Is it worth believing the prejudices about contact lenses.

Myths about contact lenses, including their dangers, are extremely common. Unfortunately, many people have only a vague idea about contact lenses, so I will talk about some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Lenses deteriorate vision over time

In fact, a person's vision deteriorates regardless of whether he wears lenses or not. Why did this myth arise? Everything is very simple: a person who wears lenses sees the world in a completely different way. And having removed the lenses and returned to the previous “image”, he realizes with horror that he began to see worse, and worse than before! In fact, the eyes quickly get used to a clear picture, the contrast and causes an imaginary "blindness".

Myth #2: Lenses heal vision

A person thinks: I’ll put on lenses, wear them for a while, and then I’ll take them off and I’ll see perfectly! In fact, healing effect lenses can only be given to children. If a person is over 18 years old, then only surgery can correct myopia or hyperopia. No "miraculous" lenses or glasses are capable of this - nature cannot be deceived here.

Myth three: using lenses is a difficult and painful process

In fact, good lenses are not felt, you just forget that they are in front of your eyes. And putting on and taking off lenses is as easy as shelling pears, even a child can handle it. When choosing contact lenses, the ophthalmologist explains to the patient in detail how to put them on and take them off, how to care for them, what solution to use for this, etc. Moreover, in the presence of a doctor, the patient will try several times to put on and take off the lenses. Even children can use contact lenses without harm to your eyesight.

It is worth noting that wearing contact lenses contributes to changes in the tissues of the eye surface, which is often accompanied by discomfort and dry eye syndrome. Provide healthy state the surface of the eye will help complete solution- use of ophthalmic gel and eye drops. Eliminates the causes of discomfort gel "Korneregel". It contains carbomer on a soft gel base, which retains full hydration, and dexpanthenol, which has a healing effect.

Those who feel discomfort and dryness 3 or more times a day should choose Artelak Balance drops, which combine a unique combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B12. Hyaluronic acid forms a film on the surface of the eye that provides long-lasting hydration. The action of hyaluronic acid prolongs the special protector. Vitamin B12 is the most powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.
For those who experience discomfort no more than 2-3 times a day, Artelak Splash drops, which contain hyaluronic acid providing instant hydration.
Regardless of the symptoms, it is good to use the data in combination to prevent discomfort and dryness. eye drops with a gel based on dexpanthenol.

When choosing contact lenses, the ophthalmologist explains to the patient in detail how to put them on and take them off, how to care for them, what solution to use for this, etc.

Myth Four: Lenses are no better than glasses.

Let's start clean psychological factor: a person in inconspicuous lenses feels much more confident than in glasses. This is especially true for children. In addition, lenses can be used in cosmetic purposes if you want to "change" the eye color.

The second thing I want to note is that the lens will give you the opportunity to see both near and far. If, in glasses, you see only, for example, close objects, then distant objects will “blur”, and vice versa. For lenses, I repeat, this problem does not exist.

It is also very important that lenses of different strengths can be worn together - regardless of on each of the eyes. But in glasses where the lenses differ by three diopters, you will already feel significant discomfort. But for lenses, such a problem does not exist: if you have, for example, “+ 10” on one eye, and “- 10” on the other, then this does not hurt to wear lenses on both eyes at once. And the "picture" will be fine. In addition, all lenses are equipped with protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is not found in most glasses.

Myth five: a lens is a very expensive thing, and not everyone can afford it

The price of a lens depends on many factors, the first of which is quality. So, buy even the most best lenses maybe a common person. If you take lenses by the time of use, then the most expensive are daily. A set of thirty pieces (that is, for a month) will cost you about a thousand rubles. Those who care about it can buy lenses from us for a month or six months. They will generally be cheaper than other glasses. You will need more lens storage solution, but it is consumed quite slowly.

Change of image has become a common thing for modern man. But you won’t surprise anyone with new costumes, hairstyles or jewelry. And you want to look unique. A new eye color that matches perfectly with the style of clothing is what is truly fashionable today. To transform, it is enough to purchase colored contact lenses. But they have already managed to acquire opponents who believe that colored CLs spoil their eyesight. Let's see if this is really so, and what can actually harm the eyes.

It is difficult to understand whether colored lenses are harmful to the eyes without understanding what they are. Therefore, we will first talk about their composition and functions.

