A Guide To Contacts

Tenuous compositions of plastic worn covering the cornea of the eye so as to correct vision deficiencies are known as Contacts. Contacts are the ideal choice for those who want to get rid of their spectacles or those who cannot have corrective eye surgery. From amongst the millions of those who wear contacts, all of them desire a perfect, clear vision without having the need to put on eyeglasses on their face.

But before venturing into the world of contacts, one must go for a proper examination of the eye by a certified eye-care professional. A doctor can examine your eyes and tell you whether contacts are fit for your eyes or not. From the measurements done on your eye, an eye-care expert can find the ideal contact which fits your eyes properly and is comfortable as well. Not only that, a doctor can also assist someone new to contacts through proper guidance, training on how to take the lenses in and out and teaching how to take good care of the contacts.

Contacts can be mainly classified into two types: soft contacts and hard gas permeable contacts. Soft contacts are very thin and provide more comfort to the eyes. As they consist of more water, they are soft. Spherical (regular) contacts, contacts for astigmia, contacts for farsightedness, and color (cosmetic) contacts are the four primary families of soft contacts. Hard or inflexible contacts are made of rigid plastic which provide crystal clear vision and can be used effectively on most of the common vision deficiencies. Hard contacts are very long-lasting, a lot more than the soft contacts.

Some contacts should be worn on a daily basis. Such contacts when worn for a single day can then be disposed of. Some RGP contacts and other soft contacts however must be removed, cleaned and disinfected at night after you have worn them for a day. Replacement at regular time intervals is mandatory in case of soft contacts. If taken good care of on a regular basis, RGP contacts can last for years together. Contacts that are worn continuously for about a week or so are called extended wear contacts which must be supplanted then. There is an underlying risk of infection when you wear contacts at night because there is a reduction in the transmission of oxygen to the eye during nighttime. And that's the reason why most eye-care professionals warn against long-term donning of contacts.

One needs to, however, not forget that contacts are medical contraptions: if you use them properly you will get optimal safety and health in return for your eyes.