If I were to name the most revolutionary inventions of the 20th century, it would probably be glasses and contact lenses for having enlarged horizons for millions of people world over. They are the single most effective tool that have made people more versatile, economically viable, look and feel better.
Where to buy
Buy contact lenses from a good optician. Let him measure not only the power but also the curvature of the pupil of the eye, this is important for comfortable lens wear.
Similarly when you buy a new pair of specs, make sure he checks the center too.
Options you have
My mother talks of hard contact lenses of her time, which were brittle, made of a glass like substance and were prone to falling. We have come a long way. Thank god for that! Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible substance that allows eyes to breathe. In the past ten years that I?ve used them( I bought my first pair when I was in class VIII), they have never fallen off my eyes?. they have fallen from my fingers though, during some clumsy moments.
Opticians today are recommending disposable soft contact lenses guaranteed for maximum comfort, which I?ve never tried. One more option that I?ve not tried is colour contact lenses worn for cosmetic reasons. I would recommend Bausch & Lomb contacts. A pair costs Rs 800-900.
People with cylindrical power have 3 options-
· If the cylindrical power is low(.5), go for normal contacts. Sometimes the optician will increase the power of the myopic lens to compensate for the cylinder
· Wear normal contacts. Keep specs for cylinder handy to read finer print
· Go for toric lenses which provide cylindrical power and cost around Rs 3000.
Lenses and Make up
Kajal is totally compatible with contacts. Apply it with lenses on; you will be able to make a more well defined line like this. You can use it even on your upper eyelid. If you prefer eyeliner, go for pencil liner or the twister. Personally I avoid mascara and liquid liner anyway and think they make a terrible combination with lenses. Eye shadow obviously is not a problem. Remove the make up before removing the lenses.
Things you should remember
1) Cleanliness
make sure the lens case is always clean. Wash your hands before handling CL(use a non-moisturizing soap)
2) Solution
use solution liberally with the lenses. I use ReNu Multipurpose of Bausch & Lomb-it does not require enzyme tabs for protein removal.
Do not use water unless in case of emergency, water makes the lenses sticky and uncomfortable.
3) Storage
do not store at hot places. Keep at room temperature.
4) Cut those nails
handling contacts with long nails is tough. You can end up tearing the lenses. At least keep the nail of the index finger on the right hand short
5) You can use a permanent marker to distinguish cases if others in the family wear them too. And use the marker to mark
left and right compartments.
6) Buy a new pair every 18 months
7) Use good UV protection, your eyes deserve it. A pair of shades will also prevent dust from entering your eyes on a windy day.
Likewise uses goggles while swimming.
8) If you wear your contacts over the sink, plug it to avoid the risk of draining them away.
Never attempt these
1) Do not wear lenses on Holi.
2) Do not sleep wearing them, you will wake up to extreme discomfort.
3) Do wear them when you have eye flu/infection in the eye.
Come back to good old specs in these cases. With high-index, anti-glare lenses in the coolest frames available today even those boring glasses have begun looking sleek and cosmetic. Noticed the change in P.Chidambaram and Narayan Murthy?s appearance over the years?