There are three types of colored contact lenses:

1. Tinted;
2. cosmetic;
3. Decorative.

Tinted lenses are designed to change the hue of the natural iris. They will not change its color, but will emphasize it and make it more saturated. Owners dark eyes such CLs will not work, because dark color interrupts all possible shades. The surface of the lens appears translucent.

Cosmetic counterparts, on the contrary, completely change color. In the place where the iris should be located, the lenses are colored and opaque. They are suitable for owners of any eye color for decorative purposes or to hide visible defects: walleye, as well as different colors or the absence of part of the iris.

Decorative contact lenses are also called carnival. They do not just change the color of the iris, but completely transform the eyeballs. With them, you can create any image and imitate the eyes of a cat, a shark, a vampire and even a zombie: there are no restrictions, even the shape of the pupil visually changes. The purpose of such CL is a one-time use for attending a party.

Colored CLs are hard and soft. They are made from the same materials as regular lenses:

• Hydrogel (MKL);
• Silicone with hydrogel (SCL);
• Polymers (LCD).

Since colored lenses have the same composition as ordinary contact pairs, their gas permeability is quite high. The percentage of oxygen transmission can be slightly reduced only due to the presence of a thin pigment layer located inside the lens. But its area corresponds to the area of ​​the iris and does not take up much space. Therefore, it has little effect on the ability to pass air.

Is there any damage to eyesight?

It is believed that colored lenses are dangerous because they can impair vision. Proponents of this idea are sure that eye contact with a dye is very harmful: "this is chemistry."

In fact, nothing threatens vision, because the pigment layer is located between the transparent hydrogel and polymer layers of the lens. This means that the paint does not come into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes and cannot harm it.

Are there any contraindications for healthy eyes?

Those who want to change the color of the iris are often interested in whether colored lenses are harmful to healthy eyes(meaning with normal vision)?

Indeed, CLs are designed to correct vision. It is also known that incorrectly selected diopters can spoil it even worse, what can we say about a change in the optical power of healthy eyes. Does this mean that if a person good vision Is he not allowed to wear colored lenses?

It turns out that most colored lenses do not change the optical power of the eyes, so their vision does not deteriorate. And if it is bad for a person initially, then in addition to changing the color of the iris, in addition, it can bring vision back to normal. True, today it is available so far only to short-sighted people. This is due to the fact that corrective color CLs are produced only in the minus spectrum of diopters.

Narrowing of the field of view: truth or myth?

You may have heard that when wearing colored lenses, the circle of vision narrows. There is some truth in this, but only partly. Let's figure it out.

For visibility to be 100 percent, light must enter the eyes from all directions. Then central and will be fine. If on the way to the retina there is an obstacle in the form of an opaque body, then peripheral vision suffers.

The human eye is designed so that the pupil can change size depending on the brightness of the light flux. If the brightness is high, then the pupil narrows, and if it is low, the pupil expands.

Colored lenses are colored only in the place where the iris should be located. In the center it is transparent. Therefore, light rays freely enter the eyes and are focused on the retina. But only during the day. In a darkened environment or at dusk, the pupil expands so much that its edges go beyond the color border. In this case, only part of the light penetrates inside, so visibility is reduced.

How does color perception change?

Another popular question: do colored lenses harm color perception? Remember the situation when a person with colored CL has reduced visibility. This happens when the colored layer covers part of the pupil dilated in dark conditions. And this applies only to cosmetic and decorative lenses, the coloring layer of which is opaque.

Now imagine tinted lenses. If it's dark, the pupil will dilate. Part of it will be behind the pigment layer, which remains transparent. This means that visibility will not be reduced, but part of the rays will pass through the colored substance. Only under this condition is a violation of color perception possible. In bright daylight, when the pupil is already a transparent colorless circle in the center of the lens, the eyes can see as well as without lenses.

Is chronic conjunctivitis a consequence of wearing colored contact lenses?

The last thing that is attributed to colored lenses is the development chronic conjunctivitis. That's what they call chronic inflammation conjunctiva - mucous membrane of the eye. Initially, the disease always wears sharp character. Its reasons may be:

• Allergy;
• Viruses;
• bacteria.

If the inflammation does not go away for a long time, and the conjunctiva continues to be irritated mechanically or harmful microorganisms, then the disease becomes chronic form. But is the lens to blame?

Viral chronic conjunctivitis does not happen. If we consider allergies, then as long as a person is in contact with the allergen, conjunctivitis will not go away. And the lenses have nothing to do with it. bacterial form The disease is caused when an infection enters the eye. This happens only if they climb into the eye dirty hands. And who is to blame if the lenses are changed by a person who does not follow the rules of hygiene?

