Contact lenses are an alternative to prescription eyeglasses, but their use can raise many questions as it involves placing something directly in contact with the eye.
Contact lenses have advantages when compared to prescription glasses as they do not break, weigh or slip on the face, being especially appreciated by those who do not like to wear prescription glasses or do any sport.
However, if not worn correctly, contact lenses can cause discomfort, such as reddened or dry eyes, and increase the risk of more serious problems such as infections.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
1. Is wearing contact lenses bad?
Using contact lenses is not harmful to the eyes, as long as they are used responsibly, respecting the necessary hygiene care. See what care should be taken with contact lenses.
2. Can I wear contact lenses all day?
The length of time you can wear contact lenses varies by lens type, as does the presence of an eye problem, such as dry eye or increased sensitivity.
Generally, current lenses can be put on in the morning and removed at the end of the day, before bed, totaling about 14 to 16 hours of continuous use. The ideal is always to talk to the ophthalmologist to understand how long it is safe to wear lenses daily.
3. Can lenses get lost/stuck in the eye?
Losing a contact lens in the eye is a physically impossible problem, as there is a membrane that prevents this from happening. What can happen in some situations is the lens bending and getting stuck on the inside of the eyelid (at the top of the eye), giving the impression that it has moved to the back of the eye. However, and with care, it is usually possible to remove the lens at home.
4. Is wearing lenses uncomfortable?
In most cases, and if the eye is healthy, contact lenses are not uncomfortable. The choice of lenses is one of the factors that most contributes to comfort during use, as each type of eye can adapt differently to the different types of existing materials. Generally, lens selection should be assisted by an ophthalmologist or specialist technician.
Discomfort only appears when there are signs of tiredness, itching, redness, tearing or discomfort in the eye, and in these cases, the most recommended thing is to interrupt the use of lenses for 1 or 2 days or consult an ophthalmologist.
5. Going to the beach spoils the lens?
The beach can damage lenses more quickly, which is due to the effect that salt from sea water can have on the lenses, making them dry more easily. This can happen even if you always close your eyes well when diving, and the same happens in swimming pools, due to the chlorine and disinfectants that are added to this type of water.
However, whenever necessary, the lenses can be used on the beach or in the pool, as long as you are careful to always close your eyes well when diving.
6. Can children wear contact lenses?
Both children and teenagers can wear contact lenses, as long as they are mature and responsible enough to take care of the lenses and do the necessary hygiene. Often this can even be a good option over prescription glasses, as it can help improve self-esteem.
7. Can I sleep with lenses on?
The most common types of lenses are only suitable for daytime wear, and it is recommended to remove them at night before bedtime.
8. Are there colored lenses?
There are lenses of different colors, such as green, blue, brown, black or red, that can be used in everyday life to change the color of the eyes.
The vast majority of colored lenses do not have a grade, that is, they are sold as grade 0, but some brands sell this type of lens with a grade.
9. Can I clean the lenses with saline solution?
Lenses should never be cleaned with saline, water or other inappropriate solutions, as they can end up spoiling the lens, preventing the necessary hydration, cleaning and disinfection.
Therefore, only disinfectant solutions suitable for contact lenses should be used for cleaning. See the step-by-step instructions for putting on, taking off and cleaning contact lenses.
10. If I buy lenses, don’t I need glasses?
Even when buying contact lenses, it is recommended to always have 1 pair of glasses with updated graduation, which should be used during the rest hours of the lenses.
In addition, it is also important to wear glasses on days when the eyes are more sensitive, red or dry, for example, as in these cases the lenses can make the situation worse.
11. Are there glass contact lenses?
Currently, contact lenses are no longer made of glass, but are made from rigid or semi-rigid materials, which adapt better to the eye, providing greater comfort and stability.
