How to choose the right contact lenses. How to choose contact lenses: a few words about different manufacturers

Once upon a time, it was possible to correct vision only with ordinary glasses. But about 15 years ago, contact lenses became a part of human life. This is a real salvation for those who are embarrassed to wear glasses or play any sports. Now they have become so familiar and commonplace that you can buy them in almost every supermarket, not to mention specialized retail outlets. But you need to know which lenses to buy. Usually, an ophthalmologist is involved in the selection of these correction agents. But how to choose lenses for your eyes without a doctor? Is this possible?

A little about lenses

Nowadays, few people have not seen and do not know what contact lenses look like and what they are. These are small round “bowls”, which, unlike glasses, are put directly on the eyes, which, of course, requires special skill. But on the other hand, they do not interfere with a person’s daily life at all and are not noticeable to others, but at the same time they cope with their task perfectly - they perfectly correct vision.

Lenses are made from transparent special materials - polymers based on hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Both of these substances are capable of attracting moisture, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the eyes and is capable of delivering oxygen to the surface of the eyeball. Thus, the eye tissues do not lack oxygen.

Note! Currently, more than 125 million people around the world use contact vision correction devices. Most of them are young people aged 12-25 years, and the lion's share of them are female.

It is interesting that for the first time there was talk of correcting vision using such contact means back in the 1500s. A drawing of a ball of water was found in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. If you look through such a ball, the world around you would be less blurry. The same scientist in his scientific works also had prototype diagrams of means reminiscent of modern lenses. Also, the problem of creating such means of vision correction was dealt with by Rene Descartes, Thomas Jung, and at the end of the 19th century, the German physiologist A. G. E. Fick first described a glass lens that had optical power. Also, the very first lens was developed in 1889, also in Germany, by ophthalmologist A. Muller. He also used lenses to correct myopia.

Until approximately the second half of the twentieth century, lenses were made of plexiglass; they were hard, uncomfortable, got in the way and did not allow the eyes to breathe. But in 1960, a polymer was obtained in the Czech Republic, from which they could make soft lenses that absorbed water. The most pleasant to wear and comfortable lenses - hydrogel - appeared about 10-15 years ago.

Features of contact lenses

Due to the fact that contact lenses have a lot of advantages, many people with vision problems refuse to wear glasses in favor of them. Benefits of using lenses:

ease of use;
the ability to see the world around us undistorted;
accessibility;
invisibility to others;
impossibility of breakdown;
no discomfort when entering a warm room from a cool street (in this case, glasses fog up);
low cost;
the opportunity not to be embarrassed by visual defects;
great choice.

However, lenses also have their drawbacks. This is, first of all, a difficulty with lenses, but this drawback can quickly be eliminated simply by mastering the technique of using lenses. They also require special care and can break if handled carelessly. They need to be replaced with new ones regularly, and the period varies from 1 day to several months depending on the type of lenses.

Main types of lenses

Nowadays there are a lot of contact lenses on the market. They are produced under different brands and differ in quality, wear time, materials used for production, degree of transparency, etc.

Table. Types of contact lenses distinguished by ophthalmologists.

Type	Description
	Suitable for those who have minimal problems with eyes and vision, can be used by children as well as adults. There are practically no contraindications for use. They are made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. They are worn by most people with vision problems.
	Such lenses are used by those who have serious vision problems - high degrees of astigmatism or keratoconus. Very dense and fits well to the eye. Made from polymers. Such lenses can only be used as prescribed by a doctor, otherwise there is a high risk of causing serious harm to health.

Note! can even be used to change eye color or create unusual carnival looks. They may not have diopters and are used to achieve some effect.

Also, lenses can be day, night or intended for constant wear. Based on the wearing time, the following types of contact correction devices are distinguished:

one-day;
weekly;
period;
quarterly;
lenses for six months;
lenses for a year.

It is not recommended to choose contact lenses on your own, especially if the person has not even worn glasses before. However, this can still be done, but you must adhere to a number of rules.

It is important to remember that the basic principle of the unauthorized choice of contact lenses is to do no harm! You can’t buy lenses just “for beauty” and as a tribute to fashion (we are not talking about colored lenses). When choosing lenses, you should be guided by the state of your vision, the composition and type of correction products, their expiration date and manufacturer. It is also important to remember that if a person knows exactly the indicators of his vision, then the correction tool should not have the same optical power. It's better to take lenses that are a little weaker.

Advice! When buying lenses yourself, it is better to take those that are worn only. They are usually sold in blisters and do not require special care - you can simply throw them away in the evening after removing them.

Overall, to choose the right contact lenses, you need to remember that they have different characteristics that you should consider. This is the diameter of the lenses, their radius of curvature, thickness and much more.

Note! Good hydrogel lenses should contain 70% water. Such lenses “breathe” better. Although there are correction products on sale with a water content of less than 50%.

It should also be taken into account that if a person has any eye disease that requires treatment, then it is better not to use lenses. They do not have a therapeutic effect, but can only correct the quality of vision.

Why it is not advisable to buy lenses yourself

Many people think that choosing lenses is a simple matter. All you have to do is go to the optician and just buy those that will match the dioptres and suit the price. But in reality everything is much more complicated. It is important to consider that the material of lenses may have different elasticity, wearing incorrectly chosen correction products can cause the development of dry eye syndrome, and a person’s eyes can simply reject foreign material. Some people may also be allergic to lenses.

