Ever wanted to swap your spectacles for contact lenses? Here are some basics you should know about contact lenses.
As time has progressed, so did contact lenses and their options. Few years ago you may have heard explanations like "the shape of your eye prohibits you from wearing contacts", or "due to your strong refractive error, we cannot get lenses for you". With new technological breakthroughs the last few years, many of these previous obstacles have disappeared.
FAQ
1. Can one sleep with lenses?
a. Although most optometrists would not recommend sleeping with contact lenses, there are lenses on the market that have been FDA approved for 30 days continues wear.
2. What are silicone contact lenses?
a. Silicone hydrogel lenses are very new, since 2002 to be exact. Silicone is oxygen permeable, so these lenses use both their water and polymer content to transmit oxygen to the eye. They are not so prone to dehydrate, more comfortable and give better ocular health.
3. What are all the numbers on the contact lens box?
a. PWR: This is your contact lenses' refractive power, DIA: The diameter of the contact lens, BC: The curvature (base curve) of the lens.
4. Can I use eye drops with my contacts?
a. You may only use eye drops that were made to be used with contacts. Contact your optometrist or doctor if you are not sure. Contact lens eye drops are often called re-wetting drops. Re-wetting drops lubricate your eye and hydrate the contact lens, making your eyes more comfortable while wearing your contact lenses. These eye drops are labeled "For use with soft contact lenses". We usually encourage frequent use of re-wetting drops, as it improves comfort and helps clear out debris underneath your contact lenses
5. I wear multifocal spectacles, can I wear contact lenses?
a. Yes, new advances in contact lenses include different designs of multifocal contact lenses, so you will be able to view things at a distance and read with these contact lenses.
6. I have dry eyes, can I wear contacts?
a. You do get lenses that were designed with this in mind. With proper dry eye management and the right lenses, you should be able to wear lenses comfortably.7. I wear contact lenses, can I get coloured contacts?
a. Coloured contact lenses do come out with scripted options, however they are limited. You optometrist will be able to assist you.8. I do not have a script, but would like to try coloured contact lenses?
a. The majority of people will be able to wear coloured lenses comfortable, but a proper contact lens examination in needed to assure the lenses fit your eye and will promote healthy lens wear.9. I have an ocular condition that prohibits me from wearing contact lenses?
a. High astigmatism, keratoconus, irregular corneas etc are conditions that are more difficult to correct with contact lenses, and may require hard contact lenses.10. My contact lenses are uncomfortable ever since I have moved to George?
a. Different geographical areas can have different effects on your lenses. Humidity, allergies and wind are just some of the factors that come into play when wearing contact lenses. You may need to change your lens material or design.If you would like to know more about contact lenses visit Werner Fourie Optometrists on the corner of Courtenay and Wellington street, to view videos go to www.wernerfourieoptom.co.za, or phone Werner Fourie Optometrsist at (044) 873 4888.