The cause of chronic conjunctivitis is not wearing contact lenses, but non-compliance with the hygiene rules associated with their use. These include: changing lenses with dirty hands, wearing them in excess (longer than the allowed period or leaving them overnight), improper care behind the contact pair.

In the same way, you can pick up an infection with ordinary CLs, so their color execution does not add a percentage of risk at all.

So do colored lenses spoil your eyesight? It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. If you choose them incorrectly, purchase them from an unscrupulous manufacturer, wear or care incorrectly, then you will certainly feel harm. But the same is true with conventional, vision-correcting contact lenses. Therefore, if you want not only to transform, but also to maintain eye health, contact an ophthalmologist to help make right choice. Subsequently, you will have to take care of the CL and observe the mode of wearing them. Then you will not feel the negative effect of colored lenses and will be able to enjoy a new image.

Are contact lenses harmful? This is a frequently asked question and the answer to it largely depends on the patient himself. For many years lenses have been and remain popular, safe and effective tool for vision correction.

The risk of eye injury associated with wearing them is minimal. But this is provided that you follow the recommendations of your doctor. Only a specialist can choose the appropriate type of lenses and give advice on the necessary care.

However, all lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea of ​​the eye and thus increase the risk of some vision problems. In addition, wearing them can damage your eyes if you wear them longer than recommended by the manufacturer, if you don't disinfect them, or if you don't replace them as directed by your optometrist.

Such possible complications when wearing contact lenses, both microbial and acanthamoeba keratitis can cause loss of vision.

Today lenses can be used to correct different problems with vision, including such as myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)

How to avoid negative consequences when wearing lenses

The best way to avoid lens problems is to follow your doctor's advice on how long you can wear them and how often you need to change them.

The specialist will select the lenses that are right for you according to the material of manufacture (hard or soft), according to the mode of wearing (one-day, frequent scheduled replacement, traditional wearing). It will also determine the possibility of using continuous wear lenses (which can be worn for up to 30 days without removing).

Also, make sure you follow all lens care procedures properly and only use solutions recommended by your optometrist.

If there is a possibility that you will not be able to perform daily cleaning and disinfection procedures, disposable contact lenses may be suitable for you. They do not require maintenance, they are thrown away after wearing for one day, respectively, solutions for cleaning and disinfection are not used for them.

The benefits of contact lenses

The use of lenses can be comfortable, safe and effective if the wearing regimen and recommendations of the doctor are followed.

In addition to aesthetic appeal, they have a number of practical advantages over glasses:

do not distort objects; do not limit peripheral vision; do not sweat; do not interfere with the patient to play sports; wearing them does not cause psychological problems that can occur when using glasses, especially for teenagers.

How to understand that the lenses are harmful to vision

To avoid serious eye problems associated with the use of contact lenses, every morning, before putting on lenses, ask yourself the question: “Do my eyes look good, see well and feel good?”.

If your eyes are red, this may be a symptom of dry eye syndrome or eye infection caused by wearing lenses. Blurred vision may be due to deposits on the lenses or corneal edema caused by a lack of oxygen. Discomfort in the eyes when wearing lenses can be caused by an incipient corneal ulcer, dry eye syndrome, or an eye infection.

If you find at least one of the above indicated symptoms remove your lenses and seek medical attention immediately. The sooner eye problems are identified and treated, the better.

Even if you don't have these symptoms, it's important to see your eye doctor every year for an eye exam to help identify possible problems before you notice them. This will enable you to wear contact lenses safely and comfortably for many years to come.

More than a dozen years have passed since the lenses entered the life of the "bespectacled", but they have not been able to completely replace the glasses. It seemed to be such a convenient thing - wear it and rejoice: it is not noticeable to others, sports are not limited. What else does?

However, some people are even afraid to wear them, fearing for the health of their eyes. What is it connected with? In order to understand whether it is harmful to wear lenses, we first consider their types.

Types of contact lenses

In general, contact lenses (CL) are usually divided into two more categories: soft (SL) - they are hydrogel and silicone hydrogel, and hard (LCD). They are mainly made of polymers and are used to correct vision in more difficult situations. For example, with high astigmatism, keratoconus, in orthokeratology. Since they provide a high degree penetration of oxygen to the cornea, they are also called gas-permeable.

