Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses

Contact lenses, what is it?

Contact lenses are discs that apply to the eyes to correct vision. They are rapidly evolving and their users around the world are constantly increasing because of the benefits they enjoy compared to glasses, while their cost has dropped significantly. Contact with lenses is better than with glasses because the lenses provide a wider field of view that is not obstructed by the skeleton, they also do not cause prismatic distortion like the glasses, they provide better peripheral vision because the lenses always move with the eye staying in place. right center. They provide a natural look without the eyes appearing larger or smaller than they actually are, allow sports to be played without the fear of being injured by the sighting breakage, can be used smoothly in all weather conditions, and generally contribute to the user look good, feel good, and therefore look good.

How were soft contact lenses discovered?

Soft contact lenses owe their discovery to Czech chemist Otto Vichterle in 1959. Vichterle was a member of the Czech parliament with democratic views and principles, his democratic views being the reason for his expulsion in 1961 and his prescription. from the Czech state to an American company. Otto Vichtler unfortunately did not receive the slightest amount of money from the Czech state for the sale of his patent. He died in August 1988. In the announcement of his death, the first US newspaper Washington Post wrote: "The invention of the Czech Otto Vichterle has evolved into a multibillion-dollar international business."

What do contact lens users gain?

Those who have made the "step" of switching from glasses to contact lenses can now choose sunglasses without having to worry about whether they can be modified to incorporate corrective lenses or not. They can stand in the rain without the need for 'wipers'. They can indulge in sports without fear that their sunglasses may break. They have been relieved of the weight that slips continuously from their nose, which blurs, "relaxes" and poses risks of fracture or bending, while another important factor is that they have improved aesthetically.

I've never worn lenses, but I want to! What should I do;

What you need to do is contact an ophthalmologist or optometrist who, after receiving your history, will make the necessary measurements, and will determine if you are clinically able to wear contact lenses. If you find it appropriate then it will be followed by a trial run with the appropriate modifications, where and when they are needed, and of course it will train you according to the protocol for the correct and safe use of contact lenses. But you should always follow his instructions.

Is it safe to use contact lenses?

Whether or not you use contact lenses is up to you. If you follow the hygiene rules carefully, follow the manufacturer's and your ophthalmologist's or optician's instructions for use, always replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions, wash-dry your hands well before contacting the lenses then the chances of infection are limited. important. Studies that often see the light of publicity unfortunately prove that the majority of people using contact lenses do not adhere to the protocol of good use.

 

How do I apply or remove contact lenses?

Applying contact lenses.

1) Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, remove the contact lens from its case.
2) Place the contact lens at the edge of your pointer with the hollow part facing up.
3) Pull the lower eyelid with the middle finger and look up until the white part of your eye appears.
4) Insert the contact lens into your eye, remove your finger and release your eyelid, open your eyes. The lens will come in and stabilize in the center of your eye. You can also put the lens right on the cornea. To achieve this, look at the lens focusing and gently place it in the center of your eye.

Removing soft contact lenses.

1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
2) Lower the contact lens to the white part of the eye with your finger, gently press the lens between the index finger and the thumb, and lift it out of your eye.

When should soft contact lenses be replaced?

Contact lenses have a specific timetable of use. Daily contact lenses should be replaced on a daily basis, require no maintenance and are discarded after use. Weekly, fortnightly, and monthly, as the name implies, are contact lenses that should be replaced every week every two weeks or every month respectively. They require a disinfection and storage cleaning procedure. If you are unsure or cannot locate this contact, you usually consult the ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist or alternatively visit the official website of the contact lens manufacturer you are using. NEVER use your contact lenses for longer than specified even when they do not show obvious signs of damage. This is related to the "aging" of the materials that the contact lenses are made of, so losing their properties does not allow for proper oxygenation of the eye, and also their surface loses the smooth texture they had when they were new, so begins you create friction between your contact lenses and your eyes resulting in an unpleasant sensation of friction and irritation. It is also noteworthy that losing contact lenses their properties favor the introduction of micro-organisms and the growth of germs which in turn can endanger the health of your eyes.

Should contact lenses be rubbed during the cleaning process?

Yes it is recommended. Although almost all modern cleaning liquids in the market now indicate that contact lenses do not require rubbing during the cleaning process, by rubbing your contact lenses during the cleaning process you achieve the benefit of eliminating protein accumulation. offering you the best possible results.

Is UV protection sufficient for certain contact lenses?

Many daily and monthly contact lenses have a built-in UV filter, the protection they provide to the user is fair but not complete. In countries with strong sunshine during the year such as Greece and Cyprus it is recommended to use high quality sunglasses for maximum protection.

 

What are the main categories of contact lens cleaning solutions?

Contact lens fluids are divided into two major categories. The so-called cold chemical cleaning liquids and hydrogen peroxide-assisted purification systems.

Cold cleaning liquids are the most common. They have the advantage that contact lenses do not need to be rinsed before they are applied.

Hydrogen peroxide contact lens cleaning systems make cleaning of contact lenses more powerful but can cause burns if a quantity of unused liquid is found in the eye. They need specific time to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide inside the special case (usually 6 hours).

The final solution obtained after neutralization has absolutely no germicidal effect.

In the past, allergies to hydrogen peroxide systems were observed because they contained two substances, thimerosal and chlorhexidine. Today these substances have been abolished

The solution category is chosen after a discussion with your ophthalmologist or practitioner who will assist you in choosing the right solution to meet your needs.

 

What if I do not have contact lens fluid to disinfect them?

To date, there is no liquid or solid material that can be used as a substitute for contact lens cleaning fluid. Any liquid such as tap water, bottled, distilled water, or even commercially available sterile injectable will harm or not properly clean your contact lenses, thus using them to endanger your eye health.

Can I bath with contact lenses?

Contact lenses and swimming do not go together! However, if you wish you can wear the lenses and use the commercially available swim goggles for your protection, or alternatively use daily contact lenses, which you should remove and dispose of immediately after exiting the water. . The water of the water supply system as well as the sea water as well as the swimming pool is also not compatible with the contact lenses so any contact with the above liquids will damage them and endanger your eye health.

 

What do I do if I lose a contact lens or get torn?

It should be replaced immediately, a wise proverb says caring children before they starve cook, so a good solution is to always have daily contact lenses with you.

Contact lenses, myopia and pregnancy

During pregnancy many hormonal changes occur in the body, changes which, among other things, usually affect vision. If pre-existing myopia can increase by an average to some degree, this increase in myopia is transient, scientifically there is no precise reason but it is associated with an increase in corneal thickness, a change in the tear layer as well as in the appearance of ejaculation. edema in the cornea during pregnancy. You should consult your ophthalmologist or optician about the use of contact lenses during pregnancy as your hormonal changes and in particular the change in the tear layer make contact lenses more difficult to apply in the past.

What should I do if I sleep with lenses that are not special to it?

Contact lenses should be removed and observed for irritation or redness in the eyes, if irritation should be consulted by an ophthalmologist or optician. You can consult your ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist to inform you about new generation Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses that allow many users even 24-hour use without causing eye irritation. You can also find out below in this menu listing information on new generation Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses.

 

How do I use lacquer or make-up with my lenses?

Eyliner, Never put eyeliner beyond the lash line, there is a high chance that the sebaceous glands will clog. Inattentive use of eyeliner can also contaminate your contact lenses.

Spray: You should always keep your eyes closed when spraying or spraying your hair. Wait for the droplets to float in the atmosphere and then open your eyes. The damage to the contact lenses that can be caused by spray or varnish is permanent, the contact lenses are obsolete and should be discarded.

Hierarchically, you should first apply the lacquer to your hair, then apply your contact lenses and then carefully apply your make-up.

 

Can contact lenses slip behind the eye?

No, this can never happen because there is a natural barrier between the front and the back of our eyes. So if the contact lens is "lost" in the eye you should not panic and search quietly under your eyelid, you will usually find it folded under the upper eyelid.

Are there any disadvantages to contact lenses?

Correct and responsible use of contact lenses only offers advantages. The disadvantages of contact lenses result only from incorrect use. hygiene rules should always be strictly adhered to, namely good hand washing and drying before applying contact lenses to our eyes, good washing and drying of hands before removing contact lenses from our eyes. We should not prolong their use if we feel inconvenienced, we should replace them on time, and we should always make sure to clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Surveys occasionally unfortunately show that a very low percentage of the population makes proper use of contact lenses.

What is a dry eye?

Dry eye is an eye disease that is associated with a disorder of the quality or quantity of tears normally present in the eye.

