Healthy, safe use of lenses
Contact lenses have been around for a hundred years, yet few people realize that these lenses have evolved with advanced technology. They are now more effective, safe, convenient, and comfortable to wear for almost everyone.
"Contact lenses can now correct vision problems other than nearsightedness," says Dr. Jesse B. Caguioa, president of the Philippine College of Optometrists (PCO). "If you have astigmatism, a common eye condition characterized by blurry vision, you can now use toric contact lenses. If, on the other hand, you wear contact lenses for distance vision but still need to wear reading glasses, you would benefit from wearing multifocal or bifocal contact lenses. These lenses, which are available in disposables, correct the age-related near distance vision problem called presbyopia."
He adds: "Some types of contact lenses can even help correct the vision of those suffering from corneal irregularities like keratoconus or those who have just had corneal transplants."
PCO officials said that contact lenses are safer today because they are made from new generation materials that are compatible with the natural functions of the eye.
Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses (SHCLs) allow sufficient oxygen to the eye that they are approved for 30 days of continuous wear. Studies also show that SHCLs reduce the risk of contact lens-related complications like inflammation of cornea called keratitis. With this new technology, first-time users – including children – need not worry.
Some contact lenses even have a UV blocker. Although these types of lenses are not a substitute for sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat, it can adequately shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging effects from all angles, including the peripherals.
In terms of convenience, today’s generation of contact lenses offer choices of different wearing schedules. There are single-use contact lenses, which you dispose of daily after every use. They come in packaging that contains an appropriate amount of solution, so they require minimal cleaning and disinfecting.
Another good thing about these contact lenses is the practicality and flexibility it provides. You can choose to wear them only for sports activities or on occasions when the use of eyeglasses is impractical.
Then there are frequent replacement contact lenses. These contact lenses give you the option of wearing and replacing your contacts weekly, monthly, or quarterly. You need to clean and disinfect them before reuse, though, but they are perfect if you want to save money and still get the safety benefits of wearing a new pair more often.
Dr. Jesse B. Caguioa offers the following tips for safe and healthy contact lens wear.
Always wash your hands properly before handling your contact lenses.
Visit your eye doctor before and after getting a new pair of contact lenses to find out if you have eye problems that may cause difficulty, inconvenience, or injury in the use of contact lenses.
For more information about eye care and eye health, you may call the Philippine College of Optometrists’ cell phone at 0905 2278727 or landline at 219 0160. You may also email pcosecretariat@yahoo.com.