They differ in CL and in the mode of wearing. They are daytime, when they are put on in the morning and removed in the evening; prolonged - can be worn without removing even at night, for a whole week; flexible - worn without removal for 1-2 days. There is also for continuous wear - they can be worn for a month, also without taking off at night. But before buying and using them, it is better to consult a doctor: are such lenses harmful to the eyes?

Also, CL, depending on the purpose, are:

spherical - used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness; toric - for the correction of astigmatic farsightedness or myopia; multifocal - for the correction of senile farsightedness (presbyopia); aspherical - to improve the quality of vision.

The main properties of CL are determined by the material from which they are made. The main ones are water content (<50%, 50%, >50%) and oxygen permeability. The higher these figures, the less harm to the eyes.

There are also carnival and colored KL. In no case can they be used for a long time - they are much denser and harder in structure, which is not very convenient for the eye and does not provide a full supply of oxygen. They also contain a dye that can be harmful to the eyes.

Risks when wearing contact lenses

Of course, CLs have certain advantages over glasses - this is a wider side view, and convenience when playing sports, and eye protection from dust.

And, in general, you can forget about them, oh poor eyesight. However, they can also be harmful, and they have disadvantages:

Discomfort. Increased risk of inflammation. Possible development dry eye syndrome. allergic reactions. Insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues of the eye. Corneal damage.

At the same time, it is worth knowing that it is not so much the CLs themselves that cause harm, but the violation of the rules for their use. Common mistakes: wearing longer than the specified period, leaving them overnight, using the same solution for many days (it must be changed every day). Also, individual intolerance to the solution can become a source of trouble.

The risks increase if you wear incorrectly selected contact lenses or if you do not follow the rules for wearing them. The expiration date also matters - expired CL should be thrown away without regret, as they become harmful and dangerous.

Rules for wearing and storing contact lenses

In order to reduce harm to the eyes, CL must be worn according to the following rules:

They must be purchased strictly by prescription, and it is necessary to be examined annually to confirm or change diopters. It is desirable to start wearing gradually: first 1.5-2 hours a day, so that the eyes get used to it. Then every day add an hour. Additionally, it is recommended to use moisturizing eye drops. The lenses do not show when their expiration date expires, so you need to keep a close eye on the dates. If weekly CLs were bought, then they need to be worn for a week. Menstruation - a month, disposable - once, after which they need to be thrown away. You should also throw out the fallen lens without regret, you should not rinse it - this can harm your eyes. It is undesirable to walk in lenses for more than 8 hours in a row. Let them get some rest from the eyes. Despite the possibility of not removing the CL at night, it is still not recommended to sleep in them. It is necessary to put on and take off the CL only with clean hands. Women should put them on before applying make-up and take them off before cleansing their face. CL must be washed daily, their solution changed, stored in special containers. Glasses should always be in stock.

It is not recommended to buy CL for children under 10 years old, as they have problems with personal hygiene. Yes, and at this age, children are very mobile, which increases the risk of harming themselves, not wanting it (unsuccessfully fell, bumped, jumped).

Contraindications for wearing contact lenses

Sometimes even the highest quality CL with strict observance of the rules safe use can be harmful, and present an unpleasant surprise to the eyes. This is because there are restrictions that prevent them from being worn for a certain period or always:

chronic allergies. Reduced or hypersensitivity cornea. Acute inflammation anterior chamber of the eye. Infectious inflammation eye. Ptosis. Keratitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis. Violation of the activity of the lacrimal glands. Obstruction tear ducts, dacryocystitis. Xerophthalmia, uncompensated glaucoma. Asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Also, wearing lenses is prohibited for acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, tuberculosis and AIDS. This is due to the deterioration of the outflow of tears and overall decline immunity, which can lead to deterioration of the CL and, consequently, to harm the eyes. It is not recommended to wear them and when using some medicines, as it can cause dry eyes and temporary blurred vision. These drugs include antihistamines, diuretics, motion sickness and runny nose remedies.

Myths and truth about contact lenses (video):

In order for CL to be only beneficial, and not harmful, one must not believe in prejudices, but use them after consulting a doctor and strictly follow the rules for safe use. In principle, they are not so difficult.

And what do you think? Write your opinion in the comments! If you have a couple useful tips, share! They can help novice CL users!

