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Choosing The Right Contact Lenses
6 Tips For A Good Choice
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Your eyes are the windows to your soul, or so they say. Sadly, as we age, so do our eyes, and we need corrective eye wear and you may opt for contact lenses.
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However, choosing the right contact lenses can be tricky especially if you’ve not worn contact lenses before.
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Yes, we all know that taking care of our eyes and an optimal diet for sparkling, healthy eyes should be priorities. However, the reality is that there are few people who don’t have a zero vision problem.
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There is much research which has to be done and the choices one needs to make before purchasing a vision-correcting device.
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Even when a person who needs corrected vision decides to quit wearing glasses full time and instead switch to contact lenses, the troubles and complex decision-making processes do not end there.
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Since contact lenses are highly effective and nearly invisible, they are oftentimes the best solution for those who are sick and tired of having to constantly clean and adjust their glasses.
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However, this is definitely a decision that has to be discussed with your optometrist first. To that end, we have identified 6 questions for you to consider before your next doctor’s appointment.
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6 questions to consider before your next doctor’s appointment:
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #1
How often do you plan to wear contact lenses?
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Your very first step is to choose from two general categories of lenses: soft or hard (or rigid gas-permeable lenses). Nine out of ten people with vision problems opt for soft contact lenses since they can usually be worn comfortably either full-time or part-time.
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On the other hand, hard lenses are unquestionably the better choice for people who have astigmatism or a medical condition in which protein deposits form on the contact lenses. These hard lenses must be worn on a consistent daily basis.
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Depending on how often you want to wear contacts, you will have to make a choice between these two basic types. If you only wear them on certain occasions, such as special events or weekends, soft lenses are definitely the better choice since hard lenses require continuous wear.
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #2
How willing are you to take care of the lenses properly?
As mentioned before, most people opt for soft lenses since they offer many different options, including daily throwaways.
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If you don’t plan on being diligent in taking care of your contacts or you simply have a busy schedule and would prefer to avoid the time-consuming process of cleaning them, the best choice for you is daily disposable lenses. By the way, other than disposable lenses, all types require everyday cleaning and disinfection.
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #3
Do you have allergies or dry eyes?
If you suffer from either allergies or dry eyes, you need to discuss it with your opthamologist prior to purchasing contact lenses.
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However, daily disposable contacts are preferable for individuals with these conditions because they can help reduce lens-related allergy symptoms.
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There are also specific brands of contact lenses for dry eyes that you could look up for a more comfortable contact lens solution.
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #4
How picky are you about the clarity of your sight?
To ensure clarity of sight, besides picking high quality contact lenses, you might want to switch to gas-permeable lenses. These lenses provide sharper, more precise vision, especially if you have astigmatism.
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It does take longer to get used to them. However, if you have a job or a hobby that requires clear, precise vision, hard lenses are doubtlessly a better fit for you.
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #5
Do you want to wear the lenses continually, including overnight?
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Before the 1980s, those who wore contact lenses had no choice but to remove and clean them nightly.
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Now, there are two types of lenses classified by wearing time: daily and extended wear. Seven consecutive days is a standard amount of time for extended-wear lenses without removing them.
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However, while 30 nights is the maximum wearing time, continuous lens wear is not safe or advisable for everyone. You need to check with your doctor beforehand how tolerant your eyes are to overnight wear.
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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: #6
Do you wish to change your eye color?
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Yes, contact lenses are mostly worn out of necessity. However while you’re at it, why not add some fun to it too?
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Color contact lenses are able to give you a brand new look, no matter your natural eye color. There are various special-effect contact lenses – also known as theatrical or costume contacts – that can make you look like a vampire from The Vampire Diaries, a popular TV show.
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Choosing the right contact lenses is a very important decision that can affect both your vision and your lifestyle. While this process must start with a thorough eye exam and consultations with your opthamologist, you must do your research prior to purchasing contact lenses. .
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Learn about the different categories and types of lenses available. Make sure you understanding their uses and requirements. This knowledge will assist you in finding the most appropriate contact lenses for your unique eyes. It will also make the transition process to wearing contact lenses easier.
Contributing Author: Scarlet Gratton
Scarlet is a passionate writer interested in fashion, lifestyle, and health. She loves traveling, especially to exotic destinations. scarlett.gratton@gmail.com
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