Contact lenses, or simply contacts, are thin lenses placed directly on the surface of the eyes in order to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. It is the corrective optical medium which, if used correctly, guarantees better vision compared to optical glasses. The most common type of lenses are the soft contact lenses.
As with any type of vision correction device, there are advantages and disadvantages. The experienced OJO opticians team lists below what they are their advantages and disadvantages and how we should take care of our contact lenses.
Advantages of Contact Lenses
Wider Field of View: This is one of the biggest advantages of contact lenses. By wearing them, you can see in a larger field of view compared to your glasses, as clear vision is not limited by the size of the frame.
Better Vision: As the contact lens moves with your pupil, it always stays in the correct center unlike glasses with corrective lenses, which remain fixed in the frame.
Comfort: If contact lenses are properly applied and maintained, without a doubt, the comfort they offer by not wearing glasses, is unsurpassed.
Convenience: Suitable for people involved in sports or other activities where the use of optical glasses may hinder them. In this case, the contact lenses extend your peripheral vision and free you from the worry of breaking your glasses or injuring yourself.
Disadvantages of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses require our fully commitment and only have disadvantages if they are not fitted correctly and used wrongly.
Proper Cleaning: What is needed is to always clean them properly. In cases where the correct cleaning instructions are not followed (and only then), infections can occur, such as conjunctivitis etc.
They take some time to get used to on your eyes: Most of the time, new users need about a week or so to get used to them on their eyes.
Greater eye sensitivity: In some cases, fitting contact lenses may be difficult when the user's eyes are irritated by allergies, if the user is working in an environment with strong dust or chemicals.
At OJO, you can find a wide variety of soft contact lenses that can correct myopia, hyperopia as well as astigmatism, whether daily or monthly.
Correct fit/position of contact lenses:
- Proper hand hygiene is extremely important. We should always wash our hands with regular soap, rinsing them very well.
- The area where we will apply our lens must be in front of a mirror with bright lighting.
- An important tip is to start with the same eye every time you apply or take out your contact lenses. Using this tip, you won't confuse them (right / left lens).
- Place the lens on the index finger of your right hand (or the left for left-handers), with its edges facing up, always making sure that no edge of the lens is stuck to your finger.
- With your other hand, lift the eyelid of the eye you are applying the lens to with your fingers, while holding down the lower eyelid of your eye with the middle of your right hand.
- It is important to look steadily at the center of your eye in the mirror, while with the index finger of the hand on which the lens is placed, slowly move towards your eye until you touch the lens on it.
- Without letting go of both eyelids, move the pointer (without the lens) away from your eye. The lens, if applied correctly, should stay glued to your eye.
- Slowly release your eyelids… after a few seconds, the lens will be centered in place.
If it doesn't work on the first try, you may need to re-hydrate the lens with a few drops of contact lens solution.
Proper cleaning of contact lenses:
First and most important step at this stage as well the proper cleaning hands with regular soap and a good rinse.
Fill your contact lenses case with fresh contact lens solution before each use, after making sure it is clean.
Clean the first lens to be removed from your eye by placing it in the clean, dry palm of your hand. Put a few drops of solution on it with one finger and gently rub back and forth to clean its surfaces.
Rinse the lens thoroughly with a few more drops of the solution and then place the lens in its clean case. Repeat this process for the other lens.
Close the case with its lid and leave them in the solution for at least 7 hours.
How do we clean our lens case?
- Empty your contact lens case of the old solution.
- Rinse your case with fresh contact lens solution.
- Allow the contact lens case to air dry, turned upside down on a clean tissue.
- Replace your contact lens case regularly, usually monthly.
Remember to always seek the advice of your eye care professional and follow their recommendations on cleaning and caring for your contact lenses. OJO opticians are always at your side to answer any relevant questions you may have.
OJO Sun&Glasses
OJO Opticians Team