Only an ophthalmologist will help you make the most correct choice. It will even take into account a person’s lifestyle, because one-day lenses may be suitable for some, while others can easily cope with wearing those that require quarterly replacement. The doctor will also be able to select the correct lens diameter and advise the company that produces the most suitable option in a particular case.

Microtraumas when wearing contact lenses

When wearing contact lenses, the cornea experiences daily stress; microtraumas may appear on its surface, accompanied by pain symptoms, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, lacrimation and redness of the conjunctiva. To restore the tissues of the ocular surface after injuries (with prolonged wearing of contact lenses and in situations of accidental trauma to the cornea of the eye when using lenses), products with dexpanthenol, a substance characterized by a regenerative effect on tissue, in particular, eye gel, can be used as an auxiliary therapy Korneregel. It has a healing effect due to the maximum concentration of dexpanthenol 5%*, and the carbomer included in its composition, due to its viscous texture, prolongs the contact of dexpanthenol with the ocular surface. Korneregel remains on the eye for a long time due to its gel-like form, is easy to apply, penetrates into the deep layers of the cornea and stimulates the regeneration process of the epithelium of the superficial tissues of the eye, promotes the healing of microtraumas and eliminates the sensation of pain. The drug is applied in the evening, when the lenses are already removed.

Video - How to choose lenses?

Fears and risks

In fact, contact lenses are a safe means of vision correction if used wisely. However, many refuse to wear them, even if they really want to learn how to use them. It's all about a number of misconceptions.

For example, some believe that the lens can roll behind the eye and remain there or completely collapse. In fact, this is impossible - the lens is soft and elastic, it simply cannot “break” or in any way damage the eye. And the structure of the eye will not allow it to roll behind him. The maximum that can happen is that the lens gets under the eyelid and prevents the eye from moving normally. But to get rid of it, just pull back the eyelid, and the lens will immediately pop out.

Also, a number of people’s fears are associated with the process of putting on and taking off lenses. Many people think that they cannot cope with this task, because they need to practically touch their eyes with their hands. And then, in order to remove the lens, you need to perform extremely complex measures. But they seem difficult only to those who have never done this and have not developed a habit. Even children cope with this task very quickly and after a couple of attempts to put on and remove the lenses they do it easily.

Advice! To learn how to use lenses easily, you can ask an ophthalmologist for help. He will give useful recommendations, and you can put on lenses for the first time right in his office.

How to care for your lenses

So, the decision has been made and the person is going to buy his first pair of lenses. But how to care for them? An ophthalmologist or optician will give you a reminder, but it’s a good idea to study it again, especially if you never visited a doctor.

Step 1. First you need to buy contact lenses that are suitable in all respects. It is important to remember that complex care will only be needed if the lenses are not disposable. You should also immediately purchase a container for them and a solution for storage and disinfection. By the way, a number of opticians offer a lens selection service upon purchase.

Lenses vary in length of wear. For example, one-day lenses from Bausch+Lomb Biotrue® ONEday are popular. They are made of HyperGel material, which is similar to the structures of the eye and tears, contains a large amount of moisture - 78% and provides comfort even after 16 hours of continuous wear. This is the best option for dryness or discomfort from wearing other lenses. There is no need to care for these lenses; a new pair is worn every day.

There are also scheduled replacement lenses - silicone hydrogel Bausch + Lomb ULTRA, using MoistureSeal® technology (MoistureSeal). They combine high moisture content, good oxygen permeability and softness. Thanks to this, the lenses are not felt when worn and do not damage the eyes. Such lenses require care using special solutions - for example, ReNu MultiPlus (Renu MultiPlus), which moisturizes and cleans soft lenses, destroying viruses, bacteria and fungi, is used to store lenses. For sensitive eyes, the ReNu MPS solution with a reduced concentration of active ingredients is optimal. Despite the softness of the formula, the solution effectively removes deep and superficial stains. A more modern universal solution is Biotrue (Biotru), which, in addition to removing dirt, bacteria and fungi, provides 20-hour hydration of lenses due to the presence of hyaluronan polymer in the product.

Step 2. Before performing any manipulations with lenses, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them. You need to wash the area under your nails very well (important for women).

Step 3. You must remove the lens from the package or container very carefully so as not to damage it. You can use your fingers or special tweezers.

Step 4. You need to remove the lenses using your fingertips.

Step 5. If the lens is torn or has expired, it must be replaced with a new one. Damaged lenses should not be worn.

Step 6. Lenses should only be stored in a special container filled with lens solution. Otherwise, they will dry out instantly and will be unusable. Also, while the lenses are stored in the solution, they undergo a cleaning process. It is best to remove lenses at night (unless we are talking about night lenses).

Step 7 If a person has noted the development of any ophthalmological disease, then lenses should not be worn. They need to be placed in a container - they can be stored in solution for a very long time. The main thing is to change it once a month.

Step 8 The lens case needs to be replaced monthly or quarterly.

Contact lenses are a simple, convenient means of vision correction that does not spoil a person’s appearance. They can be purchased at an optician without a prescription, but it is still strongly recommended to visit an ophthalmologist at least once in order to select lenses and reduce the risk of developing any complications and prevent vision problems.

