- Contact Lenses

- Contact Lenses

What are Contact Lenses?

Contact Lenses are corrective ophthalmic lenses used on the Cornea of the eyes to correct optical eye pathologies, correcting the degree of the eyes so that the individual can see normally, that is, they have the same function as prescription glasses and are also used for aesthetic reasons.

They are used to correct Refractive Errors, such as Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism and Presbyopia.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses, as they have a greater amount of water, are more comfortable in general than rigid ones. The materials used are silicone and hydrogel, which allow good oxygen permeability.

They can be used by people who have myopia, hyperopia and even astigmatism. However, if the degree is very high, it is necessary to check with your ophthalmologist about the need to use a rigid lens model.

In addition to the type of material, lens types can be classified according to their function or purpose of use.

Color Contact Lenses

There are two types of colored contact lenses: those that are meant to correct vision and change the way the color appears, and those that are purely cosmetic.

Colored contact lenses alter the way the iris, the colored part of the eye, appears. Although the part of the lens that covers the iris has color, the very center of the contact lens is transparent. This allows the front of the pupil, which controls how much light enters the eye, to function properly.

Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses are a type of contact lens that can be worn daily and then discarded after each use. They eliminate the need for weekly or monthly cleaning and disinfecting.

Because of this, most people believe they are more sanitary than other types of contact lenses.

Toric Contact Lenses

Targeted at correcting:

  • Astigmatism (cornea irregularity that makes vision blurred both near and far);

  • Myopia (blurring of distance vision);

  • Hyperopia (blurring of near vision).

Multi-Focal Contact Lenses

These are lenses capable of offering focus for far and near distances, without the need for glasses. They are normally recommended for people over 40 who suffer from presbyopia (known as “tired eyes”). They can be gelatinous or rigid.

Contact Lens Care

Finally, there are several precautions we must take when using contact lenses. The most important are:

  • Only use contact lenses that have been fitted by an ophthalmologist and follow the instructions for use.

  • Wash your hands very well before handling them.

  • To clean and maintain the lenses, use the appropriate products. Products for preserving soft lenses are different from those used for rigid lenses.

  • The cases should be cleaned at least once a week, with hot water, without soap and with a toothbrush-type tool. Change the case every 6 months.

  • Before touching the Contact Lenses, wash your hands with neutral soap and dry them on lint-free towels.

  • Change the liquid in the lens cases daily.

  • Do not use tap water to clean contact lenses.

  • While using contact lenses, remember to use lubricating eye drops in your eyes to prevent dry eyes.

  • If there is an eye change such as pain, red eye or discharge, immediately remove the contact lenses and seek ophthalmological care.

  • Do not use contact lenses that have expired.

  • Do not use someone else's contact lenses.