RGP vs. Soft Contact Lenses - Which Is Best for You?

When asked "what would you prefer - soft contact lenses or rigid?", most people would say "soft, of course". The idea of having a hard object in your eyes scares people and eye doctors know about this, so they tend to prescribe soft lenses for their patients. But which type provides more benefits for your eye health and gives you better comfort and vision? The answer isn't as obvious as you might think it is.

When asked "what would you prefer - soft contact lenses or rigid?", most people would say "soft, of course". The idea of having a hard object in your eyes scares people and eye doctors know about this, so they tend to prescribe soft lenses for their patients. But which type provides more benefits for your eye health and gives you better comfort and vision? The answer isnt as obvious as you might think it is.

Vision clarity

Both high quality soft and RGP contact lenses provide good vision. However, studies have shown that properly fitted RGP lenses provide better vision. This is important for people who rely on their eyes in their jobs - truck drivers, pilots - and for certain sports, like shooting.

Also, many soft lens wearers report that their contacts feel funny in the dark and their vision decreases. RGP dont have this problem.

Eye health comparison

Two important factors determine how healthy a contact lens is for your eyes - oxygen permeability and resistance to protein build-up.

RGP lenses let through 2-4 times more oxygen than soft contact lens. Therefore the risk of corneal inflammation is much lower. The only soft lenses that have oxygen permeability comparable to RGP lenses are silicon hydrogel contacts, like Focus Night and Day or Acuvue Advance

Soft lenses are more prone to protein build-up than RGP contacts. Of course, if you wear daily disposable soft lenses, this is not an issue. But if you use monthly or quarterly replacement lenses, by the end of its life the lens is covered with proteins no matter how carefully you clean it. RGP are made from totally different material - plainly said proteins and other secretions dont stick to them.

Use as color contacts to change your eye color

Here RGP lenses cant compete with soft contacts. All color contact lenses are soft - an RGP lens is smaller than the iris (the colored part of your eye), so it cant change your eye color effectively. See more information about soft color contacts

Which is more expensive - RGP or soft lenses?

Soft lenses cost per pair is lower than RGP lenses. But considering that RGP lenses are usually good for at least 2 years, the picture turns the other way around. Lets say you wear Acuvue 2 week disposable contacts and buy them at $15 (6 lenses per box). 2 years supply would cost you $ 240. This is definitely more than you would pay for RGP contact lenses, if you know where to buy discount contact lens..

On the other hand, RGP lenses can break and are easy to lose. So if you think that in two years you might loose your lens a couple times, soft disposable lenses are more cost effective for you.

Comfort comparison

Many people think that rigid lenses arent comfortable. This is nothing but a misconception. People who wear RGP lenses usually dont feel any discomfort; in fact, they dont feel the lens at all.

However, soft lenses feel good from the first time you put them in, while RGP require a 5-7 days adjustment period. They feel strange initially but, after a week, most people adjust to them quite well.

If you arent happy with the soft lenses you currently wear, ask your doctor if RGP contacts would be better for you. If your optometrist knows that you arent afraid of the word "rigid", he or she might suggest that RGP lenses would suit your better.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lens Consumer Guide, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures

Crazy Contact Lenses -- Freak Out Your Friends!

Youve seen them before either in music videos, in theatre, or maybe even while out shopping. They always get a second and third look. People dont know what to make of them. Small children either love them or are terrified by them. But that is part of their appeal. They are meant to generate attention and interest. Why else buy crazy contact lenses if you cant freak a few people out with them?

Crazy contact lenses are contacts that have designs or unique colors imprinted in them to make the eye stand out or mimic other creatures. There are countless designs of crazy contacts including everything from sport teams logos to eyes that appear engulfed in flames. One of the more popular designs is a cat eye with a black pupil.

Though crazy contacts are fun at parties and for special effects, they are still contact lenses and need to be cared for in the same manner as you would care for other styles of contacts. This means that they are cleansed regularly with the proper cleaning solution. They shouldnt ever be shared with others. They are not meant to be slept in. And because they should be fitted for the specific shape of your eye, crazy contacts should only be acquired via prescription from an eye care practitioner.

This doesnt mean that you have to wear glasses in order to wear crazy contacts. Like traditional colored contact lenses, crazy contacts can come in both novelty and visual correction prescription form. However, in the United States, the FDA requires that you possess a valid prescription in order to purchase contact lens of any style including crazy contacts.

