How to Pick Best Varifocal Contact Lenses For You
As the average age of Americans rises, more and more folks will find themselves facing vision problems and the choice between eyeglasses and contact lenses. Those interested in contacts may be confused by the variety of types available, especially since not all lenses can be used by every individual.
A visit to the eye doctor optometrist or ophthalmologist is needed to help determine the precise needs. The doctor can check for any underlying disease and prepare a prescription for lenses to correct any vision problems.
It also is a good idea to discuss with the doctor whether spectacles or varifocal contact lenses would be better, since various vision problems call for differing solutions. Once a prescription is obtained, the search for the correct contact lens can begin, and the American Optometric Association has prepared a couple of booklets that may help.
So You Want to Wear Varifocal Contact Lenses and Choosing the Right Varifocal Contact Lenses are available at no charge by sending a stamped, self- addressed business-sized envelope to the Communications Center, American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63141. In selecting lenses, consideration must be given both to eye needs and lifestyle, the optometrists stress.
For example, athletically inclined people may want to get soft lenses that fit closely and are less likely to dislodge during strenuous activities. On the other hand, people who need especially sharp vision on their jobs may prefer rigid lenses. Campers and travelers who cannot deal easily with daily cleaning and changing lenses may need extended wear varieties.
For impatient folks, soft lenses are easier to adjust to; for the cost conscious, rigid plastic lenses need less frequent replacement. Here's a rundown on the various types of lens available, as explained by the optometrists.
Soft lenses. These are flexible, plastic lenses that absorb water and allow oxygen to pass through to nourish the eye. Generally they are easy to adjust to, and people switching between them and eyeglasses experience few problems. They do not correct all vision problems, however, and may not provide as sharp vision as some other lenses. They need regular replacement.
Rigid gas permeable lenses. Also plastic, these are more rigid but still allow oxygen to pass through. They give sharp, clear vision, correct most vision problems and need to be replaced less often than soft lenses. They take longer to adapt to, however, and need to be worn consistently to maintain adaptation.
Standard hard lenses. Made of tough, rigid plastic, these do not permit oxygen to pass through. With proper fit, oxygen goes around them. They offer the most versatility in correcting vision problems and are very durable, often lasting several years. They require the longest adaptation period, however, and need almost daily wear to maintain adaptation. Switching from these to glasses may result in temporarily blurred vision.
Extended wear lenses. Both soft and rigid versions are available and these can remain in the eye for a week to a month at a time, depending on the type used. These have the same advantages and disadvantages of their daily wear counterparts, but must be replaced at least once a year and require three or four doctor visits a year for follow-up care. Tinted lenses for folks who want to change their eye colors and other special-design lenses also can be obtained.
A visit to the eye doctor optometrist or ophthalmologist is needed to help determine the precise needs. The doctor can check for any underlying disease and prepare a prescription for lenses to correct any vision problems.
It also is a good idea to discuss with the doctor whether spectacles or varifocal contact lenses would be better, since various vision problems call for differing solutions. Once a prescription is obtained, the search for the correct contact lens can begin, and the American Optometric Association has prepared a couple of booklets that may help.
So You Want to Wear Varifocal Contact Lenses and Choosing the Right Varifocal Contact Lenses are available at no charge by sending a stamped, self- addressed business-sized envelope to the Communications Center, American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63141. In selecting lenses, consideration must be given both to eye needs and lifestyle, the optometrists stress.
For example, athletically inclined people may want to get soft lenses that fit closely and are less likely to dislodge during strenuous activities. On the other hand, people who need especially sharp vision on their jobs may prefer rigid lenses. Campers and travelers who cannot deal easily with daily cleaning and changing lenses may need extended wear varieties.
For impatient folks, soft lenses are easier to adjust to; for the cost conscious, rigid plastic lenses need less frequent replacement. Here's a rundown on the various types of lens available, as explained by the optometrists.
Soft lenses. These are flexible, plastic lenses that absorb water and allow oxygen to pass through to nourish the eye. Generally they are easy to adjust to, and people switching between them and eyeglasses experience few problems. They do not correct all vision problems, however, and may not provide as sharp vision as some other lenses. They need regular replacement.
Rigid gas permeable lenses. Also plastic, these are more rigid but still allow oxygen to pass through. They give sharp, clear vision, correct most vision problems and need to be replaced less often than soft lenses. They take longer to adapt to, however, and need to be worn consistently to maintain adaptation.
Standard hard lenses. Made of tough, rigid plastic, these do not permit oxygen to pass through. With proper fit, oxygen goes around them. They offer the most versatility in correcting vision problems and are very durable, often lasting several years. They require the longest adaptation period, however, and need almost daily wear to maintain adaptation. Switching from these to glasses may result in temporarily blurred vision.
Extended wear lenses. Both soft and rigid versions are available and these can remain in the eye for a week to a month at a time, depending on the type used. These have the same advantages and disadvantages of their daily wear counterparts, but must be replaced at least once a year and require three or four doctor visits a year for follow-up care. Tinted lenses for folks who want to change their eye colors and other special-design lenses also can be obtained.
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