Da Vinci’s genius mind first toyed with the concept. René de carte advanced the idea further in 1632. And finally in 1801, Thomas Young harnessed the basic foundation for the contact lens. The practicality and convenience of contacts as made them a popular vision correction option used by millions around the world.
An optometrist is a doctor who specializes in the intricate workings of the eye. Of course, you’ll want to find a doctor that you’re comfortable with; someone who takes the time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly answer your questions. Your optometrist will guide you in the right direction when selecting, inserting and caring for your contact lenses. The doctor will answer all of your questions about contact lens care and use. This can be a complicated matter and should be done in a careful and responsible manner.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions you may have regarding wearing contact lenses. If you’re considering switching to contacts, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The following overview will provide helpful information for new contact lens wearers, and bring up important questions that you may want to discuss with your optometrist. Contacts consist of a polymer lens that is placed directly on the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the transparent part of the eye which plays a key factor in vision. Placing a contact lens incorrectly may result in discomfort or vision complications. Your doctor will show you the proper way to insert your contacts, and make sure you feel comfortable with the process.
Ask your doctor about the best way to avoid infections. Since you’re putting these lenses directly on the cornea, it’s imperative that you keep them as sterile and clean as possible. Whether your lenses are cosmetic or corrective, there are still important steps you need to take to care for them and keep them clean. Otherwise, you may risk introducing hazardous bacteria into the eyes. Storing your lenses improperly or neglecting to thoroughly wash your hands could result in an uncomfortable eye infection.
You should also ask your doctor about the initial price and basic upkeep. For some, glasses are simply a more cost effective and practical vision correction method. Talk to your doctor about whether or not contacts are a good fit for your lifestyle too. Bear in mind that these lenses are virtually invisible, and can be lost quite easily. If you are a person who loses things very easily, contacts might not be right for you. Ask yourself if you’re the type of individual who can take care of something small and delicate like this? Additionally, if you’re not comfortable touching your own eye, you may not be the best contact lens candidate.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your optometrist about contact lens solutions too. He or she may be able to recommend a specific brand that’s best for your unique needs, and can make wearing your lenses more comfortable. Remember that your contacts will need adequate lubrication to keep them clean, comfortable and in prime working condition. Without the right solution, the contact lenses could be damaged, having the reverse effects in vision correction. Even worse, it could cause vision distortion due to debris and other foreign material on the contact lens.
Before writing a contact lens prescription, your optometrist will a routine eye exam and then will determine what type of lenses you should use. There are advancements in contact lens today that make them a great option for a wide range of vision correction needs. Depending on your vision problem, whether it’s myopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism, you’ll need a specific type of contact lens. There are three types of contact lenses: hard, soft and gas permeable. Your doctor will determine which will be the right one for your specific needs.
Successful and healthy use of contacts requires responsibility and a little common sense. Working with your doctor, you will be able to learn a safe, proper and convenient way to use contact lenses. For many people, contacts provide a great sense of freedom. Without the hassle of glasses, you can get even more joy out of playing your favorite sports, running around with your kids at the park, or simply relaxing at on the couch with a good book. This modern invention has integrated itself into society helping millions of people all around the world. If it weren’t for science and the ingenuity of creative people coming together for a specific goal, we would not have such a great and helpful tool as the contact lens.
Ben Varga is a freelance writer who writes about health, eye care and specific products such as contact lenses.