Crazy contacts are extremely fun. If you are into theatrics, crazy contacts can add an intriguing effect and element of mystery to your project. If you are just looking for some fun, try walking around the mall with a pair of crazy contact lenses in and watch all of the heads turn. Keep in mind though that they are still regular contact lenses and require the same care as any other contact lens. As always, talk to your eye care practitioner today about ordering your new pair of crazy contacts.

Mike Schwartz is the owner of the popular web site Best Contact Lenses Online His site provides useful tips, resources, and reviews to help you make the best decision when purchasing contact lenses on the Internet.

 

How To Wear Contact Lenses In The Allergy Season

The allergy seasons are a real challenge, especially if you
wear contact lenses. A chronic allergy to mold, pet dander
or other environmental allergens can create a year-round
dilemma. No matter what the cause, seasonal allergies make
your eyes hypersensitive and irritated. Ordinary soft
contact lenses often make them feel even worse.

There's a lot you can do to reduce the misery of allergy
season. Keep your contacts as clean as you can whether you
have to use lubricating drops to rinse your eyes out
regularly. Remove your contacts and clean them in a
solution throughout the day, if they are not 'one-per-day'
type lenses.

Allergy induced conjunctivitis, a condition that causes
painful swelling and redness of the eyes, can make wearing
your contacts a real pain. If this becomes a real issue,
it's best to consult your optometrist. Disposable lenses
allow you a more comfortable lens that you can trash at the
end of the day. You'll have no more worries about making
sure all the dust and pollen has been removed or cleansed.

Other ways to get relief are simple. During allergy season,
contact lens wearers should close the windows in their cars
and houses and use the air conditioner. Air conditioner
filters often remove most of the annoying pollens and dust
from the air. Avoid doing a lot of lawn work or outdoor
activities in the mornings and early afternoon, because
pollens are usually at their highest levels at that time.

Don't mow or rake the lawn without protective eyewear and a
dust mask when your allergies are at their worst. If
you've been outside or doing similar work, wash your hands
frequently to avoid transferring pollens, dusts or molds
close to your eyes.

Washing your hair everyday and your face two or three times
a day also helps reduce the amount of transferable pollen
and dust.

Allergies are an unfortunate condition for some people and
there are a number of allergy medicines that can help
reduce and in some cases even eliminate the symptoms. When
contact lenses are involved, a little prevention can help
reduce the amount of irritation or discomfort you might be
feeling. If it doesn't, remember to always speak to your
doctor for a diagnosis or prescription that could help.

Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/disposable-contact-lenses.html

Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses - More Style, Same Utility

At one time, promotions on television advertised a new,
sexier you if you elected to lose the glasses and pop in a
pair of contact lenses. This image has always been
demonstrated in Superman comics, television programs and
movies.

He's a bit of a geek or too normal a guy, but when the
glasses come off - he's Superman. Fortunately, the image-
makers and shakers that relegated eyeglasses to the
awkward, the nerd gear of decades past has begun to embrace
glasses for the fashionable, functional necessity they have
become.

The differences between glasses and contact lenses are more
related to personal issues of comfort than to image.
Arguments can be made in support of contacts over
eyeglasses.

For example, contact lenses are worn directly over the eye
allowing natural vision and no distortion as some eyeglass
wearers may experience because of the small gap between the
lens of the glasses and your eye.

There is always a constant awareness of the frames as well
as the reflections off the backside of the lens. While most
eyeglass wearers become so accustomed as to hardly notice
the discrepancy, it becomes more pronounced when switching
between contacts and glasses.

Glasses can fog up when the temperature changes and they
might be a distraction during physical activities,
especially sports where you don't want your glasses to be
broken. Contacts suffer neither of these. Eyeglasses can
be made with tinting lenses that allow them to turn into
functional sunglasses, but contact lens wearers can pick
any pair of sunglasses they want.

For the particularly fashion conscious, contact lenses
coordinate with everything in your wardrobe. But for all
their differences, both require cleaning and gentle care.
Both correct astigmatism (irregular cornea shape) and with
modern technology, both are very affordable. A new pair of
eyeglasses and a new pair of contacts is comparable in
price for the same prescription.