*5% is the maximum concentration of dexpanthenol among ophthalmic forms in the Russian Federation. According to the State Register of Medicines, State medical devices and organizations (individual entrepreneurs) engaged in the production and manufacture of medical devices, as well as according to data from open sources of manufacturers (official websites, publications), April 2017

There are contraindications. You need to read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Long-term use of a computer without special glasses, incorrect reading, infectious diseases, genetic predisposition - all these are factors that can negatively affect eye health. Vision correction can be carried out using glasses and lenses. The last option is more preferable for many, since it does not change the image of the person as a whole. This way it is possible to hide the fact that there are any vision problems at all. How are lenses selected? You can't do it without the help of a specialist.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are designed on the same principle as glasses for glasses. These are transparent devices of a special shape that are installed on the eyeball and refract light so that it correctly enters the retina. How to choose contact lenses? The choice is made primarily based on the diagnosis given to a particular patient. The same lenses cannot be used equally for nearsightedness and farsightedness. In addition, there are special corrective devices designed for patients who suffer from astigmatism or presbyopia.

How to choose lenses for your eyes? The first thing to do is visit an ophthalmologist for a thorough diagnostic examination. Only a specialist can choose the most suitable device for vision correction.

What types of contact lenses are there?

Today you can find options of various shapes on sale. In addition, these devices can be hard or elastic. Silicone hydrogel lenses have become very popular lately. They are able to transmit oxygen, which makes it possible not only to correct vision, but also to maintain the functionality of the eyes. The cornea “breathes” the same way as without lenses. Silicone devices are the most expensive today.

A more economical option is hydrogel lenses. These are also flexible devices additionally saturated with moisture. These lenses can be easily installed. The only negative is insufficient oxygen access to the cornea. For this reason, it is recommended to use lenses as needed and always remove them at night.

Optical glass options are considered the least expensive. A huge disadvantage is the limitation of moisture and lack of oxygen for the cornea. At the same time, such lenses are the most durable and durable.

Another modern option is daily lenses. This device can only be used once. This is an ideal option for people who travel a lot and cannot carry out high-quality disinfection of contact lenses. However, this option cannot be called cheap. How to choose lenses for your eyes without a doctor? You will have to consult a specialist at an optical salon.

An eye examination is the first step to making the right choice.

As soon as you notice that your vision has deteriorated significantly, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. There is no need to delay; with many diseases, the condition of the eyes can deteriorate rapidly. The first thing the doctor will do is listen to the patient's complaints, and then conduct a series of tests to determine the health of the cornea. Aspects such as the state of vision in general, peripheral visual acuity, work of the eye muscles, intraocular pressure, etc. will be taken into account.

How to choose lenses by dioptre? It all depends on the method of vision correction chosen by the ophthalmologist based on the results of the study. The worse your vision, the higher diopters the lenses will have.

Selection of contact lenses

Diagnosis is the main aspect in the selection of lenses for vision correction. But physical characteristics also matter. Eyeballs may vary in size and shape. It is important that the devices do not cause discomfort during operation and sit well on the eyes. It is almost impossible to choose lenses without a doctor. An ophthalmologist uses special equipment to measure the eyeball. The correct fit is primarily influenced by the curvature of the eyeball.

An indicator such as eye moisture may also differ from patient to patient. So, for people who suffer from excessive dryness, ordinary glass lenses are not suitable. They require an elastic option with additional moisture (hydrogel lenses).

Properly selected contact lenses do not contribute to the development of myopia, but can affect changes in the tissues of the ocular surface, which is often accompanied by discomfort and dry eye syndrome. A comprehensive solution helps - the use of ophthalmic gel and eye drops.

Korneregel gel helps eliminate the causes of discomfort. It contains carbomer on a soft gel base, which maintains complete hydration, and dexpanthenol, which has a healing effect. When using Korneregel, you should remove contact lenses or, using a gel for prevention, apply it at the end of the day, at night.

Those who feel discomfort and dryness throughout the day should choose Artelak Balance drops, which combine a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B12. Hyaluronic acid forms a film on the surface of the eye that provides hydration. The moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid prolongs the special protector. Vitamin B12 is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals.

For those who experience discomfort occasionally and usually towards the end of the day, Artelak Splash drops containing 0.24% hyaluronic acid are suitable.

There are contraindications. You need to read the instructions or consult a specialist.

In conclusion, the specialist must make sure that there are no factors that could complicate the use of contact lenses. A thorough examination of the cornea is carried out. If any mechanical damage is detected, the ophthalmologist will advise you to choose glasses.

Fitting

Before choosing lenses, sometimes you have to try on several options. The ophthalmologist should look at how the lenses fit on the eyeball and whether they interfere with the patient. It is possible to assess whether the selected type of lenses is suitable for a particular person only 10-15 minutes after trying them on. The eyes must adapt to the lenses.

You need to be prepared for the fact that choosing lenses is a long process that requires attention. Choosing glasses can be much easier. In addition to the fact that the doctor must assess the health of the eyes, other important factors are taken into account (the patient’s age, physical characteristics, the presence of chronic diseases). Often ophthalmologists refuse parents who come to pick up lenses for a preschool child. Due to their age, children will not be able to talk about their feelings while trying on a corrective device. In addition, children will not be able to use the lenses correctly.

The next stage is learning how to handle lenses

Be that as it may, contact lenses are a foreign object on the eyeball. Any wrong movement can damage the cornea. Therefore, before choosing lenses for your eyes, you need to listen to a specialist’s instructions on how to use such a delicate device. Ophthalmologists say that learning how to put on and remove lenses is not that difficult. After just a few tries on, the movements become automatic. An indicator that the lenses are worn correctly will be the absence of the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

It becomes clear how to choose the right lenses. How should you care for them? The ophthalmologist will also tell you about this at your appointment. The ideal option is daily lenses. Each pair must be discarded immediately after use. But reusable devices should be properly disinfected and stored in a special liquid.

Follow-up visit to the doctor

After the lenses are selected, they visit the ophthalmologist several more times. What is this for? The specialist must evaluate whether the choice was made correctly and whether the contact lens does not interfere with the functionality of the eyeball. It is recommended to visit a specialist after two weeks of regular use of the vision correction device. The doctor again conducts a thorough examination of the patient using the same indicators as before selecting lenses.

If the eye condition worsens over a short period of time, the doctor will consider the advisability of using the chosen vision correction technique. Lenses are not always beneficial. In some cases, the best choice will be glasses that are familiar to many.

Selection of lenses without a doctor

It will not be possible to make a choice without a specialist. You will still have to visit an ophthalmologist in order for him to make an accurate diagnosis. But you can go to an optical salon yourself. How to choose lenses for your eyes without a doctor? This can be done if you have a prescription for glasses. Based on the certificate's indicators, a salon specialist will help you make the right choice. The patient will be offered several options at once. And, again, you can’t settle on a certain option without trying it on. It will no longer be possible to return the lenses after several days of use. This is an item for purely individual use.

How to choose contact lenses if you have to deal with vision correction for the first time? Ophthalmologists say that the most suitable option would be classic spherical lenses. They fit perfectly on any eyeballs if you additionally use special moisturizing drops.

Eye adaptation is also important. If you have encountered such a device for the first time, it is recommended to use it for the first day for no more than 2 hours. Further, the operating time should be increased by 1-2 hours. It is advisable to remove lenses at night, even if they are suitable for 24-hour use.

A little about colored lenses

Recently, colored lenses for the eyes have become extremely popular, which can not only correct vision, but also change eye color. Some options generally have a purely decorative function and allow you to create a mysterious image with a “cat-like” look. It is worth remembering that playing with natural eye color is not always safe. How to choose colored lenses? Only in a specialized optics salon! Under no circumstances should you purchase decorative eye accessories from unknown online stores. The seller must have the appropriate license.

Poor-quality colored lenses can worsen visual acuity and trigger irreversible pathological processes. A bright image with an unnatural eye color can even result in blindness!

It is not always enough to know how lenses are selected. You can maintain the functionality and health of your eyes if you use the device correctly. It is worth carefully studying the instructions for use offered by the manufacturer. You should never use lenses longer than the specified period. Over time, any material, even high-quality material, ages, loses its functionality, and ceases to allow oxygen to pass through. Mechanical damage may appear on the lenses, which will affect vision.

Lenses must be cleaned regularly with a special solution. This will prevent the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms on the surface of the device. Use lenses with caution if you need to instill medications into your eyes. Before taking the drug, you must carefully study the instructions. Manufacturers usually indicate whether the medication can be used in conjunction with lenses or whether the foreign body must be removed.

If you have to deal with eye inflammation, you will have to temporarily stop using contact lenses.

Let's sum it up

Contact lenses are an excellent device that will help restore visual acuity. But the choice should be made with special attention. It will not be possible to do without the help of an ophthalmologist. Experts recommend avoiding the use of lenses to correct eye color.

What are the dangers of wearing contact lenses too long?

This is one of the problems that literally permeates the contact correction market in the Russian Federation. We have a very low culture of wearing contact lenses.
We can talk for a long time about the consequences of postmaturity.
In short, problems of a hypoxic nature may develop, that is, caused by a constant lack of oxygen necessary for the normal functioning and metabolism of the cells of the cornea.
Since there are no blood vessels in the cornea, its cells receive oxygen directly from the surrounding air (with the eye open). The contact lens screens this oxygen supply channel and reduces the gas volume to a significant extent.
Cells are forced to switch to anaerobic metabolism, with the ensuing consequences.
To solve the problem, the body tries to “establish a supply” of cells from vessels located outside the cornea - they grow to the cornea through the stroma, the eye turns red. The vessels can further grow into the cornea itself - so-called neovascularization occurs. This is very dangerous.
Over-wearing your lenses also increases your risk of developing an eye infection.
To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to wear contact lenses for no longer than the period recommended by the manufacturer, and it is advisable to wear contact lenses that allow oxygen to pass through well - for example, modern silicone hydrogel lenses. For more information about daily, flexible and extended wearing modes, read our material “Regises for wearing and replacing contact lenses.”

Please tell me which of the existing types of contact lenses is the safest?

The issue of contact lens safety can be compared to the safety of cars.
From time to time, crash tests are carried out to show that some cars are safer than others in the event of an accident. However, it is impossible to foresee all possible circumstances.
Still, the outcome largely depends on the driver himself and his driving culture. Some of them can even turn over on a tank.
It's the same with contact lenses. There are recommendations from manufacturing companies and research institutions about which lenses are safer. But safety largely depends on the person who wears the lenses. If he is neat, clean, follows hygiene and all the doctor’s recommendations for caring for contact lenses, and does not wear the lenses longer than the recommended period, then the likelihood of complications occurring is small.
If it’s the other way around, then even the safest contact lenses can lead to problems.
At the moment, ONE-DAY contact lenses are considered the safest - for example, Focus Dailies, 1-Day Acuvue, SofLens One Day, etc. They are worn for one day, put on in the morning, taken off in the evening and thrown away. The next morning, a fresh new contact lens is put on. Since these contact lenses do not need to be stored in a container, this reduces the likelihood of complications.

How much myopia must be to be able to wear contact lenses and at what age is it best to start wearing them?

1) Myopia must be such that it can be corrected with contact lenses. That is, its value must fall within the refraction range of contact lenses produced by the manufacturing company.
2) Ophthalmologists also use contact lenses on newborn babies. But specifically in your case, the answer should be given by a contact specialist.
In the West, contact lenses are prescribed in private salons for both children and adults. In our country, it is more difficult to select lenses for children, but after reaching adulthood, they are usually selected in all opticians.

Tell me, is it possible to take a shower wearing soft contact lenses? The thing is that after working out at the gym I want to wash my face, but I’m not sure whether it’s possible or not?

Please note the following:
1) A stream of water under pressure can easily wash away a soft lens from the eye - therefore (and not only for this reason) the eyes should be closed when taking a shower.
2) Any shampoo or soap that gets on the soft lens will be absorbed by it and thereby its parameters will be violated, and the time of exposure of the detergent to the eye will also increase (irritation, burning). Therefore, it is better to avoid using detergents (at least for washing your face and hair).
3) Over time, colonies of fungi form on the shower curtains or doors, which, if they come into contact with a soft lens, can lead to complications. Therefore, if you touch curtains or doors with your hands, refrain from contacting your fingers and the cable. It is best to use daily lenses - even if mushrooms get on them, throw them away when you get home.
So, it’s better to buy a pack of daily lenses for shaping.

What risks do I take when I wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses continuously?

You are risking the health of your eyes.
Statistics show that the high oxygen permeability of silicone hydrogel lenses does not guarantee protection against, for example, infectious complications - for example, microbial keratitis.
The issue of continuous wearing of silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses is a very voluminous topic that is constantly discussed at scientific conferences of ophthalmologists involved in contact correction. Russian ophthalmologists are generally against the continuous wearing of silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses.
Here is the opinion of the chief physician of the Eye Center on Mokhovaya, 38, V. O. Sokolov:
The entire history of the development of contact correction is associated with the fight against hypoxia, which ranks first among the causes of complications when wearing contact lenses.
A big breakthrough in its time was the invention of the first “breathing” lenses by Otto Wichterle. What methods were used to combat hypoxia? Firstly, materials with increased hydrophilicity were developed, since a direct relationship was established between gas permeability and the degree of hydrophilicity of the material. This trend has led to the creation of approximately one and a half hundred materials, and materials have emerged whose water content by weight exceeds 75 percent. However, as water content increases, lens handling becomes a problem: since highly hydrophilic lenses do not hold their shape well, they become less comfortable to put on and take off. The second way is to reduce the thickness of the central part of the lens, which led to the creation of ultra-thin contact lenses. However, all of these lenses, if not removed during sleep, exacerbate post-night corneal edema to clinically significant levels. A study conducted by Brian Holden and George Mertz showed that nocturnal corneal edema increased only slightly when using lenses whose oxygen transmittance (Dk/t) exceeded 87. Therefore, a fundamentally new approach was the invention of new materials - silicone hydrogels. Of course, contact lenses made from them also aggravate nighttime corneal edema, but the degree of its increase is clinically insignificant.
Are these lenses the solution to the problem for those who want to sleep with lenses on? In any case, they (contact lenses) remain a foreign body with all the ensuing consequences. Under them, like under any other lens, dust can get in, bacteria can become contaminated, discomfort can occur in conditions of increased dryness, and deposits can also appear on them. Their undeniable advantage is that, if necessary, they can be left on during sleep for several days in a row without risk to eye health (it has been officially proven that up to thirty days in a row). Since we, doctors, are responsible for the health of our patients, we should position any lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses, as daily wear lenses, which can be used for continuous wear only when necessary. That is, these are lenses for non-standard or extreme situations, requiring minimal care, on the one hand, and providing an excellent opportunity for high-quality correction when worn during the day, on the other.

Can I switch to other contact lenses on my own using the refractometer readings?

Firstly, we note that contact lenses are a medical product. Therefore, contact doctors do not sell contact lenses, but a medical service - the selection of contact lenses.
The point here is that even with the same parameters, contact lenses of different brands will “sit” on the eye differently. It is for this reason that manufacturing companies conduct training seminars among contactologists, in which they give recommendations on the selection of contact lenses they produce. Therefore, simply switching to lenses from another brand with the same parameters does not always lead to the desired results - due to differences in the design of contact lenses. The concept of “contact lens design” includes parameters, each of which affects the fit of the lens - this includes the thickness at the center, the diameter of the lens, the base radius, the shape of the front and back surfaces, etc.

