The Whole Truth about Contact Lenses
With new developments constantly hitting the market and improvements continually being made, contact lenses have certainly gained popularity as a choice for vision correction. Today’s contact lenses are nearly unrecognizable from the original lenses released many years ago. Despite these new advancements and broader options, many misconceptions still surround contact lenses. Here’s the truth about contact lenses and their many benefits.
A Wide Range of Prescriptions
From minimal refractive error to the most powerful prescriptions, contact lenses are almost always an option. Many people believe they are not candidates for contacts because of the degree of prescription they require; however, not only is there almost guaranteed to be a contact lens that can correct their vision, but they will likely experience clearer and improved vision with contact lenses over glasses. Recent improvements have even allowed patients with high amounts of astigmatism to successfully wear soft contact lenses with clear and consistent vision. If you are skeptical as to whether your vision can be corrected with contact lenses, don’t hesitate to ask your optometrist. They will be able to find an option that works best with your eyes and your prescription.
So Comfortable, You Almost Forget They Are There
A longstanding misconception about contact lenses is that they are uncomfortable. The truth is, most people who are suitably fit in contact lenses don’t even feel them. Older versions of contact lenses were made of tougher, thicker, or less breathable material, but new developments and updated materials have made contact lenses more comfortable than ever. New contact lens designs allow for increased wear time without the lenses becoming dry and uncomfortable at the end of the day.
Improved Lenses for Healthier Eyes
As a result of the intensive research and improvements being made, contact lenses are now safer, and contact lens wearers are experiencing improved ocular health. Many of the problems associated with contact lenses, such as inflammation or infections, can be eliminated with the use of daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses, worn for only one day then discarded, prevent the risk of dangerous bacteria or unwanted proteins hiding on the lens or in the lens case. Even extended wear lenses and contact lens solutions have recently seen improvements to reduce the risk of contact lens complications.
There’s No Such Thing as ‘Too Old for Contact Lenses’
If you’ve reached the age where reading glasses or bifocals are a necessity, you may still find success with contact lenses. Multifocal designs allow for clear vision both for looking far away and reading up close, eliminating the need for glasses all together. Multifocal lenses come in both soft and rigid designs, so no matter what you are used to, there is a lens option for you. Don’t let age discourage you from trying contact lenses!
Many more myths and misconceptions remain about contact lenses, but it’s important to keep in mind the many developments these devices have undergone over the years. At Lilac Family Eye Care, we are more than happy to help you find the right pair of contact lenses to suit your eyes and your lifestyle. Ask your eye doctor about what contact lenses are right for you at your next annual eye exam!