• Category:

Contact lenses for the eyes are a modern optical device that allows you to correct visual defects and does not affect appearance patient. Contact lenses are preferred by those who, for whatever reason, cannot or do not want to wear glasses. They are practically invisible and imperceptible, the most innovative models can not even be removed at night, but side effects with their regular use are minimized. However, there are many prejudices about this vision correction device. Are contact lenses really harmful and what you need to know about them?

Note: the harm and benefits of contact lenses in most cases depend on the behavior of the patient himself. If you carefully put them on and take them off, properly store and clean them, do not forget about preventive examinations at an ophthalmologist, you can wear contact lenses without any damage to your eyesight and health in general throughout your life. If you violate the elementary rules of operation, you can get very serious complications in front of your eyes and not only.

Features and varieties

Is it harmful to wear lenses and why, how to avoid side effects and complications, an ophthalmologist can explain in detail when examining a patient and choosing best method vision correction. Each person has his physiological features Everyone has their own way of life, their habits and character. All this must be taken into account in order to the right decision about choosing contact lenses.

Lenses should only be fitted by a specialist contact correction vision

Millions of patients have been using contact lenses for decades and do not suffer from any complications and side effects. To date, models have been developed that are not only not harmful, but even useful for those who suffer from visual impairments.

But at the same time, any lens, even the thinnest, imperceptible, high-quality one, is still a film covering the cornea. It partially blocks access to oxygen, interferes with metabolic processes. In addition, it has the ability to absorb such substances:

• natural protein produced by the eye;
• dust and moisture from the outside;
• pathogens and drug residues in case of illness.

And this means that it becomes dirty and requires periodic cleaning and disinfection. In addition, contact lenses also have an expiration date, they deteriorate, tear. Therefore, it is imperative to strictly adhere to the rules of operation.

The very first and most important of them is to choose the right contact lenses. All of them can be divided into two main large categories: medicinal and decorative. Decorative, or colored, do not affect vision in any way, they simply change the color of the iris of the eyeball. Actors, show business stars, and young people like to use these. Today it is no longer a luxury available only to the rich at a sky-high price. Even a student can afford good contact lenses.

Therapeutic contact lenses correct vision and are a convenient, effective alternative to glasses and loupes.

The main indications for the use of such optical devices are:

• astigmatism;
• farsightedness or nearsightedness;
• presbyopia.

Medical lenses are also classified according to the following features and characteristics:

• Material - hard and soft.
• The frequency of operation is one-day, two-day, calculated for 30 days, for 60 or 90, for six months.
• The need for cleaning - daily, once a week, once a month, etc.
• Possibility of continuous use - for 12 hours, for 24 hours, for 48, for 309 days, etc.

Combined contact lenses can be colored and medical at the same time, there are those that need to be worn only at night, and they provide therapeutic effect. In any case, at least from time to time, the lens will have to be removed, disinfected and put on again. Is it dangerous, is it possible to damage the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye in the process - a common question among beginners. Theoretically, such a complication is quite possible. As mentioned above, it depends almost 100% on the patient himself.

Ophthalmologists and employees of optics salons conduct training activities on the use of contact lenses. It is important to use a special solution, container and tweezers. Then the risks of infection and injury to the eye are minimized, both the cornea and the lens itself will be in order.

Contact lenses are much more convenient than traditional glasses, they are not noticeable to the eye, invisible to others, do not impair vision, but correct it

Benefits of using

To dispel all the myths about how dangerous and harmful contact lenses are, it is worth remembering a few proven facts about these devices:

• all lenses are made from biocompatible hypoallergenic materials, they do not irritate the tissues of the eyeball and do not disturb the natural environment;
• almost all modern lenses pass oxygen to a sufficient extent so that hypoxia of the eye tissues does not develop;
• the lens fits snugly to the cornea, repeats its shape and moves with the eyeball, so the patient does not feel any discomfort when wearing it;
• these optical devices keep the natural focus unchanged, so they stop the progression of nearsightedness or farsightedness and do not impair vision;
• people who use contact lenses instead of glasses feel much more confident, more comfortable, they build their careers and personal lives more successfully.

But the most important thing is that the lenses can be worn during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, they are indicated for the correction of vision in adolescents, children and the elderly and are applicable in any weather conditions. There is no need to remove them before showering, bathing or swimming in open water. Contraindications to use, of course, exist, but they are few and almost all of them are temporary.

What complications and side effects can occur

The very first side effect when using therapeutic contact lenses is a change in the visual picture. It becomes clearer and more voluminous. It means that optic nerves receive more loads, which leads to the following consequences:

• headache;
• eye pain, tension and discomfort;
• blurring, vagueness of the visual picture;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• dizziness.

The most common complications when using contact lenses are redness, itching, tearing and swelling that occur when the rules of hygiene and use of an optical device are violated.

All these symptoms are temporary, they are explained by a change intraocular pressure. As soon as the optic nerves adapt to new loads, all unpleasant side effects will disappear. In rare cases, this does not happen - usually, if the contact lenses were chosen incorrectly or the patient himself uses them incorrectly. They get used to the lenses gradually: first they are put on for half an hour, the next day for one hour, then for two hours, etc. The habituation scheme is determined by the doctor and it is not recommended to break it.

Other patient complaints that ophthalmologists sometimes have to deal with:

• lens feels like foreign body, prevents blinking, the picture is fuzzy - such a symptom occurs if the lens is put on the reverse side;
• the eye dries up, the picture becomes cloudy - this happens if you work at a computer for a long time, stay in a room with dry and dusty air, in a hot climate, or if you wear a lens longer than the recommended period;
• burning, itching, redness and swelling - everyone can develop conjunctivitis and keratitis, if the patient wears contact lenses, then infection of the eye occurs when the rules for cleaning, disinfecting and replacing contact lenses are violated.

Infection of the eye is almost always the fault of the patient himself, for example, if he does not wash his hands with soap before putting on and removing contact lenses, does not use a special lens cleaning solution, etc. Decorative cosmetics while wearing this device. However, it is recommended that it be applied after the lens has been put on and removed very carefully so as not to damage the lens, stain it or wash it. The cosmetics themselves must be of high quality, hypoallergenic, with an up-to-date expiration date.

Tip: Experienced users and professionals recommend having two pairs of contact lenses to rotate and replace as needed. Also, it will not be superfluous to carry glasses with you.

Colored or transparent, medical or decorative, temporary working or permanent, modern contact lenses are available to everyone and easily solve several problems at once.

Prevention measures

Prevention of complications and side effects when wearing contact lenses is as follows:

• It is necessary to select optical devices only together with a specialist.
• Choose the type that suits you best, and use according to the instructions.
• Remove, clean, disinfect and replace contact lenses in a timely manner.
• Properly store them - in separate containers, completely immersed in a special solution.
• Do not use lenses and means for their storage and cleaning after the expiration date.
• If the lens is torn or heavily soiled before the end of its recommended life, it should be discarded and a new one ordered.
• If possible, try to alternate lenses and glasses, let the organs of vision rest.
• If you are going to change lenses (type, brand), be sure to first consult an ophthalmologist.
• If you smoke or work at a construction site, at a chemical plant, in a room with polluted or dry air, you need to change and clean the lenses more often, as they will become more dirty.
• With infection of the eye, after any infectious diseases, especially those associated with taking antibacterial and other strong drugs systemic contact lenses, even if they were bought recently, it is better to change to new ones.

Contact lenses do not harm the eyes, their operation will be completely safe and even useful if the doctor selects high-quality medical devices for you and you do not violate his recommendations.

A real revolution in ophthalmology - contact lenses for the eyes have conquered the hearts of many farsighted and nearsighted people around the world.
For them, they have become an indispensable alternative to conventional glasses.
Indeed, with their help, you can not only correct your vision, but also mask some defects in appearance by replacing a pair of glasses on the bridge of your nose with invisible “glasses”.

What are contact lenses

Contact lenses (CL) are special hemispherical films made of silicone or plastic material, which contain certain optical properties. In their shape, they resemble a bowl. Them rear end completely coincides with the cornea of ​​​​the eye. The front surface is responsible for correcting the wrong optical system eyes.

Such irreplaceable assistants in ordinary life for visually impaired people have greatly facilitated their lives. After all, CL is difficult to notice in a person than ordinary glasses. And in use, they are much simpler and more convenient, so they have gained well-deserved popularity around the world.

Today, lenses are worn by more than 100 million people worldwide. They allow you to hide vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as simply improve your appearance by changing the color of your eyes.

What are the types of contact lenses

Many people wonder if it is harmful to wear lenses, no matter what category they are: soft or hard. Both types of CL for the eyes are made from special polymers that serve to correct human vision.

The following types of CL are distinguished depending on the mode of their wearing:

• day;
• prolonged;
• flexible;
• continuous.

