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Contact lenses are thin, curved pieces of plastic or silicone that are worn on the surface of the eye to correct vision or for cosmetic purposes. They are designed to be comfortable, easy to wear and to stay in place on the eye without falling out or causing discomfort.
There are several types of contact lenses available, including hard lenses, soft lenses, and hybrid lenses.
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Types of contact lenses
Hard lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are made from a hard, inflexible material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). These lenses are more durable than soft lenses and can be more effective at correcting certain vision problems, such as astigmatism. However, they are not as comfortable to wear as soft lenses and may take
longer to get used to.
Soft lenses, on the other hand, are made from a flexible, hydrophilic (water-loving) material called hydrogel. These lenses are made from a variety of different hydrogel materials, including methacrylate-based hydrogels, silicone hydrogels, and fluorosilicone acrylate hydrogels. Soft lenses are more comfortable to wear than hard lenses and are easier to adjust to, but they are also more prone to drying out and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Hybrid lenses are a combination of hard and soft lenses, with a hard center and a soft outer ring. These lenses offer the benefits of both types of lenses, with the clarity and accuracy of vision provided by hard lenses and the comfort and ease of wear provided by soft lenses.
In addition to the type of material used, contact lenses also differ in terms of their shape, size, and curvature. The shape and size of the lens are designed to fit the individual wearer’s eye, and the curvature of the lens is chosen to correct the wearer’s specific vision problem.
How are contact lenses made?
Contact lenses are made using a process called casting, in which the raw material is heated and then molded into the desired shape and size. The specific process varies depending on the type of contact lens being made.
For hard lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, the process begins with the creation of a mold, which is used to shape the lens. The mold is made from a material called epoxy, which is poured into a silicone rubber mold to create a negative impression of the lens.
Next, the raw material for the lens, called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is heated until it becomes a liquid. The liquid PMMA is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool and solidify. Once the PMMA has hardened, the lens is removed from the mold and trimmed to the desired size and shape.
For soft lenses, the process is slightly different. The raw material, called hydrogel, is mixed with a solution to create a thin, pliable dough. The dough is then placed onto a mold, which is used to shape the lens. The mold is then placed into a machine called an autoclave, which uses heat and pressure to form the lens.
Once the lenses are formed, they are polished and treated with a solution to make them more comfortable to wear. They are then inspected for defects and packaged for distribution.
In order to use contact lenses, they must be properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional. The professional will measure the size and shape of the wearer’s eye and determine the appropriate lens power and curvature for the individual’s vision needs. They will also provide instructions on how to care for and wear the lenses, including how often to replace them and how to clean and store them properly.
How do you get contact lenses?
In order to use contact lenses, they must be properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional. The professional will measure the size and shape of the wearer’s eye and determine the appropriate lens power and curvature for the individual’s vision needs. They will also provide instructions on how to care for and wear the lenses, including how often to replace them and how to clean and store them properly.
Once you get seen by an eye care professional, you will be given a prescription to purchase your contact lenses.
What are Transitions contact lenses?
Transitions contact lenses are a type of photochromic lens that changes color in response to light. These lenses are designed to be worn as a substitute for eyeglasses and are made from a special material that changes from clear to tinted when exposed to UV radiation.
The tint of the lens becomes darker as the amount of UV radiation increases, so the lenses will become darker in bright sunlight and lighter in low-light conditions. This allows the wearer to have clear vision in both bright and low-light environments, without the need for separate glasses or contact lenses.
Transitions contact lenses are a convenient and practical alternative to eyeglasses, as they allow the wearer to see clearly in a variety of lighting conditions without the need to switch between glasses and contacts. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and it is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine if Transitions contact lenses are the right choice for you.
Final Thoughts
Contact lenses are a popular and effective alternative to glasses for correcting vision problems. They offer a number of benefits, including the ability to see clearly without the need for glasses, improved appearance and self-esteem, and increased freedom and convenience. However, it is important to follow proper care and handling procedures to ensure the safety and health of the eyes.