Everything You Need to Know About Contacts

It’s All About Contacts!

Here at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley – where we have an extensive collection of eyeglasses, we also provide our customers with an alternative – contact lenses. Many of our blog posts focus around general eye health and glasses. This week, we would like to dedicate one to all things contact lenses.

The Beginning of Contacts

For those of you who didn’t know, the concept of contact lenses has existed for hundreds of years, and the idea is frequently credited to Leonardo da Vinci when he described directly altering the corneal power through submerging the eyes in water. It was not until 1888, however, when German ophthalmologists constructed the first successful contact lens.

And it wasn’t until the 1930’s when plastic lenses were introduced, which made contact lenses lighter and more convenient. These lenses (until the 1960’s) were relatively expensive and resulted in the development of “contact lens insurance.” Over the next few decades, these lenses were improved and led us to the lenses that are available today in a variety of options.

Types of Contacts

According to the FDA, there are two types of contact lenses: Soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP).

Soft contact lenses. Soft contact lenses are made of a soft (hence the name) flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through the cornea. These are typically more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses.

Rigid Gas Permeable. These lenses are more durable and resistant to deposit build-up and generally give a clearer and crisper vision.

Daily wear versus extended wear

Extended Wear. Extended wear contact lenses generally tend to be worn for multiple nights (with some approved to be worn for up to 30 days).

Daily Wear. Daily wear contacts are contact lenses that you remove before sleeping.

Disposable, frequent, and traditional (or reusable) lenses

How frequently you need to replace your lenses also depends on what type of contact lenses fit your needs.

Disposable. Disposable lenses are replaced every two weeks – or can be replaced even sooner. Daily disposables can be replaced every night. This therefore eliminates the need to clean them and also helps to avoid day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits.

Frequent. Frequent contact lenses are replaced on a monthly or sometimes quarterly basis.

Traditional lenses are usually replaced on a bi-yearly or yearly basis. Traditional lenses are especially helpful for those with complicated prescriptions.

The type of lens you decide on can depend on various factors, including your prescription, eye sensitivity, and preference.

The staff at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley can help you decide which type of contact lens is right for you.

Application:

Putting in your contacts

When putting your contacts in, you first need to make sure that your contact lenses are “right side out.” The trick is to place the lens on your finger so that a cup is formed. Then, hold it up directly in front of your eyes. If the lens looks like half-a-ball, your lens is positioned correctly. If it looks like a soup bowl (like a V-shape), then it is incorrect.

Don’t worry if you place a contact lens inside out. While the lens may feel uncomfortable, it will not do any damage to the eye.

Applying contact lenses:

First, make sure to wash your hands before applying contact lenses. (Try to avoid scented or oily soaps that may adhere to the lens surface, such as products containing moisturizing lotions.)

·         First, gently shake your lens case containing the storage solution in order to loosen lenses which may be stuck.

o   DO NOT try to pull the lens out with your finger, as this might damage it.

·         Gently, slide the lens out of its case and into the palm of your hand. Rinse thoroughly with the appropriate solution.

·         Place lens on the tip of your index or middle finger, which should be either dry or mostly dry.

·         With your thumb and fingers on the opposite hand, pull apart your eyelids, and position the lens on your eye while looking upward or forward.

·         Then gently close and roll your eyes in a complete circle to help the lens settle and blink.

Removing contact lenses:

·         It is always a good practice to wash your hands before touching anywhere near your face, but is especially important when touching your eyes.

·         If you are standing in front of a sink, be mindful of the drain where the contact lens may accidentally fall.

·         Devices for removing contact lenses called “plungers” are also available to help take out contact lenses.

For those who wear/need glasses, contact lenses can be a great alternative to wearing spectacles. If you are interested in getting contact lenses, come visit us at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley!