For many people, contact lenses are preferable to glasses. Before changing the devices for vision correction, women and men are looking for information about the features of their wearing, cleansing, and care. And they inevitably encounter statements that, upon closer examination, turn out to be misconceptions. Let’s consider the most common of them.
It is very easy to pick up the lenses yourself
Today you can buy lenses in many pharmacies. They are presented in the widest range in optics stores and online pharmacies. It would seem that it is easy to choose products — you just need to tell the seller the degree of your nearsightedness and farsightedness. The unit of measurement of optical power is undoubtedly important, but there are other vision parameters that you need to know before buying.
Only an ophthalmologist can determine them. In the process of diagnosis, he identifies other vision pathologies, determines the causes of their development, determines the condition of the conjunctiva and cornea. And after the purchase of lenses, the doctor necessarily evaluates the density of the fit of a particular model to the mucosa, their effect on the functioning of the visual apparatus.
The diopters of the lenses are the same as those of the glasses
The statement is not entirely true. The fact is that the glasses are located at a fairly large distance from the eyes, and the lenses are adjacent to their outer shell. The “diopter strength” decreases, which the ophthalmologist will certainly take into account. In lenses from minus 4 to plus 4, a person will see a little worse than while wearing glasses with such values of glasses. But the doctor may not prescribe more “strong” corrective products to avoid overstrain of the oculomotor muscles.
Any solution for lens care is suitable
Domestic and foreign manufacturers are more likely to produce universal solutions. They are suitable for the care of almost all types of lenses. The composition of the solutions is represented by components with antiseptic properties. It includes substances that provide a pH level identical to a human tear.
But they are not without drawbacks, the most common of which is the ability to irritate the conjunctiva. Therefore, people with sensitive eyes should choose solutions with hyaluronic acid, which prevents the evaporation of moisture.
The shelf life of the lenses is unlimited
A common misconception is that the lens is not damaged, so you can safely use it. Like any other artificial material, it deteriorates, but imperceptibly to the human eye. Its surface is worn away, protein deposits accumulate on it, which cannot be removed by any solution. An invisible shell is formed that does not allow oxygen to pass to the mucous membranes of the eye. This is manifested by sensations of dryness, the presence of a “foreign body”, as well as excessive lacrimation.
Lens care is complicated
It is somewhat easier to take care of glasses — you need to wipe them regularly and monitor the condition of the glasses. But the use of contact lenses cannot be called unnecessarily complicated, especially one-day ones. In the evening they need to be thrown in the trash, and in the morning put on a new pair. Lenses for permanent wear should be rinsed before going to bed and placed in a container with a fresh solution. In the morning, you need to gently wipe them from the inside, rinse them again and put them on.
You’ll have to forget about makeup
Women don’t have to worry — makeup can be done every day. But certain restrictions still exist. Both decorative and caring cosmetics should be of high quality. For example, you can not use dry shadows with sparkles, the particles of which can damage the lens. And the crumbling mascara forms a film on it, which will cause blurred vision. The basic rule is to put on lenses before applying cosmetics and remove them before removing them.
Contact lenses are uncomfortable
This is true, but only if the contact lenses are selected incorrectly. They are the thinnest film that reliably retains moisture and passes air well. Therefore, when wearing them, there are no uncomfortable sensations. And for people with sensitive conjunctiva, special drops with hyaluronic acid are available. They are designed for regular hydration of the conjunctiva during the day.
Lenses can “get lost” in the eye
If the selection of inexpensive lenses does not take into account their basic curvature, then they may well shift away from the center of the cornea. But corrective products will still return to their place, and will not disappear into the depths of the eyeball. It’s all about his anatomical structure. A special protective membrane separates the cornea from the posterior part. Neither the lens nor any other foreign body can penetrate through it.
Displacement often occurs due to the habit of rubbing your eyes. Frequent blinking within a minute will allow you to return the lens to its place. If this does not help, then it is advisable to drip moisturizing drops into the eyes.
Wearing lenses for children and the elderly is prohibited
If necessary, the lenses can be worn even by newborns. They are absolutely safe, and wearing them becomes an excellent prevention of further deterioration of vision. But ophthalmologists recommend using glasses for up to 7 years. Up to this age, children often neglect to observe the rules of personal hygiene.
Contact lenses have been created for the elderly and the elderly, the wearing of which helps to combat age-related presbyopia. There are different optical zones in the design of these multifocal products. So a person sees equally well up close and at a certain distance.
The development of eye infections is inevitable
People wear lenses for many years and never face infectious eye lesions. The introduction of bacterial or viral pathogens into them usually occurs with frequent touching of the eyelids with hands. This is fraught with infection of the mucous membranes, the development of bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, iridocyclitis. Infection is also possible due to poor-quality lens care, for example, soaking them in the same solution.