An introductory guide to buying contact lenses
Modern contact lenses can fulfil several functions. While the majority of wearers have medical issues regarding vision, there is also a cosmetic application for these products. Whatever your motivation, contact lenses are now easily available online through suppliers like visiondirect.co.uk. If you are thinking of making a purchase, here is some basic information about the various functions of contact lenses, as well as the different options now available.
Contact lenses can allow those with perfectly healthy vision to simply try out a new eye colour, while those with glasses may want to ditch the specs once in a while to explore a new look. Perhaps you want to try an alternative to your prescription glasses so that you are able to participate more easily in certain sports. The convenience of contact lenses, and in particular the range of disposable options, is a one of the most common reasons that people give for trying out these products. For those that have had enough of frequently misplacing, or simply cleaning spectacles, contact lenses can offer a hassle free solution.
The range of disposable contact lenses now includes daily disposables, two weekly disposables, and monthly disposables. There are also extended wear lenses that can be left in place both waking and sleeping, and multi focal lenses that perform the same function as bi-focal glasses, providing a remedy for those who are both long and short sighted. Coloured contact lenses are available in both prescription form, and as purely cosmetic pieces to change eye colour.
It is very important for those considering a first time purchase to make an appointment with an optician before buying and wearing contact lenses. Most importantly, the optician will check that your eyes are suitable for wearing contacts. While the majority of people can wear contact lenses, those with conditions like astigmatism and irregular corneas may not be able use certain types. Specialist Toric lenses are often indicated for those who suffer from astigmatism, but this can only be established through consultation with a qualified optician.
For other wearers, the optician can simply provide instruction on inserting and removing contacts, as well as the correct cleaning regime where applicable. The main advantage of daily contact lenses is bypassing the need for a cleaning process, but there is still important information regarding eye care that you need to know when wearing dailies. At the most serious end of the scale, keeping daily disposable contact lenses in too long can result in lipids and proteins building up, and this can cause severe allergic reactions. However, if used in the correct manner, all such potential problems can be avoided. The easiest and best way to achieve this is to seek properly qualified medical advice before use.
