Contact lenses – what do you need to know to get started?

Would you like to become independent from glasses, but do not know if contact lenses are the solution for you? Will they provide you with comfort while working at the computer, how long does it take to care for them and how to choose the best model? We rush with the answer …

How to choose the right contact lenses?

You should definitely not do it on your own – selecting contact lenses requires specialist knowledge and equipment. Therefore, the “adventure” with contact lenses begins with a visit to a specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist), who, based on an interview and conducted tests, will propose an appropriate type of lenses. The selection depends primarily on the type of vision defect, the mode of lens replacement and the patient’s preferences. During the visit, the specialist will also provide us with the necessary information on the technique of inserting and removing lenses, as well as their hygiene and care.

Can anyone wear contact lenses?

Yes, the good news is that anyone who has no medical contraindications can wear contact lenses. They correct both myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (presbyopia). Wearing contact lenses will benefit active people, athletes, manual workers, people performing professions that require staying at high altitudes, cooks and drivers. After all, thanks to lenses, they ensure freedom of movement and make it easier to perform their duties. However, remember that before using lenses for the first time, you need to go to a specialist who will help you choose them and assess whether they are suitable for you.

Can people whose work involves long hours in front of the computer wear contact lenses?

Yes, for people with high visual requirements, such as prolonged work at the computer or frequent use of electronic devices, when the frequency of blinking decreases, the best proposition will be contact lenses that maintain a high level of hydration, regardless of the conditions of use.

A good example is the “lenses for the digital age” – Bausch + Lomb ULTRA®. Soft silicone-hydrogel lenses provide ULTRAcomfort and stable and sharp vision throughout the day of use. Thanks to the MoistureSeal® technology, Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® lenses retain 95% of hydration for 16 hours, and the extremely high oxygen permeability (163 Dk / t) guarantees adequate oxidation of the cornea, which contributes to the maintenance of healthy eyes in good condition.

At what age can you start wearing contact lenses?

There is really no minimum age to start wearing contact lenses. If your child dreams of an “alternative to glasses”, consult a specialist who will select contact lenses according to his needs and preferences.

Can I wear contact lenses while pregnant?

In general, contact lenses are well tolerated by most pregnant women. However, some people have decreased tolerance to contact lens wear during pregnancy. It happens that the reported discomfort may be related to the symptoms of dry eye syndrome that appear at that time. In the group of women with diagnosed intolerance, it is worth considering replacing contact lenses with glasses.

What sports can be practiced with lenses and which are not?

Sports where contact lenses fall into the “must have” category include climbing, artistic gymnastics, high jumps and pole vaulting. Contact lenses are also a great solution for people practicing team sports, including contact games such as football, handball or basketball. Contact lenses are irreplaceable when practicing tennis, squash, archery, golf or shooting. When it comes to swimming, exposing contact lenses to water increases the risk of contamination from naturally occurring bacteria in the water and can lead to serious eye problems. The water in the pool or in natural reservoirs is rich in various microorganisms that can cause inflammation. For your own safety, wear swimming goggles with the correct correction. You can get them in all good opticians’ salons.

Can I wear lenses longer than the recommended time?

Under no circumstances should contact lenses be worn for longer than the time recommended by the manufacturer. Monthly lenses are intended to be used for 30 days from the opening of the blister – no longer. Even if you don’t wear lenses every day, the lens material is gradually degrading, losing its properties. By not following the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as the lens wearing regimen recommended by your specialist, you risk serious eye diseases.

Can I remove and reinsert daily lenses?

No – daily contact lenses are a disposable product which means they cannot be reused. They are also not suitable for cleaning and storage in care liquids. After removing the one-day lenses, throw them into the bin.

Can I sleep with contact lenses?

Yes, but on one condition they must be lenses specifically designed for sleep, such as PureVision®2 and PureVision®, designed to get the right amount of oxygen into your eye. Nevertheless, wearing lenses without removing them at night must always be consulted with a specialist. Remember that sleeping with lenses increases the risk of eye irritation and infection.

What if I can’t remove my lens?

If the lens is stuck to the eye, is immobile and cannot be removed, spray a few drops of lubricant into the eye. Wait a moment for the lens to start moving again, then remove it from the eye. If the lens is still stuck to the eye, or for some other reason you are unable to remove it immediately, contact your eye care professional.

What are the contraindications for wearing contact lenses?

While contact lenses are undoubtedly a good alternative to prescription glasses and have many advantages, not everyone should, and not always, wear them. The basic contraindications are: eye inflammation, allergy symptoms such as profuse tearing after insertion of lenses, irritation or dilation of blood vessels, working in dusty rooms, practicing water sports (swimming, surfing), some hormonal and metabolic disorders.

In addition, people who are unable to properly insert and care for contact lenses should not wear them. Improper hygiene can cause infections and eye irritation. Always the primary way to find out if you can wear contact lenses is to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Contact lenses and liquids for their care are medical products within the meaning of the Act of May 20, 2010 on medical devices.