Contact lenses FAQS

Q:	What are some of my choices for contact lenses?
A:	Although the standard "hard lenses" introduced in the 1950's are still around, technology and materials development have made these lenses virtually obsolete; fewer than 0.5 percent of lens wearers own them. Two types of contacts are fitted today: soft and rigid gas permeable, also known as RGPs. Soft contact lenses, first introduced over 20 years ago, are made from flexible, water-absorbent plastics -- in fact, these contacts are anywhere from 30 percent to 80 percent water. Some soft lenses are designed to be thrown away daily, weekly, or every other week, depending on your eye care professional's instructions. Others can be used for up to a year. Many people enjoy the comfort of soft contact lenses. They are usually easy to insert and fit comfortably and securely. RGP lenses are made of special, firmer plastics that are suited for the passage of oxygen and other gases. These lenses are very durable and typically last longer than soft lenses. RGP lenses offer crisp vision and are often preferred by people with high degrees of astigmatism. While they may take a little longer to get used to, regular wearers find them comfortable and the visual acuity outstanding.

Q:	What's the difference between daily-wear and extended-wear lenses?
A:	Daily-wear contact lenses are designed to be removed each day for cleaning, and should be taken out before you sleep or nap. Extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for up to seven days before they are removed for cleaning. Extended-wear lenses can also be prescribed to be removed each day for cleaning and slept in occasionally when special circumstances arise. Eye care professionals consider many variables in deciding between daily-wear and extended-wear lenses for each person's needs.

Q:	What are disposable lenses, frequent and planned replacement lenses?
A:	A growing number of people now wear disposable soft lenses, which can be worn for either a single day or up to seven, depending on the wear schedule prescribed by the eye care professional. Disposable lenses are usually prescribed in multi-packs, providing several weeks supply at a time. Frequent and planned replacement lenses are lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.

Q:	How do tinted contact lenses work?
A:	Today's tinted soft lenses offer the fun of enhancing or changing your eye color. The color is seen on your eye, but does not affect the color of things you see. Enhancing tints give drama and added color to existing eye color and come in a variety of colors including aqua, blue, green, brown, amber and violet. Opaque tints cover the natural color of the iris, making the eye appear a completely different color (such as blue over a brown iris). The wearer sees through a clear area in the center of the lens while showing the world a different eye color. There are even visibility tints, which are lenses that are lightly tinted to make them easy to find but which don't change the color of your eyes. RGP lenses are only available in clear visibility tints. Many types of lenses also offer additional ultra violet radiation absorption properties.

Q:	What types of vision problems can contact lenses correct?
A:	Contact lenses can correct most vision conditions, including nearsightedness and farsightedness. They can also correct an astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea) and presbyopia (also known as "aging eye") that affects nearly everyone as they grow older. Today's lenses and lens fitting techniques can help many of these people.

Q:	What are therapeutic contact lenses?
A:	Advances in materials technology and better understanding of the eye's needs in health and disease have enabled the development of soft and rigid lenses to aid in protecting and helping a sick eye to heal. A variety of conditions may be treated and in some cases, even cured in this manner. These unique lenses are frequently combined with precise medication delivery schedules to help heal the eye.

Q:	What about contact lenses as a vision treatment for young children?
A:	Advances in contact lens technology are enabling a significant number of premature babies to cope with serious eye problems. Premature babies are at a high risk of blindness because their retinas are not completely developed at birth. While surgery can protect their vision, this procedure often leaves them either very nearsighted or very farsighted. Contact lenses can provide them the best vision possible and even help their own vision develop better. Spectacles are not a practical alternative for this group. When contact lenses are prescribed for infants and toddlers, parents and other family members can learn how to insert, remove and clean the lenses. Children of all ages can adapt easily to wearing the lenses.

What are the basics of daily contact lens care? What are my options?

Your eyes and your vision are precious -- and good contact lens care can help assure a lifetime of healthy eyes. It's important to follow the instructions for daily or weekly lens care prescribed by your eye care professional for your type of lenses. The basic steps include cleaning, rinsing, and disinfecting/storing to keep soft lenses clean, comfortable and free from bacteria. Weekly enzyme cleaning helps keep soft lenses free from deposits of protein naturally produced in your eyes and carried by your tears. RGP lenses utilize a conditioning and cleaning regimen for effective cleaning, storing and comfortable wear.

There are also daily disposable contact lenses available, which don' t require much care as they are designed to be worn for a single day, then thrown away and replaced with a brand new pair. The type of care contacts require -- and how long they should be worn -- is something each eye care professional will prescribe for each patient. Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the individual's unique eye chemistry. Regardless of the type of lens you wear, you will find that lens care is now easier and more convenient than ever before.

Q:	Do people experience discomfort or pain when using contact lenses?
A:	Most first time wearers are delighted with the level of comfort that contact lenses provide. Initial contact lens fittings by professional eye care practitioners can minimize or eliminate any irritation associated with new lenses. After a brief adjustment period, most people report they can no longer feel contact lenses on their eyes.