The decision between contacts or eyeglasses is no longer
one associated with social stigma or social image, but
rather of the image and look you want to project to the
world. It's all truly dependent in this day of modern
fashion on what makes you feel comfortable and look great.
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/

How To Choose The Right Contact Lenses

Today's contact lenses are used to correct specific vision
problems or to change eye color. With all of the advances
in technology, more people than ever before are able to
wear contacts. There are a variety of lenses available
including disposable, extended wear, flexible war, and gas
permeable and even contacts for special needs.

You can change or enhance your natural eye color, even if
you don't require vision correction. With color altering
lenses, you can achieve just the right look for a costume
or simply a magical pair of green eyes that will look
spectacular with a new dress. It gives a whole new meaning
to the lyric 'don't it make my brown eyes, blue.'

Disposable lenses are perfect for the person who doesn't
have time to do daily care and cleaning of their contacts.
Depending on the brand your optometrist recommends, you can
choose either a daily disposable or one that will last one
week or two weeks.

Disposables are exactly what their name implies; you take
them out and throw them away each day. Conveniently,
disposables are available for different eye types now
including those with astigmatism and if you were looking to
try out colored contacts for a while, disposable lenses
come in varying shades as well.

Gas permeable contacts are designed for people who require
a very specialized prescription. In some cases,
astigmatisms on the eye make it very hard to fit the
candidate with the right level of correction. A person
whose vision is 20/180 may not correct to 20/20 with other
types of lenses. Gas permeable is more expensive, but the
ultimate decision lies between the optometrist and the
patient.

Flexible wear and extended wear lenses are designed for
those who like to be able to sleep in their contacts rather
than deal with putting them in and taking them out several
times a day. These are especially useful for those who
travel a great deal or are frequently away from home. No
worries about having to carry your lens cleaning kit with
you everywhere you go.

More than 30 million people wear contact lenses and it
requires a visit to your eye care professional that can
then determine if you're a candidate for contacts. With so
much variety and so many advances, the chances are good
that your local optometrist has the right contact lens for
you.
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/

Contact Lenses : How to wear and not tear

If you've never had contact lenses or haven't worn them in
a long time and need a refresher, here's a few tips on what
to do and what not to do when wearing and caring for your
lenses.

First on the list, make sure to listen to what your doctor
tells you. When he or she prescribes the lenses in the
first place, they know what type of lenses they are giving
you as well as the type of care they will require.

Some people need to remove their lenses for a few hours
each day and let their eyes 'rest,' especially in the first
few weeks of wearing new lenses.

Learn to carry rewetting drops with you. Nothing like dry
eyes during work or a meeting will make you wish you had
stashed an extra bottle of solution in your car.

Avoid excessive rubbing at your eyes while wearing them and
wear sunglasses when you're in the bright sun. If your
eyes hurt excessively or you experience severe itching and
redness, call your doctor. These are signs you don't want
to ignore.

One thing your doctor will do on the day you pick up your
new contact lenses is to go over their care. You should
wash your hands every time you intend to handle the lenses.

Microscopic dirt and dust may not seem like much, but when
it is pressed between your eye and the lens, it can cause
discomfort and pain. You will be provided with a holder for
your lenses as well as solution to store them in, depending
on the type of lens you buy. For daily disposables, you
don't have to store them in anything.

Always handle the lenses with care and if by some
occurrence you should happen to tear a lens, never re-use
it. And, despite the urge when solution isn't available,
never use saliva to moisten dry contacts. Your mouth is
filled with bacteria that will contaminate the lens,
possible causing an infection in the eye.

For daily wear contacts, it's good to take them out and
clean them each evening and leave them in a solution over
night. This keeps the lens clean and lubricated. It's a
hard lesson the first time you insert a dirty lens on your
eye or an eyelash is dislodged during the insertion.

If that should happen, let your eye tear naturally - tears
will often wash dust particles or an eyelash out.

Another handy tip that is rarely mentioned (although some
people have certainly had a problem with it) is the drain
plug in the sink. When adjusting your lenses, be sure your
contact lens doesn't fall into the sink and go down the
drain.

Most people lean towards their mirror so they can see what
they are doing as they slip their contact lens into place.
The act of leaning forward places you over the sink. It's
a good idea to make sure the drain is in place, just in
case.
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/

Contact Lenses or Lasik Surgery - Which is the right choice for you?

Contact lenses can get expensive, not to mention the fact
that you get tired of having to put them into and out of
your eyes every single day. With the advent of laser
surgery in the last decade, more and more people are
discovering that they can have 20/20 vision (or better)
without ever having to wear glasses again.

Laser surgery is expensive and it's not generally covered
by insurance because it's considered an elective procedure.
Some insurance companies will cover a very small portion,
leaving a general cost somewhere between $3000 and $4000
dollars. So immediately, it's a cash investment of
significant portion.

Many clinics do offer financial payment plans, but they are
usually one or two year plans that allow you to spread out
the payments. This option can still cost you about$180 to
$400 per billing period, whether it is by the month or
quarter.

If the cost isn't something to turns the option off to you
immediately, it's good to weigh the facts. Everyone is a
candidate for laser corrective surgery. There are stages
to the evaluation, including the amount of correction
obtainable by corrective eyewear, shape of the eye, health
of the eye, and condition of the eye.

Following the evaluation process, the specialist can
determine which type of laser surgery, if any, they would
recommend.

The procedure is done as outpatient care. The eyes are
anaesthetized and held open. You'll feel some pressure when
the laser surgery begins, and you might even experience a
few moments of blindness.

It is not uncommon for patients to experience blurriness
for a day or two following, but most patients notice an
immediate (if not profound) change in their vision when the
surgery is over.

Laser surgery isn't a guarantee of correction. However,
doctors, as well as your own optometrist can never promise
20/20 vision at the surgery's completion. You may still
need some form of corrective lenses. Laser surgery is a
popular and viable alternative when compared to the
lifetime investment in the cost of new corrective eyewear
every two or three years.

Ultimately, the procedure is not a guaranteed. The
decision to continue with contact lenses or try laser
corrective surgery is up to you and your doctor. The
surgery has proven successful for hundreds of patients, but
contact lenses are less expensive in the immediate time
frames and don't involve surgery or lasers. Check out your
options. Consult your optometrist and decide which option
might be the best for you.
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/

Is there a perfect contact lens for dry eyes?

Do you have dry eyes? Whether you just feel like you have dry eyes or your doctor has told you, there are contact lenses made just for you. Dry eye contact lenses vary depending on the type of dry eye. Manufacturers of contact lenses have focused a lot of time and research into developing the perfect dry eye contact lens.

A dry eye can be caused by numerous factors, and therefore, the perfect dry eye contact lens does not exist. The good news is contact lenses are designed for all different types of dry eyes. So chances are there is a contact lens for your dry eyes.

In its simplest state, dry eye is a lack of tears on the eye. In some cases it is a slow tear production rate, some instances it is a fast evaporation of tears, and in others it is a question of tear quality. Given the complexities of dry eye syndrome, there is no one contact lens that can possibly work on every dry eye.

In many cases, lenses like the Proclear Compatibles by cooper vision or the Extreme H2O contact lens will stay moist throughout the day and help the dry eye patient feel comfortable. Both these lenses are made with a high water content plastic and are able to maintain their moisture throughout the day. Both these lenses were developed with the dry eye contact lens wearer in mind.

The newest breed of soft contact lenses is the silicone hydrogel lens. By nature, silicone hydrogels do not dehydrate as readily as other soft lenses and may increase comfort. The right silicone lens accompanied by a good conditioning solution has been known to help many people with dry eyes.

Another philosophy is to fit a lens with a very low content. The theory is a lens that needs less water, will take less from the eye. For example, a lens that has only 38% water content will not need to take as much tears from the eye to stay moist and it is less prone to dehydration. A contact lens with 55% or more water content is going to take more tears from the eye, adding to the dry eye effect.

Contact lens solution also plays a major role when it comes to comfort and dry eyes. In many cases, simply changing your lens care system and solutions can alleviate a dry eye sensation.

If you have dry eyes and are not satisfied with your current contact lens situation, you may be a good candidate for a Proclear Compatible, Extreme H2O, silicone hydrogel, or a low water content contact lens.
Steve Cogger, referred to by some of his patients as a contact lens genius, practices in New York City and a fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America. He is also the webmaster of http://www.All-About-Contact-Lenses.com,a contact lens informat

What to Do If Your Contact Lenses Don't Feel Comfortable

Many people give up wearing contact lenses because they can never get used to them. The lenses just dont feel comfortable. If this is your case dont give up just yet; there are several things you can do to make your lenses more comfortable.

