If you have any questions about contact lenses, be sure to consult with your eye care professional.

Table 1: Types of Contact Lenses

Table 2: Contact Lens Care Tips

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid