subject: Why Wear And Buy Contacts? [print this page] If you wear glasses then you probably at some point have considered wanting to buy contacts. There are many reasons why you may want to switch to contact lenses; they have become more appealing in recent years because of their technological advances. They are particularly useful for people in certain occupations and they also offer cosmetic benefits if you do not like the look of frames.
Most people that wear glasses will be able to change and buy contacts for their eyesight. One main advantage that contacts have over glasses is that contacts cover closely the front of the eye and provide peripheral vision. Another reason that people may choose to use contact lenses is that the lenses are almost invisible, which for some people and their lifestyle may be far better than wearing frames.
Contact lenses can also be worn for other cosmetic reasons; some people may have scarring or discolouration on their cornea. These types of lenses can help people that want to cover up these eye problems, however although they are none corrective they are specialised lenses so must be prescribed by an optician only.
So once you have decided to wear and buy contacts, you then need to decide with your optician which contacts will be most suitable for you. There are three main types of lenses, the first and oldest type which are known as PMMA or 'hard' lenses. The modern version of these lenses which have been around since the sixties, are the RGB's or 'Gas Permeable' lenses. These are made out of a combination of materials which allow for oxygen to permeate the lens and reach the cornea.
Soft lenses are the most popular form of contacts that are made from hydrophilic materials that absorb water and become soft when they meet liquids. Soft contact lenses are flexible so when they are placed onto the eyeball they move to shape of the eye and move with it. Wearers who buy contacts usually find that these are more comfortable than hard lenses because they are a better fit to the eye.
Another huge benefit of soft lenses is that they can be worn to correct several eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and some forms of astigmatism. Whilst there are vision corrections that require rigid lenses most work well with the soft lens.
Always seek professional guidance from your optician when purchasing contact lenses and only lenses prescribed to you should be ever be worn.