The causes may be environmental or climatic, dust, exhaust, pollution, or pollen can cause it. pathological causes such as diabetes mellitus.
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause can also cause dry eyes.

Poor nutrition has also been blamed for causing dry eyes, inadequate fluid intake (dehydration) and lack of vitamin A.

Other factors that can contribute to or worsen dry eye are smoking, long-term use of contact lenses, the use of certain medications and the aging of the body.

If you are experiencing dry eye, an ophthalmologist should be examined to identify the causes that cause it and to receive appropriate therapeutic or palliative care.

At what age can contact lenses be used?

There is no age limit. Most ophthalmologists give contact lenses when a person is between the ages of 11 and 14 years. It is important that one is responsible for enforcing the hygiene and care rules that are the most basic requirement for the use of contact lenses. Young people get rid of the glasses, they get better eyesight, more confidence and feel more attractive to those around them. Contact lenses with the capabilities they have today are a great option for correcting vision at all ages. Daily replacement is preferable because it requires minimal care.

 

Colored contact lenses, are they dangerous?

No, of course, and they are not dangerous as long as their user, as in all other types of contact lenses, makes good use of them. Colored contact lenses, whether decorative or decorative, are also medical devices manufactured under strict specifications, must necessarily bear the CE marking together with the manufacturer's four-digit identification code. Dare to try them!

Silicone Hydrogel the revolution in contact lenses!

In recent years, with the advancement of technology in all fields, new materials have been introduced that are also used in the industry of optical devices such as contact lenses. The new generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses introduced in the last decade compared to hydrogel contact lenses offer the user the following advantages.
• whiter and healthier eyes
• Eliminate the complications associated with dry eye
• Ability to use contact lenses for more years
• Possibility of safer prolonged use

In particular, the main advantage of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses over Hydrogel Contact Lenses is that they significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of hypoxia, a condition that is usually caused by the prolonged use of Hydrogel Contact Lenses, which is due to the excellent properties of the lenses. new generation of contact to allow high oxygen permeability to the cornea of ​​the eye. Compared to Hydrogel contact lenses in most cases allow up to five times the amount of oxygen flow to the cornea which results in all of the above.

What does the Dk / t mark on the contact lenses mean?

The Dk / t indicator is about the air permeability of the contact lens. Prior to the final approval and certification of a contact lens model, it also passes the air permeability test. The air permeability test as well as the measurements are performed on a laboratory scale with standard scales applicable to all manufacturers. In conclusion, the higher the Dk / t, the more oxygen passes through the contact lens during use and ends up in our eyes.

What is ultraviolet radiation?

Ultraviolet or UV rays are electromagnetic waves, as one of the main sources of their natural emission is the sun.
UV rays affect every living organism and you must take protective measures against them.
Continued exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet radiation can cause long-term serious damage such as corneal disease, flap and cataract. For protection purposes the use of sunglasses with UV protection filter is recommended.

What is myopia?

Myopia is perhaps the most common eye condition in which the patient cannot see clearly from a distance. This is because the rays of light do not focus on the retina of the eye but on a different point in front of it. Myopia is measured in binoculars and divided into three categories depending on its height.

A) Low, up to three degrees

B) Average, from three to six degrees

C) Higher than six degrees

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is an eye disease in which the patient cannot see clearly, that is, he sees distorted or even blurred objects at all distances. The cause of astigmatism is usually the different curvature of the front of the eye, which is oval instead of globular. There are two types of astigmatism, the most common is myopic mysticism and the most hypertropical, which is more rare. Patients with astigmatism usually also suffer from myopia or hypermetropia.

What is Sodium Hyaluronate?

Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of our body as it is found in large quantities in connective tissues, skin, joints and the vitreous of the eye.
It is highly hydrophilic, a property that is very important for maintaining the body's essential moisture and hydration.

With age, cellular production of hyaluronic acid declines. Hyaluronic acid depletion usually begins at the young age of 20 years, and after 40 the decline becomes particularly noticeable and results in a decrease in the volume and elasticity of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. The joints in our bones lose their elasticity.

Symptoms of hyaluronic acid deficiency appear in the eyes in the form of fatigue and dry eyes, irritations such as red eyes and the appearance of small veins in the white of the eye, etc. The result is a discoloration of the color as well as a dull, dull look. The decrease in hyaluronic acid is the cause of presbyopia.