Do contact lenses lose their properties when exposed to air? Is it now dangerous to wear them?

To answer your question, we will quote a paragraph from the brochure "ACUVUE Contact Lenses. Information for the Patient" (published by Johnson & Johnson).
Specifically, on page 20 it states: "If a contact lens is left exposed to air for 30 minutes to 1 hour or longer after being removed from the eye, the surface will dry out and gradually lose its wettability. If this occurs, throw away the contact lens and use a new one." ".

If the solution for soft contact lenses says that it is universal and no additional cleaning is required, is it worth cleaning them with tablets?

In general, regularly cleaning contact lenses with enzymatic cleaners has never harmed anyone - the longer contact lenses are used, the greater the degree of accumulation of deposits, which a universal solution may not be able to remove. Much also depends on the brand of solution you use. In any case, if you have the opportunity to use enzymatic cleaners (tablets), then it is better to continue using them (unless, of course, the instructions for the solution prohibit this) - your contact lenses will be cleaner and safer.

Can contact lenses affect vision impairment? If yes, then in what cases? Can vision deteriorate during pregnancy?

Contact lenses as a method of vision correction have long been part of our lives. The experience of millions of contact lens users shows that in the absence of contraindications to wearing them, the correct selection of contact lenses by a professional doctor and the patient’s compliance with the rules for the care and use of contact lenses, contact lenses do not lead to vision deterioration. However, it should be remembered that visual impairment occurs for three main reasons:
changes in refractive indices of the eye,
disease of the optical media of the eye,
dysfunction of the optic nerve.
Contact lenses can only help compensate for changes in eye refraction, which can occur for various reasons. At the same time, they remain a foreign body for the eyes, so contact lenses may become contaminated with bacteria, dust may get under the contact lens, and various deposits may grow on it. All this can lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is very important not to engage in self-selection of contact lenses, contact a contact doctor who will examine your eyes and, if there are no contraindications, prescribe the most suitable contact lenses, and also explain how to care for them.
Due to hormonal changes, dry eyes, etc., vision deterioration or changes may occur during pregnancy. Expectant mothers may experience dry eyes, blurred vision, may see spots in their field of vision, and microbleeding may occur in the eyes. After childbirth, most women's vision returns to normal. More information can be obtained from a contact specialist or an ophthalmologist.

Is it possible for me to get contact lenses for astigmatism?

For astigmatism, so-called TORIC contact lenses are prescribed. These contact lenses have a special design, and thanks to this they correct astigmatism. Read more about correcting astigmatism using toric lenses in our material. Such contact lenses are also available for sale in our country. To select such contact lenses, please contact a contact doctor who has experience in fitting toric contact lenses.

Do you need special cosmetics for those who use contact lenses?

Are contact lenses suitable for leisure use?

Contact lenses are successfully combined with various types of recreation, including. It is much more convenient to rest in lenses than in glasses, since lenses provide not only high visual acuity, but also a wide viewing angle, correct perception of the size of objects and the distance to them. During active recreation, which involves jumping and other sudden movements of the user’s body and head, the likelihood of contact lenses, especially soft ones, falling out of the eyes is minimal, in contrast to corrective glasses, which can fly off the face during the first jump, or if a ball hits them - can also lead to injury. In addition, contact lenses go well with equipment such as. Thus, the user has access to a wider selection of equipment for the types of recreation that interest him.
Nevertheless, all the advantages listed above do not relieve you of the need to remember a number of warnings, which will allow you to use contact lenses safely on vacation. First of all, such warnings concern recreation on the water. If you choose to keep your contact lenses on while swimming in a natural or artificial body of water, including a swimming pool, they must be immediately removed and disinfected after swimming. Since it can be difficult in nature, it would be wiser to use . They require no maintenance, so after bathing they can be removed and thrown away, and then replaced with either a fresh pair of contact lenses or glasses.
It would also be wise to use contact lenses with a UV filter when outdoors, which will provide additional protection for the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, which is an integral part of sunlight.

Is taking medications harmful to wearing contact lenses?

Taking many medications does not make wearing contact lenses difficult at all, since it does not in any way affect the comfort and quality of vision of lens users. However, there are exceptions to keep in mind.
Medicines for instillation into the eyes. Many medications (in the form of drops and gels) for the treatment of various eye diseases should be used only after removing contact lenses. Otherwise, the effectiveness of their use will be reduced, and contact lenses may be damaged.
Such preparations should not be confused with moisturizing and lubricating eye drops, which help improve the comfort of wearing lenses and many of which are instilled while lenses are placed on the eyes.
Medicines for oral administration. Problems with the comfort of using contact lenses and the quality of vision in them can arise as a result of taking medications for allergies, colds, seasickness, as well as tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, etc. Oral intake of certain contraceptives can lead to the same problems for lens users. The possibility of wearing contact lenses while taking such medications should be consulted with an ophthalmologist who specializes in contact vision correction.
Therapeutic use of soft contact lenses. In some cases, drug treatment of eye diseases is inextricably linked with the use. In this case, the latter are saturated with the desired drug in liquid form and placed on the eyes. This method of therapeutic treatment is much more effective than the traditional one, since the drug, gradually released from the lens matrix, acts on the eye tissue for a long time, and is not excreted with tears soon after instillation.

