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About professional contact lenses

Types of professional contact lenses

There are several types of professional contact lenses that offer specific benefits. These range from daily to extended wear. Choosing the right type depends on individual vision and lifestyle needs.

Spherical contact lenses

Spherical contact lenses are the most commonly used type. They are used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. These lenses have a consistent curvature throughout the lens. This allows light to focus properly on the retina. Soft spherical lenses are popular for their comfort and ease of use. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) spherical lenses offer sharper vision and are more durable.

Toric lenses

Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Due to the uneven shape of the cornea, astigmatism leads to blurred vision. These lenses have different powers in various meridians to counteract the cornea's shape. This makes them more complex than spherical lenses. Their design ensures that the lens sits correctly on the eye for accurate vision correction. Both soft and rigid gas-permeable options are available in toric lenses.

Presbyopia lenses

Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are used to correct presbyopia. This age-related condition affects near and far vision. Multifocal lenses have multiple zones of vision. These allow wearers to see clearly at different distances. Bifocal lenses have two distinct optical zones. One for distance and one for near vision. These lenses can be either soft or rigid gas-permeable. They provide a comfortable vision experience for those needing varying lens prescriptions.

Orthokeratology lenses

Orthokeratology lenses are specially designed to reshape the cornea temporarily. These lenses are worn overnight to correct refractive errors such as myopia. Upon waking up, wearers can temporarily see clearly without glasses or contacts during the day. Ongoing use of these lenses maintains the cornea's shape, providing a functional vision for daytime activities. They are a non-permanent alternative to laser eye surgery.

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than typical contact lenses. They rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. These lenses are designed to vault over the cornea and provide a reservoir of fluid for those with irregular corneas or severe dry eye syndrome. Scleral lenses offer excellent vision correction by providing a smooth optical surface. They are also useful for those unable to wear other contact lenses due to discomfort or poor vision.

Prosthetic lenses

Prosthetic lenses are used to improve cosmetic appearances while correcting vision. They are beneficial for those with eye damage or diseases. These custom-made lenses replicate the natural appearance of the iris while incorporating the necessary optical corrections. People with congenital anomalies, those who underwent eye surgery, or individuals with an injured eye benefit from prosthetic lenses.

Designs of professional contact lenses

Contact lenses come in various designs to ensure good eye health and vision correction. This variety meets the diverse needs of users. It factors in daily routines and personal preferences.

Standard daily wear

Standard daily wear lenses are designed to be worn throughout the day. They are removed and cleaned each night. These lenses offer simple vision correction and are made from breathable materials to ensure eye comfort. They are usually affordable and easy to care for. These lenses are ideal for those who prefer a routine and do not want the hassle of extended wear.

Extended wear lenses

Extended wear lenses are designed for people with demanding lifestyles. They can be worn continuously for several days or weeks without removal. These lenses are crafted from highly breathable materials that allow oxygen to flow to the eye. This reduces dryness and discomfort, even after long wear periods. Though requiring less frequent cleaning, extended wear lenses necessitate good hygiene to prevent infections.

Daily disposable lenses

Daily disposable lenses offer the convenience of wearing a fresh pair each day. These lenses are made from soft, breathable materials. They eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, making them ideal for people with busy lifestyles or those who need contact lenses intermittently. Wearing them daily reduces eye infections and irritation. They are great for people with allergies or those new to wearing contacts.

Toras wedge lenses

Torics wedge lenses are designed to correct astigmatism. They have different optical powers in various meridians to accommodate the uneven shape of the cornea. These lenses are made from advanced hydrophilic acrylic polymers. These give them the necessary weight to rotate and settle correctly on the eye. Thin and durable, toric wedge lenses offer a stable, clear vision while minimizing glare and aberrations.

Orthokeratology lenses

Orthokeratology lenses reshape the cornea temporarily. They are worn overnight to provide clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts during the day. These rigid gas-permeable lenses are custom-designed to fit the eye's curvature. They gently flatten the central cornea while steepening the peripheral zones. This process corrects myopia or other refractive errors. They are a non-surgical vision correction option.

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contact lenses. They are designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera. This design offers a smooth optical surface for those with irregular corneas or dry eyes. The expansive protocol also creates a reservoir of moisture over the eye. Scleral lenses are gas-permeable and provide excellent vision correction, especially for complex prescriptions.

Prosthetic lenses

Prosthetic contact lenses are custom-made to repair the appearance and function of a damaged or disfigured eye. These lenses replicate the natural iris and pupil, restoring cosmetic appearance while providing vision correction. They are made from highly biocompatible materials that ensure comfort and safety. Advanced digital technology creates a lifelike appearance and precise alignment for improved functionality.

Durability and materials of professional contact lenses

Contact lenses are designed to offer both durability and comfort. This is crucial for users who require long-term wear. The materials used in these lenses ensure they remain functional.