What is Presbyopia?

The eyes have the ability to focus on different distances. When focusing close, the radial muscle is contracted, increasing the curvature of the crystalline lens of the eye. Presbyopia is due to a decrease in the elasticity of the crystalline lens of the eye. The consequence of the reduction in the elasticity of the lens is the inability to focus on short distances. All people regardless of gender around the age of 40 will develop presbyopia.

 

What is a Keratoconus?

The cornea is a very serious condition in which the cornea of ​​the eye becomes thinner while growing longitudinally creating a protrusion, the so-called cone. The name of keratoconus ocular disease originated from the conical shape acquired by the cornea.

 

What does RX or PX only mean?

It is an abbreviation of the English word prescription. When present on the packaging of a medical device such as contact lenses this indication means that the end recipient / user should be in possession of a valid medical prescription and should also use the contact lenses as directed by their physician.

Polarized filter in sunglasses, what is the use?

Polarized sunglasses significantly reduce the blur caused by the vertical reflection of the sun's rays on smooth surfaces such as water, asphalt, car windscreen, or snow. Simple polarized sunglasses, however expensive they are, do not have the ability to exclude reflection resulting in a significant negative impact on vision, color perception, shapes, contrast and visual confusion. . Polarized lenses deliver truly clear vision at first glance.

 

Recent research into the proper use of contact lenses ...
A recent study published in the journal Optometry and Vision Science revealed that unfortunately only 2% of contact lens users adhere to the hygiene and care guidelines.

On the contrary, over 80%, while believing that they are following the proper hygiene and care guidelines, are in fact not, with the unpleasant result that contact lenses or contact lens maintenance pockets are very often turned into outbreaks of contamination. ocular health.

 

The most common mistakes:

A series of misleading practices by users are responsible for the poor cleanliness of contact lenses, namely:

-Many users of monthly contact lenses rarely replace them monthly but later.

-Many contact lens users fill the contact lens maintenance cases with a cleaning solution instead of replacing it completely daily.

- Hygiene and care mistakes are made even by users of daily contact lenses because they do not usually change their daily routine properly but every 2 or more days ...

-Many often change the maintenance cases that keep contact lenses in place and even fewer do their thorough cleaning.

The consequences:

A percentage of the 47% of contact lens users surveyed said they had at least one eye infection due to improper use of contact lenses.

Tips for Proper Use:

To minimize the chance of contamination with the wrong use of contact lenses, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers the following tips:

-Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and always dry well with a lint-free towel before applying or removing contact lenses.

-Don't wear your lenses when swimming in the sea, in the pool or in the shower.

-Don't keep your lenses in plain water. Always use the special cleaning solution.

-Replace your lenses when you need them and not when you remember them. If you use daily lenses, change them daily. The fortnightly every fifteen days and the monthly every month.

-For more effective cleaning of your contact lenses, gently rub them with your index finger and thumb using the special cleaning solution.

- Keep the contact lens holder open for breathing during the day.

-Don't forget to replace your lens case every month.

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What does the BC symbol on the contact lens packaging indicate?

The BC or base curve indicates the curvature of the inner surface of the contact lens in mm. The larger the base curve (BC) the more flat the contact lens is, while the smaller the base curve (BC) the curved the contact lens. Statistically 80% of people have a baseline curve (BC) 8.6

What does the DIA indicate on the contact lens packaging?

The DIA or diameter indicates the diameter of the contact lens in mm. It is directly related to the size of the contact lens. The larger the DIA value, the larger the diameter of the contact lens, while the smaller the DIA value, the smaller the contact lens diameter. Normal diameter values ​​range from 13.8 to 14.5 (in mm)

What is the usefulness of artificial tears?

Artificial tears are an immediate solution to the problem of dry eye, but without curing it.
Dry eye can have one of the following causes or coexist,
(a) Inadequate production of tears.
b) Frequent eyelashes
(c) Staying in an environment with substandard conditions, such as artificially heated or air-conditioned areas.
d) Staying in an environment where there is dust, smoke, exhaust gas, etc.

e) Stay, exposure for several hours in front of radiation emitting devices, such as computer monitors, televisions, etc.

If your symptoms persist, then you should definitely consider an ophthalmologist or optician.