Only at first glance they seem identical and simple in terms of choice. Difficulties arise when the buyer is faced with the task of purchasing his first lenses.

Many brands and models, unclear labeling and different pricing policies - it’s not easy to figure it out. The tips collected in this article will tell you which contact lenses are best to choose. They will concern only those parameters that ophthalmologists allow patients to select independently.

Criteria that only an ophthalmologist selects

The main task of CL for vision correction is to correctly refract light rays, thereby compensating for refractive errors. The optical characteristics of CLs must strictly correspond to the individual characteristics of the human visual system. To determine which type of lenses is suitable for a particular patient, it is necessary to obtain data on at least three basic parameters:

Cons: they are very thick and block the access of oxygen to the cornea; it is recommended to wear them no longer than 6-8 hours at a time.

Popular models: Ophthalmix Butterfly, Ophthalmix Colors, Tutti Impression Black, Aquamax Colors, FreshLook Color Blends.

Replacement timing

Based on replacement time, contact optics can be divided into 4 large groups:, or.

One-day

Only soft models of lenses are produced as one-day lenses. They are intended for use within 24 hours, after which they must be disposed of. Buyers of “one-day” items are captivated by their convenience, because the products do not require any maintenance. All you have to do is take a new lens out of the blister in the morning, put it on, and take it off in the evening and throw it away.
What are the benefits of disposable lenses:

The models have one drawback - high cost. If you plan to use ephemera on an ongoing basis, you need to be prepared for significant financial expenses.

Inexpensive models: SofLens daily disposable from Bausch&Lomb, Maxima 1-Day Comfort from Maxima Optics.

Two weeks

Lenses designed for 14 days optimally combine criteria such as quality and price. They have excellent optical characteristics, oxygen permeability and moisture content. The properties are similar to one-day models, but they have a more affordable price.

Thanks to the short wearing period, protein deposits do not have time to accumulate on the surface of the contact lenses, which means maintenance will be easier. The user will not need enzyme solutions for deep cleaning of organic compounds. Two-week lenses are inferior to one-day models only in terms of care, which cannot be avoided.

The largest range of two-week replacement lenses is offered by the Acuvue brand (Advance, Oasys lines).

Monthly

As the name suggests, the optics are designed to be replaced once every 30 days. It is much more profitable to buy durable products, but strict hygiene must be observed. Monthly lenses require the use of lenses that will clean the surface of germs and protein deposits.

The buyer can choose a CL for daytime or prolonged wear (can be left on at night). The second type is made exclusively from silicone hydrogel, which supports the breathing of the cornea.

The main advantage of monthly CLs is their affordable cost. The main disadvantage is that it is difficult to use additional accessories and cleaning liquids. Failure to comply with hygiene rules can lead to infection and inflammation of the membranes of the eyeball.

ADVICE! For the summer, you should look into contact lenses with an ultraviolet filter. They will not replace sunglasses, but when paired with them, they protect your eyes well from burning rays.

Popular brands: Ophthalmix Profi, Sauflon 55 UV, Air Optix Night&Day Aqua, Pure Vision.

Quarterly

Long-term wear lenses are designed to last for three months, during which you are allowed not to replace your old pair with a new one. But owners need to take into account one nuance - you cannot sleep in these lenses, they are only suitable for daytime wear. This feature is due to the texture of the lenses - they are denser and less oxygen permeable, so your eyes need to be given time to rest.

Special requirements are imposed on the care of quarterly CLs. At least once a month, the optics must be subjected to deep mechanical cleaning and treatment with enzyme solutions.

Advantages of quarterly CLs:

increased strength;

optimal moisture;

high-quality vision correction;

the ability to choose a product with a UV filter.

The disadvantage of quarterly optics is low oxygen permeability and painstaking maintenance. Holders of quarterly CLs are more susceptible to the risk of eye infection and corneal hypoxia than others. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the wearing regime and do not forget about daily cleansing.

Models: Ophthalmix Butterfly CLEAR, Adria moninq, NewGen, Optima, Precision UV, Ophthalmix soft colors, SofLens Natural Colors.

If you have any difficulties selecting a model, you can purchase several blisters of lenses at once. They must correspond to the optical parameters specified in the recipe, but other properties may differ. By testing different types of contact optics in practice, you will be able to finally decide on the ideal model and brand for yourself.

Selecting your first contact lenses is a responsible undertaking.

Although a prescription is not required to purchase them, choosing the right vision correction products Only an ophthalmologist can.

Selection of colored and regular contact lenses for the eyes from an ophthalmologist

For the right choice the first thing you need to do is visit a doctor, who will test your vision. Depending on which line in the table the patient sees, the degree of visual acuity impairment is determined.

During diagnosis, the ophthalmologist identifies radius of curvature of the cornea and pupil diameter. This is necessary in order to choose the option of lens products that will be the most convenient.

The doctor should also be aware of the level of sensitivity of the eyes, because the type of material from which the lenses will be made depends on this.

During the conversation, the doctor will learn:

about the presence of concomitant diseases and possible contraindications;
about the patient's work characteristics;
about motivation.

