Can I Wear Contacts?

 

The eye doctor will check your eyes to make sure it's okay for you to wear contacts; today, nearly everyone can, but there are a rare few who can't. Then, he or she will determine your prescription.

The selection of contact lenses available can best be described as "huge." Don't worry about becoming overwhelmed, though: contact lenses can be broken down into several main categories based on what they're made of, how often you need to replace them and whether you can sleep in them and… Good News! The doctor will help you with all of theses options!

Contact lenses are made of many different types of plastic, but they are divided into two main groups: soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP lenses, now called GP lenses). Soft contacts contain from 25% to 79% water, are easy to adapt to and are quite comfortable. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses take longer to adapt to, but are more durable and more resistant to deposit buildup. They tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens (but the upfront cost is higher) and can offer some people crisper vision than they would have with soft contacts.

The replacement schedule of a contact lens refers to how long you can safely wear it before you need to throw it away. With GP lenses, you generally replace them every couple of years, because they are made of a very durable material (though a prescription change would necessitate new lenses). Soft contact lenses come in a wider variety of replacement schedules.

Thinking about changing your eye color?

Contact lenses are available in four basic types: visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light-filtering tints. Most contacts are available in both prescription and plano (without visual correction). Available on a more limited basis are lenses designed for people who require astigmatism correction and people who need bifocals.

Visibility tint is a very light tint that does not affect eye color but is tinted solely to help you see the lens during insertion and removal.

For patients that want to intensify their light colored eyes, an enhancement tint is usually recommended. Enhancement tints are solid, translucent colors that are slightly darker than visibility tints.

For a more noticeable, dramatic change in eye color, opaque tints are suggested.
Contact lens technology has greatly improved over the years and manufacturers can now effectively simulate the irregular pattern of lines and blends of different colors that naturally occur in the iris. Opaque contacts typically mask the natural color of the iris but with the latest technology not only change the color of dark eyes but serve to illuminate the eyes, creating a more radiant look. The wearer sees through a clear area in the center of the lens while showing the world a different eye color.

Special eye effects can be achieved with opaque lenses also known as costume or theatrical lenses. They are widely available for novelty use and are especially popular for Halloween.

Athletes of all kinds have discovered the advantages of wearing contacts when participating in sports or working out. Contacts don't steam up from perspiration, don't smudge and don't get foggy if you go from cold to warm temperatures. They provide better depth perception and peripheral vision. Today's contacts stay on your eyes, even during vigorous activity. In addition to these benefits, light-filtering contacts make certain colors “stand out” – such as the color of softballs, tennis and golf balls. For tennis, football, soccer and baseball, amber tints are suggested. Grey-green tints are available for running and golf.

Colored contact lenses can be a great fashion accessory. You can change your eye color based on your mood, outfit, makeup or plans. Get a collection of colors so that you can change your eye color daily…see if anyone notices!


Some Disadvantages of Color Contact Lenses
It's important to be aware that while manufacturers have made different sized lenses to fit most wearers, there will be some occasions (such as during blinking) where the colored portion may slide somewhat over the pupil. Also, the size of your pupil is constantly changing to accommodate varying light conditions — so sometimes, like at night, your pupil may be larger than the clear center of the lens. In these instances, your vision may be slightly affected.

And just so you know…never, ever share contact lenses and never, ever put contacts in red or irritated eyes!