Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in General

Woman putting in contact lenses

Glasses have become an essential part of many people’s lives. They can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

This has transformed countless peoples lives who may not have been able to see at all before. But they also come with a few drawbacks.

For some, the biggest is that you can’t hide when you’re wearing them. Many people don’t mind, or even like the way that they look with glasses on.

It’s all about individual preferences, after all. But others prefer having options to not have to wear their visual aids on their face. This is where contacts come in.

Contacts were developed as a response to these concerns. They are able to provide excellent eyesight while being virtually invisible.

They can take some time getting used to, and require more effort than glasses. Keep reading for 4 tips to follow if you’ve never worn contact lenses before!

1. Know the Difference: Hard Vs. Soft Contacts

Not all contacts are the same. In fact, the biggest difference is often the material your contacts are made from.

While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be quite important when it comes how you will interact with your contacts. The two basic forms of contacts are rigid gas permeable contacts, which are better known as hard contacts and soft contacts. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

Hard contacts are generally more durable, do not dehydrate, and last a long time. Modern rigid gas permeable lenses are also quite adept at allowing oxygen to pass through.

The first versions of these contact lenses could not do this, which resulted in damaged eyes. But hard contacts can be uncomfortable to put in and wear until your eyes form to them a bit. They can also get scratched, and they may accumulate particles under the surface.

Soft contacts are easy to put in, more comfortable to wear, and stay in place. They do need more frequent replacing, which can be more expensive.

They are also more likely to result in an infection. What kind of contact lenses you prefer are up to you. Come in to Georgia Eye Associates for professional guidance in selecting the best kind of contact lenses for your eyes.

2. Keep Your Contacts Clean and Take Them Out at Night

Regardless of which contacts you choose, you will need to maintain them. This means cleaning them often and taking them out before bed every night.

Leaving them in could cause damage to your vision over time. You may leave abrasions on your cornea as they rub against it without proper hydration. If you can’t take out your contact lenses every night, you shouldn’t wear them.

3. Replacing Contacts

Soft contacts may need frequent replacement, but hard contacts are not permanent either. They can become scratched, but even if properly maintained, they will still need replacing about once every two years.

4. Consider LASIK

Contacts are nice, but they aren’t as convenient as having your own clear vision. With LASIK, you can achieve permanent, clear vision.

No more glasses or contact lenses to worry about! LASIK is a procedure with a 96% satisfaction rate with patients who have had it. Like any surgical procedure, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.

Want to learn more about contact lenses or LASIK? Schedule an appointment at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA today!

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