The Ultimate Contact Lens Guide Revealed for Clear Vision and Comfort

Do you have improper vision that requires correction? Visit a doctor and you will be given glasses to wear. However, it is an inconvenient option for many to adjust eye glasses, especially if they have not been wearing one. Imagine you are delivering a presentation in a seminar and you are constantly adjusting your glasses for proper viewing. 

Well, al that can be left behind the refractive errors reduced to a great extent. That is why contact lenses are all the rage these days.  There are plenty of options available today when it comes to contact lenses. So, get ready to experience the comfort of wearing glasses and correct your vision.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are an alternative to your eyeglasses. They are a pair of curved lens with a thin structure that sits on the film of tears within the eyes. It has a clear and transparent look. If you are thinking of getting a contact lens for vision correction, go to a doctor at first. Once you get your power checked by an ophthalmologist, you can visit an optical store to get the lenses. However, the service provider may check the following before delivering the lenses:

• Examine your eyes
• Help you try using contact lenses
• Determine the correct fitting of the lenses so that you can see clearly
• Test your vision after inserting the lenses
• Provide you care instructions to take care of the lenses

Remember that wearing lenses without the assistance and instruction of an eye care provider can harm or injure your eyes or lead to unnecessary complications. Contact lenses usually differ based on the material they are made from, do you might also get instructions about the duration of wearing them. Besides, the care provider on the store may also inform you about how soon you need to replace them.

Types of contact lenses

When it comes to types of contact lenses in Malaysia, there are primarily two varieties you can choose from. Here they are:

• Soft contact lenses

The soft lenses are made from flexible, soft, and high-quality plastic material and allow oxygen to pass over to the cornea. It is easy to wear, provides good comfort to your eyes, and is more commonly worn by people.

• Hard contact lenses

Hard lenses are long-lasting and block the accumulation of deposits that the eye produces. Moreover, they provide better and clear vision compared to soft contact lenses. Hard lenses are cost effective as well when you compare their life cycle with soft lenses. However, your eyes may need more time to adapt to them. Besides, the cleaning and disinfection process of these lenses usually take more time than soft lenses.

Lens for daily and extended wear

Apart from the abovementioned types of contact lenses, you also have these options to check:

• Lens for daily wear

Lenses for daily wear are recommended for using during the day and have to be removed when you go to sleep. After removing the lenses, you have to rinse them with a contact lens solution and rub them clean and dry. Thereafter, put them in a storage case that is filled with the disinfectant solution. When you get up in the morning, rub the lenses dry once again before inserting them carefully into the eyes.

• Lens for extended usage

Contact lenses can be used for extended hours as well that you need not remove before going to sleep. These are usually soft lenses but several types of hard lenses can also be left overnight. However, the duration of wearing these lenses also depend on how long your eyes can tolerate them. You need to talk to your doctor before using extended wear lenses. Besides, make sure that your eyes get complete rest for an entire day before putting them back again.

Steps to insert contact lenses

If you are trying your hands on contact lenses in Malaysia for the first time, here is a brief take on how you need to inset them into your eyes:

• The first step of inserting lenses into the eyes is disinfection of your hands. Therefore, wash your hands thoroughly with an anti-bacterial soap and water and rub them dry. Avoid using soaps with fragrances, as they tend to stick to the hands and can come in contact with the lenses.
• When rubbing your hands dry, use a lint-free cloth so that the particles do not stick easily.
• Take out the lens from the storage case and hold it on the tip of your middle or index finger. Make sure to use the fingertips while handling the lenses.
• Rinse the lens correctly with a contact lens solution and rub it dry. Check for tear or breakage on the lens before inserting them into the eyes.
• Hold the right side of the lens on your fingertip and check whether the edges are turned up.
• With the other hand, pull down the upper and lower portion of the eyes wide and look into the mirror.
• Insert the lens carefully on to one eye and close it.
• Roll the eye to ensure that the lens sits on its place properly and look into the mirror again. Check whether the lens is properly positioned at the centre of your eyes.
• Ensure that you feel absolutely comfortable after the insertion and the vision is clear and perfect.
• Now, repeat the same process with the other eye.

How to remove contact lenses?

For first time users, removing contact lenses may mean a great deal of work. You are not too experienced, so a good idea would be to ask an optometrist to understand the process accurately. You can consult them in the same store from where you buy the lenses. Here are the steps put together for you to understand the process:

• Wash your hands thoroughly using an antibacterial soap; work up a rich lather and rinse your hands with water, ensuring that no trace of soap remains in your hands.
• Use the fingers of one hand to pull up the upper and the lower eyelids to make sure that your eyes open wide.
• Put your thumb and index finger on either side of the lens and gently pull it out.
• Repeat the same procedure with the other eye.

Ways to take care of your contact lenses and eyes

Before you switch to contact lenses from eyeglasses, read these instructions about how to take care of the contact lens and eyes:

• Adhere to the schedule that the optometrist provides about putting in and removing contact lens.
• Before handling the contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid using fragrant or moisturising soaps as they may get inside the lens, damaging them and blocking your vision. It might also cause irritation in your eyes.
• Rub your hands clean with a soft cotton cloth with no lint.
• If you wear eye-make up, put it after the insertion of lenses; similarly, take them out and remove the make-up.
• Avoid using hair spray after inserting the lenses and shape your fingernails short lest there is a scratch on the surface of both lenses.
• Avoid using saline solution or tap water for rinsing the contact lens; instead use the contact lends solution that is recommended by the eye care provider.
• When rubbing the contact lends dry after rinsing, do it gently; put it on the palm and use your index finger to rub it carefully.
• Clean the contact lens regularly and every time when you use it. Allow it to dry and replace the storage case within every three to four months.

If you are planning to use contact lens, get your eyes checked before switching to them. Your optician will suggest which lenses are suitable for your eyes. However, pay attention to safe usage of lens and try adhering to the steps discussed here to care for your lenses and eyes. If you are looking for contact lenses in Malaysia, look no further than Malaya Optical. They are one of the leading vision care specialists comprising a team of ten optometrists offering excellent services. For more information, visit our website today.