If you contact lenses feel dry

How many glasses of water do you have every day? Not soda, coffee or tea, but water? It is possible that your dry eyes are a result of general dehydration. Try to drink more water. We all know that water is on the good for you list, but we often forget about it during our busy days.

If you work at the computer all day, your eyes are definitely drier than they would be, otherwise. The reason is that while peering at the screen people blink much less than usual. You cant control your blinking, but you can try closing your eyes for a few seconds, at regular intervals.

Do you drink a lot of tea, coffee or soda that contains caffeine? They all are dehydrators so, if you like coffee, you need to drink even more water than usual.

Also you can ask your doctor if silicon-hydrogel contact lenses would suit you. New generation silicon-hydrogel contacts dont block oxygen flow to your eyes as much as ordinary lenses. Quite often contact lens wearers report that silicon-hydrogel contacts, like Acuvue Advance, Focus Night and Day or O2 Optix, solved their dry-eyes problem

Eye drops can also be a solution, but only if your eyes occasionally feel dry. You shouldnt use eye drops all the time

You constantly feel the lens in your eye

High quality contact lenses that are properly fitted to your eyes should feel like you have nothing in your eye at all. See if these recommendations can help..

Are you often exposed to cigarette smoke or dirty environments? Tiny particles that get under your lens might be the cause of your discomfort, try to avoid smoke and dusty rooms if possible.

Do you follow your doctors instructions about cleaning your contacts every day and replacing them on schedule? It is possible that proteins from your eyes have built up on your lenses. It is very important to care for your lenses properly

You can also switch to daily disposable contacts. They dont require any care at all, and every day you start with fresh lenses that have no build-ups from the previous day. Daily disposable lenses are definitely a solution for people who have to spend a lot of time in dusty environments.

The reason for lens awareness might be that the lenses simply dont fit you. Contact lenses have many parameters and have to be properly fitted by an eye doctor. You cant just select the brand you like and order it online.

Your eyes feel swollen, red and irritated

This is a sign of a serious problem and, whatever the cause might be, the only sensible thing to do is to take your lenses off immediately and dont wear them until you can see a doctor. Most likely the lenses are not the source of your problem, but your eyes will heal better if there is nothing in them.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Your Contact Lenses Consumer Guide, which provides you with information about eyes health, all types of contact lenses and where to find discount contact lenses

Wearing Contact Lenses

If you've never worn contact lenses, you may not appreciate the amazing selection available on today's market. Be glad: you have much more choice than in the past. With so many options, how do you choose the right type of contact lenses?

Your doctor can probably help you figure out which contact lenses are best for you. Some contact lenses are suited to certain vision problems, like astigmatism. Others, like extended-wear contact lenses, are marketed to suit certain lifestyles. Colored contact lenses sometimes are used by people who don't even need prescription lenses but just want to change their eye color. Regardless, contact lenses should only be purchased by a professional eyecare practitioner, who knows how to properly fit the lenses and help you take care of your eyes. In fact, in the United States, it is illegal to purchase contact lenses without a valid prescription.

It's good to be informed about the different types of contact lenses before making your decision. Different contact lenses need to be replaced on different cycles. Some pairs last a month, some only two weeks. Other contact lenses are made to be worn only for one day. These contact lenses usually cost more, as you are paying for convenience.

It is important not to sleep in your contact lenses unless your practitioner says it's okay. Even contact lenses made for this purpose may not be good for you, especially if your eyes tend to be very dry. Be sure to ask.

Soft contact lenses have become most popular, as they are easy to get used to and are very comfortable to wear. While gas permeable contact lenses take longer to get used to, they last longer and tend to have less deposit buildup. Also, these contact lenses are less expensive in the long run because they don't need to be replaced as often. Some people also believe gas permeable contact lenses are better for your eye health and may even help improve vision. However, they are rigid and some people don't like how they feel.

As contact lenses have improved, so have their uses. Bifocal wearers rejoice! Many contact lens manufacturers have started making lenses that even you can wear. Ask your practitioner for details.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Contact Lenses Resources a website providing information on Contact lenses and eyewear

What Does It Take To Get A Multifocal Contact Lens?

Honestly, what does it take to get into a pair of multifocal contact lenses? I know theyre used for correcting the effects of astigmatism and presbyopia. I happen to know a bit about multifocal vision correction in general--and I should. After all, my father is named Benjamin Franklin (no, really) and Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals. But my experience with multifocal contact lenses has been rather limited, despite my best efforts. Even direct questions to my optometrist failed to produce any results.

My Life in Technicolor Glasses

I have a long personal history of vision correction. I got my first pair of glasses when I was eight years old. It was a fate I couldnt avoid, with both my parents contributing poor eyesight genes. After being fitted with my mildly corrective lenses and pink speckled frames, my own eyesight continued to grow worse over time. I developed a habit of squinting even when I had just received a stronger prescription. One optometrist even recommended bifocal glasses to slow the deterioration of my eyesight.

The next optometrist reversed this prescription. Later, he detected astigmatism in my right eye. Although a multifocal contact lens could correct this disorder, my parents decided I was too young for contact lenses. I was ten at the time, so they were probably right. My glasses with green and gold frames would have to suffice for the time being.

When, at 13, the time finally came to give up my glasses for the freedom of contacts, my new doctor didnt mention my astigmatism. Even when I brought it up, he didnt really address the issue. Although I had thought that I wouldnt be able to wear contacts because of this disorder, after two hours of struggling against my surprisingly strong blink reflex I walked out of the office without glasses--and without a multifocal contact lens to correct my astigmatism. To this day, astigmatism blurs the focus of my right eye. My doctor has yet to prescribe a multifocal contact lens to correct this. Now, in my twenties, my prescription seems to have hit a plateau. With 20/400 vision, I could be considered legally blind if it werent for my contact lenses, but Im still waiting on 100% perfect correction of my astigmatism.

Multifocal Contact Lenses Coming up All Over--Almost

My father, the esteemed Mr. Franklin, is now in multifocal lenses. After wearing glasses to correct nearsightedness from the time he was in the first grade, Dad found his eyesight suddenly improving with age. As he tried to read materials at a normal distance, he would have to remove his glasses to focus better. Between his presbyopia and myopia, Dad needed a multifocal contact lens. Now he benefits from the invention of his illustrious namesake--a lot more than I ever did.

Ryan, my husband, has been consigned a fate similar to mine. He also has astigmatism. His past optometrists have insisted that hard contact lenses are the best solution for his vision problems, but at his most recent visit, he received a prescription for a soft multifocal contact lens to correct his astigmatism. After all that Ive done to try to get into a multifocal contact lens prescription, I thought Ryan would be overjoyed to leave behind his hard contacts for the advantages of a soft multifocal contact lens.

However, Ryan wore his new soft contacts for a grand total of three days before relegating them to long-term storage in their plastic case. He explained that it had taken time for his eyes to grow accustomed to the hard contacts in the first place, and hed hate to have to start all over again. Although he said hed probably use them from time to time, the forgotten multifocal contacts taunt me from their plastic case.

And still Im waiting for a contact lens to correct my astigmatism. I know theyre out there, but somehow they always seem to be just out of my reach.

Jordan enjoys reading, writing, and watching Law & Order. For more information on a multifocal contact lens, please visit DiscountContacts.info at http://DiscountContacts.info.

History of Contact Lenses - The Vision of Leonardo da Vinci

Although I have been wearing contact lenses for just over two years now, my first recollection of lenses was from bob-a-job week when I was eleven years old. My sister had recently started wearing them. Attempting to put them in one day she's dropped one and couldn't find it. The whole family helped and I was the lucky soul who managed to find it by a better method than standing on it. For my troubles, my mother kindly gave me 11p towards my bob-a-job total.

(For those in countries other than the UK, Bob-a-Job was something that members of the Boy Scouts would do once a year. During a specific week of the year, normally in the Spring months, doorbells and knockers up and down the length of the country would sound as eager, scrubbed faces joyfully announced to those foolish enough to answer the door "Bob a job week, have you any jobs you'd like doing?" Tradition was that you'd find a simple, innocent and non taxing job for them to do and then give them a bob or two. All the money they collected would then be handed into the scoutmaster at the end of the week and passed to charity. I was glad never to be one of the sorry victims who ended up having to clean a car inside and out for 10p!)

Now the contact lenses my sister had were scary. It was in the time when contact lenses were made out of non permeable glass! ( I shudder even now at the thought of having to try and place a thin sliver of curved glass into my eyes!)

But it got me to pondering recently - what is the history of contact lenses? When did they first appear and who was the first person to think of them? The answers will, I think, surprise you quite a bit.

So - starting from the beginning, can you think who might have dreamed up the contact lens? A famous or pioneering doctor maybe? An optician thinking way before his years?

And in what year did the first contact lens idea spring up? Who had the vision of foresight - if you'll pardon the pun?

Well, not unsurprisingly, the first person to dream the concept of a contact lens was none other than Leonardo da Vinci in 1508!! It's surprising that it was in 1508 but not at all surprising that the father of so many far sighted concepts, Leonardo da Vinci, should be the man to first sketch the idea.

Nothing really happened for over a century once Leonardo had thought of them. After all, they didn't exactly have the precision tools and knowledge to make them at that time.

So it's again surprising to find that in 1632 a Frenchman called Rene Descartes came up with the idea for the corneal contact lens. This idea was left on the shelf for almost another two centuries until 1801, when Thomas Young evolved Descartes's idea to correct his own sight by using a quarter inch long glass tube, filled with water and a microscopic lens at the far end.

Development of the contact lenses we know today started to speed up from this point in time.

In 1827 (although it maybe as early as 1823, opinions differ on this point) the English astronomer Sir John Herschel introduced the idea of actually grinding the contact lens to a specific shape to better conform to the eye's shape.

Then the breakthrough. In 1887 the German glassblower F Muller made the first ever contact lenses specially made to be worn on the eye without causing irritation. This kickstarted two opticians from separate countries - Edouard Kalt of France and Eugen Fick of Switzerland - to report that they had used contact lenses to correct the sight of patients successfully.

In the US - William Feinbloom made the first ever American lenses in New York and introduced the idea of plastic as an optional material. Delayed by the not too small event of World War Two, the AOA (American Optometric Association) declared contact lenses a formal practice of optometry in 1945.

Following this approval, work on designing the best lenses proceeded apace. In 1950 Dr. G Butterfield designed a corneal lens, an important step forwards in that it allowed lenses to be created that would follow the shape of the eye instead of sitting on top of it.

Ten years later in 1960 Otto Wichterie and Drahoslav Lim begin experimenting with water absorbing soft plastic as a means of making lenses. Eleven years later in 1971, the soft lens officially became available for commercial use in the US with the rest of the world following at varying degrees, dependant on their ruling medical bodies granting permission for use of the material.

And it is this step which gives us the biggest move in making lenses commercially available today.

Based on the acceptance worldwide of soft lenses, we now have the different styles we know today. Rigid Gas Permeable lenses, toric lenses, tinted and colored lenses, bifocal lenses - all the different lenses we have were born from that point.

So when you get to the end of a day and stand before your bathroom mirror, carefully taking out your lenses and placing them in their overnight lens case - just pause a second and think of Leonardo and those clever people who came after him.

From the simple sketches of an idea in a book filled with clever, before their time ideas, through the dedication and imagination of more clever people and finishing with you standing in your bathroom balancing a small sliver of plastic on the tip of a finger, the contact lens has had one hell of a journey already!

Do you have the vision to see where it should go now?

Rufus Steele loves writing and has covered a variety of different topics. Anything that takes his interest or tickles his funny bone gets written about. You can read more of his articles and reviews of Contact Lenses at Contact-Lens-Info-Online.com

Novelty Contact Lenses Are Fun If Used Safely

It must be Halloween or you are in a play if you are thinking about buying novelty contact lenses. Quite a few of the special effects that are shown in the movies are done with these special costume contact lenses. They can be really enticing to wear because they certainly are different, but they must be used safely and with caution. Some of the styles and ways you can wear them are:
Put on a black cat suit and one of the different styles and colors of cat eyes
Dress in red with a fork and wear devil lenses
Put on a tuxedo and wear vampire lenses
Make your eyes appear red or black with total coverage
If you want to support your favorite NFL team, you can get contacts that display your team name
You can look like a reptile with a green lens and a black vertical slit going through it
A whimsical lens would be a smiley face, flower, or dollar signs
Contact lenses that feature flames would be fun for a devil costume
Lenses can change color if when exposed to a black light so they would be even more noticeable at a club
Show your patriotism with an American flag, or the Union Jack.
There are eye drops that you can put in your eye to make them appear dead
What kind of animal do you want to look like? How about a cat, jaguar, zebra, wolf or reptile?
A novelty contact lens used in one eye only would look really scary or funky.
These are only a few of the wild choices that you can find online from a reputable dealer or from your eye care professional.