The first type of CL is worn in the morning and removed in the late afternoon. The second type of contact lenses is worn during the day, they can be left on even at night and generally worn for a whole week. The third type can be worn for one or two days without harm to the eyes. The fourth type are lenses that are used for 30 days, both day and night.

Before buying any lenses (even if just for beauty), you should consult an ophthalmologist. He will take the necessary measurements, write out a prescription and tell you about the rules for using contact optics.

If we consider CL, depending on their purpose, they distinguish the following types:

• spherical;
• aspherical;
• multifocal;
• toric.

Spherical lenses have optical power throughout the optical zone. Thanks to this property, it is possible to correct myopia and hyperopia of the eyes. Aspherical lenses are used to improve visual acuity and quality.

Multifocal are irreplaceable thing for the elderly, whose task is to correct senile farsightedness. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatic diseases of nearsighted or farsighted citizens.

You should opt for those lenses for the eyes, in which the water content will be more than 50% and, accordingly, the presence of oxygen permeability. The greater the value of these indicators, the less harm CL can cause to the eyes.

In addition to the above types of lenses, the following types are distinguished: colored and carnival. But with such lenses you need to be a little more careful - it is undesirable to use them for a long time. The thing is that they are much denser and harder than usual in their structure. Such CLs cause noticeable inconvenience to their owner and discomfort in the eyes, and also do not provide a full supply of oxygen. The contents of such lenses contain a dye that can harm the eyes by causing an allergic reaction.

Are there any risks when wearing contact optics?

CLs have a number of advantages over regular glasses. They are less noticeable and almost not felt. eyeballs. For "bespectacled" such an alternative allows not only to improve their appearance, but also to look at this world with a wider side view. Yes and for active people this is a great find - nothing will fall at the wrong moment and will not break, mist or get lost. You can safely go to the gym, to dances and other places.

No matter how good contact optics is, it also has its drawbacks. For example, violation of the rules for the use of contact lenses and non-compliance with hygiene standards increase the risk of:

• inflammation of the eye sockets as a result of individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions and various inflammatory processes;
• corneal damage;
• hypoxia of eye tissues (oxygen starvation).

To avoid the above complications, you must strictly follow the instructions for using contact lenses. And this means that you need to change the solution for their storage and washing every day. Follow the expiration date. If the period of operation expires after 3 months, then you should not wear lenses until they become harmful and dangerous. Throw them away without regret!

Before starting the procedure for removing or putting on contact lenses, you must thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and disinfect the container, pour a new solution into it.

Contraindications for wearing lenses

In order for wearing CL to be comfortable and safe, the first step is to undergo an examination in an ophthalmological office. The doctor will examine the condition of the eyes, identify possible deviations and will give recommendations on the choice of optics. Not all people with vision problems can wear CLs.

Allocate the following contraindications that you may encounter:

1. Inflammation of an infectious nature;
2. Allergic reactions at a chronic level;
3. Hypo- or hypersensitivity of the cornea;
4. Violation of the activity of the lacrimal glands;
5. Asthma and other respiratory diseases;
6. Ptosis;
7. Inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye;
8. Glaucoma and other eye diseases.

The use of lenses is also prohibited in acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis and HIV. This is due to dysfunction of the lacrimal glands and immune system with these diseases, as a result of which the contact lens can harm the eye. It is not advisable to use CL and when using some medicines(antihistamines, cold medicines, etc.). This can cause dry eyes and temporary blurred vision.

Myths about the dangers of contact lenses

On the net, no, no, but you can find information that CL is very harmful to the eyes. However, as a rule, such statements are refuted by users who have been using contact optics for many years and do not experience any difficulties. Yes, many people say that at first there are difficulties when removing / putting on contact lenses (especially for ladies with long nails), but then it becomes a habit.

There are also rumors that when wearing CL, a person's vision drops. It is not true. Visual acuity, as a rule, decreases for other reasons (due to senile changes, with progressive myopia, etc.).

Negligence is a serious problem

Improper handling of lenses can not only lead to uncomfortable sensations, but also to more serious problems. For example, in some cases, a simple inflammation turns into a more severe disease (conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc.). Also, as a result of your own negligence, you can earn dry eye syndrome and other troubles. Therefore, if a decision was made to use contact optics, one must be prepared to clearly follow all the doctor's recommendations. And then everything will be all right!

The truth about contact lenses: