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THE WORLD OF
CONTACT LENSES |
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Just about everyone can wear contact lenses. Today's contact lens
technology is so advanced that almost everyone who wears spectacles can
choose vision correction with contact lenses. Contact lenses are available
in a wide variety of lens materials, designs, tints (including UV
radiation absorbers) and wearing schedules. Contact lenses can be
prescribed for almost every person who needs a vision correction, is
motivated to wear contact lenses and has healthy eyes. It would be simpler
to list those who could not wear contact lenses, than it would be to list
those who could. |
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Contact lenses provide many benefits, including their
cosmetic and visual advantages. Contact lenses allow people to see clearly
without wearing frames on their faces. In fact, vision is usually
perceived as being better with contact lenses because they provide a wider field
of view. |
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 The wearer often experiences more comfortable vision
with contact lenses since there are fewer aberrations. The center of the contact lens
remains nearer to the center of the eye in all positions of gaze; thus any
distortion that can occur with spectacles is eliminated. And vision
through contact lenses is more natural in size.
Appearance is one of the most significant reasons that people choose to
wear contact lenses. In addition to being able to see oneself without
spectacles, another contact lens advantage is being able to change the
appearance of the eye color. Active people who participate in sports and
exercise programs find contact lenses don't slide down your nose or fog up
as glasses do. There are occupational advantages, and contact lenses may
benefit such professionals such as photographers, surgeons, police
officers, professional athletes and people who work
outdoors. |
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Contact lenses are considered medical devices and are
meant to correct vision. The doctor's objective in the contact lens exam
is to provide healthy, clear vision. One of the basic elements in
successful contact lens wear is providing the front surface of the eye
with the amount of oxygen it needs to stay healthy.
This can be
accomplished by prescribing lenses  that transmit the appropriate amount of oxygen for each patient, and
recommending a safe wearing schedule. The appropriate type of contact lens
will be determined in the contact lens exam. Advantages of rigid versus
soft lenses, and how often to replace the contact lenses need to be
determined on an individual basis. Rigid and soft contact lenses are now
available for people with astigmatism and for people who need bifocal
correction. Successful contact lens wear is now an option for more people
than ever before. |