After this it is determined wearing mode, replacement time and color lenses

How to choose the right lenses for your vision? Options

After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes prescription for purchase lenses These products always have a number of characteristics.

Material

Contact lens products divided into soft, which are silicone hydrogel and hydrogel, as well as hard.

The latter type is used only if there are serious problems with eye refraction. Such models have high density and constant properties. Their advantages:

ease of cleaning;
durability;
ensuring quality vision.

If hard contact lenses do not fit tightly to the cornea, then if you fall or with sudden movements they may fall out.

Soft types are very popular. They are more comfortable to wear: Even after the first try-on, people rarely experience discomfort. Such products fit tightly to the cornea. When wearing them, a person does not feel the presence of a foreign object on the organ of vision.

Photo 1. Two soft contact lenses for the eyes. Such products are much more convenient than rigid types.

These products have disadvantages:

Rough handling leads to their damage.
They absorb moisture well.
Without a container, they quickly dry out and become brittle.

If a person does not use a disinfectant solution, then they will quickly settle on their surface. fungi and bacteria. This will lead to infectious and inflammatory diseases of the visual organs.

Silicone hydrogel products, Thanks to the special silicone lattice built into the hydrogel lens, they have a high oxygen permeability coefficient. They are very elastic and quickly absorb moisture, so at first your eyes may feel dry and feel like there is a foreign object in them. These types of vision correction require some getting used to.

Silicone hydrogel types have the following advantages:

During their use, the liquid does not evaporate.
Convenient to put on and take off.
Resistant to lipid and protein deposits.

Hydrogel lenses soft and thin. They are fragile, so they are easy to damage. These models do not cause discomfort.

Wearing period

Contact lenses are selected and According to the period of wearing, they are:

one-day;
planned replacement;
traditional.

The most comfortable are the one-day ones, which are worn 7-10 hours. They are the thinnest and most harmless. They contain a large amount of water. Products are put on in the morning and thrown away in the evening. They are expensive and do not require a cleaning solution or storage container.

Attention! Period of use of planned contact lenses - no more than a month. During this short time, they do not have time to get dirty, so to clean them, a universal solution is enough, which can eliminate protein deposits.

Traditional (classic) can be worn from six months to 9 months. If planned lenses are silicone hydrogel and hydrogel, then these products are made only from hydrogel.

Mode selection rules

Another point that the ophthalmologist takes into account when selecting lens products is the wearing mode. It happens:

Daytime. Products are worn only during the day and removed at night. Suitable for sensitive eyes.
Prolonged. You are allowed not to take pictures 7 days.
Flexible. This mode is suitable for situations where the user is in unusual conditions. These types wear 2-3 days.

There is also a continuous wearing mode when the products are not removed a whole month. It is used only when absolutely necessary, since over time lipids and proteins accumulate on the products, which can lead to irritation of the ocular mucosa. The ophthalmologist selects a wearing regimen depending on:

from the rhythm of human life;
from the patient's habits;
the ability to adhere to the replacement schedule.

Radius of curvature and diameter

From the radius of curvature and diameter depends on the landing contact lens on the eye. These are the main parameters that the doctor takes into account when selecting vision correction products.

The radius is the curvature of the central part of the lens product. This indicator should ideally match the curvature of the cornea.

The diameter shows the distance between the edges, which is measured through the center. Soft products generally have a diameter 13-15 mm.

Reference. Most often, people use lenses in which this indicator is within from 13.8 mm to 14.5 mm. In most cases, the size is the same for both organs of vision.

Moisture content and oxygen permeability coefficient

The coefficient of oxygen permeability and moisture content are parameters that must be taken into account at the stage of selecting vision correction products. To prevent patients from developing dry eye syndrome, pay attention to the percentage of water content in contact lenses. There are 3 product categories:

highly hydrophilic (water content above 50%);
with an average value (water content 50% );
low hydrophilic (water content up to 50%).

When selecting lenses, the doctor takes into account one more parameter - oxygen permeability, denoted as Dk/t.

Choose better products with medium water content, but the oxygen permeability index must be high.

Optical power must also be taken into account. You should not strive to choose products in which everything will be visible perfectly. Since contact products are located directly on the eye, a person already sees better in them than in glasses with the same diopters.

Which lenses are better to choose, where to buy

If the contact lenses are comfortable and correctly selected, there will be an opportunity to improve vision.

Lenses can be purchased in pharmacies or specialized optical stores. Products can also be ordered online.

For sensitive eyes

The best lenses for sensitive eyes are those that:

have slight elasticity And increased moisture content;
Very soft and thin;
biocompatible with eye tissues.

Preference must be given one-day products or products frequent replacement.

Photo 2. Packaging of daily contact lenses from the manufacturer Bausch&Lomb. Each product is in a separate blister.

For beginners whose eyes are highly sensitive, it is recommended to select silicone hydrogel types. This material is considered the safest. Good silicone hydrogel lenses are easy to put on and take off. They allow oxygen and tear fluid to pass through. Even if you don’t take them out at night, your eyes won’t experience discomfort or dry out.

For myopia and farsightedness

For people suffering from farsightedness, soft lenses are suitable. They are comfortable, hold up well and are easy to get used to. With the help of such products, it is possible to correct age-related farsightedness, in which comfortable and soft multifocal types.