Contacts Lens, is not only a favoured alternative to cumbersome spectacles for sportsperson and glamour conscious, it also improves depth perception, reduces image distortion, enhances peripheral vision(sides, above and below) which spectacle frames tend to block and provides better vision for severe short-sightedness/long-sightedness. Impervious to fog, rain and perspiration, it’s ideal for sportsperson(with safety goggles in water).
The brainchild of Leonardo Da Vinci(1508), the first glass contact lens was developed in 1887. Now obsolete, ‘hard’ plastic contact lenses came in 1948. But these hampered oxygen supply to the eye(cornea lacks oxygen supplying blood capillaries). Then, the 1970s saw comfortable ‘soft’, plastic gas-permeable contact lenses arrive and now, ‘disposables’ are in vogue since 1990.
Water integrated with gel-like plastic comprises the snug, easily adaptable ‘Soft lenses’. Only, dust and natural protein deposits from tears tend to accumulate, and negligence to cleanse these deposits weekly leads to discomfort, cloudy vision and infections.
‘RGP(Rigid Gas Permeable) lenses’ are semi-soft oxygen transmitting lenses. Silicon based, these firm lenses maybe uneasy initially but are easier to clean and handle, do not tear or dehydrate, resist deposit accumulation, unlikely to harbour bacteria and long lasting. Less maintenance than for soft lenses, but RGPs tends to slip out with excess lubrication(crying, watering). And with oxygen supply being limited, they shouldn’t be worn constantly. Soft and RGP lenses range between Rupees 1200 to 1500.
Disposable lenses are soft lenses sans maintenance, the safest and healthiest option today, handy as substitutes and during vacations. Available from daily to monthly wear, in packs of six or twelve pairs, they are discarded when their time expires, which is before deposits can accumulate. Monthly disposables cost Rs 3, 200 for a year. Expensive, but maintenance expense is averted. Note: even disposables should be removed every night.
Adapting to a lens takes about a week. Pain or extreme discomfort indicates an improper fit. While inserting, pull down lower eyelid and gently slide in the lens off the tip of index finger onto white of the eye. Look down, close eyes and the lens will centre itself. A drop of wetting solution inside the lens makes initial attachment easier. Use clean dry hands as the lens sticks to the wettest surface.
For RGP lenses, pulling the eyelid taut to outer side and blinking will pop the lens out. For soft/disposable lenses, moisten eyes with wetting solution, looking up, touch and slide the lens down and outward, pinch lightly between index finger and thumb, remove. If the lens folds up, rub gently with multi-purpose solution till edges separate.
If the lens curls up, lodged inside; sit with a mirror flat on the table, look down into the mirror, moisten eye with wetting solution and pulling away one eyelid at a time, examine carefully and remove.
While RGP lenses can’t flip inside out, ‘cup-and-saucer’ test verifies if the soft lens is inside out(inverted). Observe edges closely, a ‘U’ with the edges pointing straight up(cup) is correct; a ‘U’ with the edges flared out sideward(saucer) indicates it’s inverted.(Inverted insertion is only uncomfortable, not harmful.)
In case of dropped lens – Shining a flashlight at floor level will make the lens glint. Cover the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner with a nylon sock and vacuum, trapping lens in sock! Always insert / remove lenses above a dark towel.
For crisp, clear vision, better eye health and maximum comfort …
Never share or sleep with your contacts.
Never re-use disposable lens or lens care solutions(after designated period/expiry date).
Confirm compatibility with contact lens prior to using eye drops/medication.
Avoid contacts in presence of fumes or vapours(chemical laboratories, household cleaners – lenses absorb certain fumes).
Guard against contact with cosmetics, soap etc.
Prevent contamination of lens solution - never touch the bottle’s tip to any surface(even the lens or case), always keep covered.
Handle one lens at a time(avoids mixing left and right) with clean dry fingertips(not fingernails.)
Store immersed in solution in designated lens case(replace if damaged) at room temperature.
Never use lenses when suffering from any eye-infection.
Visit the optician regularly.
Cosmetics and lenses…
Use hair spray/perfume before inserting your lens(or shut eyes).
Put on lenses before makeup.
Close eyes when dabbing powder around eyes.
Use gentle, unscented, water-based eye-cosmetics labelled “hypoallergenic, ” or “for sensitive eyes”.
Use pressed(not loose) powder eye shadow.
Apply eyeliner only on outer edge of eyelid.
Remove lenses before removing makeup
Avoid creamy/oily makeup removers.
Never apply eye makeup when in motion.
Ensure good, healthy vision with routine examinations. Switch to contacts, but save your faithful spectacles for emergencies!