Silicone hydrogel

This is the most popular material for soft contact lenses. It combines moisture-retaining hydrogel with silicone. The material allows high oxygen flow while retaining water for eye hydration. This balance ensures users enjoy comfort and clear vision, even after long hours of wear. This makes it suitable for daily wearers. It is also highly durable, resisting tearing, and making it ideal for those who lead active lifestyles.

Hydrogel

Hydrogel is a traditional soft lens material widely used before silicone hydrogel became predominant. Hydrogel lenses are favored for their excellent moisture retention, which provides a comfortable wearing experience. They are lightweight and flexible, adapting to the eye's shape for a natural fit. While not as breathable as silicone hydrogel lenses, hydrogel contacts remain durable and functional for users who require occasional wear or suffer sensitivity to other lens materials.

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses

These lenses offer exceptional durability compared to soft lenses. This makes them a great option for long-term wear. They are made from gas-permeable materials that allow oxygen to pass through the lens, ensuring the eye remains well-ventilated. While the initial comfort may not match that of soft lenses, their durability, tear resistance, and ability to provide clear, stable vision make them ideal for those needing specialized vision correction.

Hybrid lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses. They feature a gas-permeable center surrounded by a soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel skirt. This makes them a suitable option for wearers who require the oxygen permeability of RGP but desire the immediate comfort usually found in soft lenses. This durability and comfort make them ideal for users with astigmatism or keratoconus.

Scleral lens materials

Scleral lenses are made from advanced gas-permeable materials. These offer both rigidity and oxygen permeability. These materials are carefully selected for their durability, allowing the lenses to maintain their shape and provide a smooth optical surface for extended wear. The gas-permeable nature of scleral lens materials also ensures that the lenses remain comfortable and tear-resistant, promoting eye health for users with irregular corneas.

Prosthetic lens materials

Prosthetic lenses are made from biocompatible materials that closely resemble natural eye tissue. They are usually made from a combination of hydrophilic and gas-permeable polymers. This ensures comfort while allowing for customized designs to restore the eye's appearance effectively. Advanced digital fabrication technologies make the lens surfaces smooth and detailed for a lifelike appearance. This creates a durable lens that integrates seamlessly with the wearer's eye.

How to choose professional contact lenses

The right professional contact lens for clients depend on their individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider.

Vision needs

The primary function of contact lenses is to ensure clear vision. People should first consider their vision needs. This ensures the lenses address their specific vision problems. Those with astigmatism require toric contact lenses since they are the only ones that can correct this condition conveniently. For presbyopia, multifocal or bifocal lenses are suitable. Those who need temporary reshaping of the cornea for vision correction can consider orthokeratology lenses.

Comfort

If clients prioritize comfort, they should go for soft contact lenses. These are usually made from pliable materials that easily shape themselves to the eye's surface. They can also consider silicone hydrogel lenses. These offer higher oxygen flow for better eye health and hydration. People who need long-term wear should consider RGP lenses. Even though they are rigid, they are comfortable in the long run and offer clear vision.

Maintenance and lifestyle

People who have busy lives and cannot keep up with contact lens routines should consider daily disposables. It is because they require no cleaning or storage. Those with demanding lifestyles who want the same pair of lenses can consider extended wear lenses. They can wear them continuously for days to weeks without removing them. Clients who want to wear special lenses should also consider their lifestyle when making this choice. For example, active people should go for scleral or orthokeratology lenses because of their durability. On the other hand, those who lead sedentary lives and can be in front of a screen for hours can go for hydrogel lenses.

Budget

Daily disposable lenses are more expensive in the short run but are cheaper in overall costs since they require no maintenance. Monthly and weekly lenses are cheaper in the short run but more expensive in the long run due to the maintenance costs involved. Soft contact lens wearers also require more cleaning solutions. Always consider all these costs when getting lenses.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between soft and hard contact lenses?

A1. Soft contact lenses easily shape themselves to the eyes, making them breathable and comfortable. Hard lenses, on the other hand, are not comfortable at first. They are durable, offer clearer vision, and can be worn for a long.

Q2. How does one know the right prescription for contact lenses?

A2. One must have an eye examination to know the right prescription for contact lenses. The eye doctor will measure different eye parameters and assess eye health before writing the prescription.

Q3. Are professional contact lenses safe for children?

A3. Contact lenses are safe for children older than 8 years. Such children can handle the responsibility of contact lens care and hygiene. Manufacturers also produce special contact lenses for teenagers and children.

Q4. What are orthokeratology lenses?

A4. Orthokeratology lenses are specially designed to temporarily reshape the cornea. They are worn overnight to provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Q5. Can one wear contact lenses and eyeglasses at the same time?

A5. It is not recommended to wear contact lenses and prescription glasses simultaneously. While contact lenses correct vision, glasses add to comfort and protect the eyes.