There is a down side to the use of novelty lenses. All of the costume lenses on the market are seen by the FDA as medical devices so you must have a prescription to buy them. They do not carry any kind of corrective prescription; it is just as though they were a plain pair of glasses with fake lenses in them. Black market contacts have been more places than ever before. You might find the novelty lenses in a gas station, flea market, or salon. If you get them from somewhere other than a reputable distributor, you could be inviting serious permanent eye injury. Definitely stay away from those lenses because you just cant put your eyes at such risk. They can also present a danger because many of the styles limit the amount of light that enters the eye. Your peripheral vision may also be restricted, causing problems while driving or even walking.

Novelty contact lenses can be safe to wear as long as you follow the guidelines from your eye care professional. Never swap lenses with your friends. If they arent fitted specifically for you, they can cause eye injury and will be very uncomfortable to wear. You wouldnt do that with corrective contacts and you shouldnt do that with these. Clean them just as you would other lenses, and dont sleep or swim in them. If you get a proper prescription from your eye doctor and get them from a reputable dealer, you should be able to have fun with the lenses and create the theatrical or scary look you are trying to achieve.

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying reading glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, safety glasses and more. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions. Her many articles can be found at http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net

Contact Lens Makeup Safety Tips

If your teenage daughter wants to wear contact lenses, you may have some reservations, so get as much information as you can for her when it comes to applying makeup. Contacts are nice because eyeglasses may get in the way if your teen plays sports and girls like their pretty eyes to show instead of being hidden by eyeglasses. Your teen needs to be responsible so that she will take care of them and put on her makeup with eye care in mind. If you misuse cosmetics when wearing contact lenses, you may develop allergies, dry eye, injury, infection, or deposits on the lenses. There are a lot of things you can do to safely put on makeup if you wear contacts. Check out http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net for ideas and here are some tips and product information when it comes to applying makeup safely around the eyes:
Wash your hands prior to putting in each contact, then apply makeup
Dont expose your eyes to water while wearing contacts
Take out the lenses before you remove your makeup. Avoid greasy or oily makeup removers as they may build up on the contact lenses
Avoid getting too close to the eye with any type of makeup
Use makeup that is hypoallergenic to avoid sensitivity. Use only well known trusted brand names
Use water soluble makeup
Dont use waterproof mascara as it may permanently adhere to the lens. Also avoid mascara that contains volume building fibers
Avoid eye shadow that is powder. Use only gel, liquid or cream. Never use eye shadow that is frosted or iridescent. These may contain oyster shells or mica.
Do not use eyeliner that is directly drawn on the rim of the eye. Keep all eyeliner pencils sharp enough so the wood doesnt scratch the surface of the eye
Use pressed powders
Dont use hairspray or other aerosols if you have already put in your lenses. Allow all hairspray to settle before walking into a room that has just been sprayed. Many times hair products can irritate the eyes and they are more susceptible now to problems because you wear contacts.
Keep all nail polish remover and perfumes away from your contacts.
Never swap makeup application sponges or brushes with your friends and wash your application brushes frequently
Dont put on make up if your eyes are already red or swollen, this will only irritate them more
Beware of flaking mascara because pieces of nylon can reach the eye and never purchase mascara refills
Never use saliva or water to thin cosmetics
Never swap your contacts with your friends
Never wear the contacts if they become cracked, chipped or torn
You may want to use an eye wash to remove any excess oils from makeup residual
Replace your cosmetics every six months to avoid bacterial growth
Never apply eye makeup while in a car or worse yet while driving

If your teenager follows a few common sense ways of putting on makeup properly and purchasing the right products, there should be no problems with the contacts, or maintaining eye health and safety.
Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying reading glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, safety glasses and more. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions. Her many articles can be found at http://www.contact-lenses-4u.net

The Wonderful World Of Contact Lenses

Hundreds of thousands of people will purchase contact lenses this year. Not all of these people will be doing so to improve their vision. In fact, many will be making these purchases because they want a new eye color. For those who are on the market, looking for great looking contacts, you have hundreds of great choices. Contact lenses are able to provide you with better vision of course, but they are also able to give you a new look to be proud of.

What do you hope to gain from contact lenses? Manufacturers are set on pleasing the demanding public that wants new types of contact lenses. Options are available to help you with vision of all types. Do you use bifocals? Do you need contacts to help control astigmatism? Toric lenses, soft lenses, contacts for those who have sensitive eyes there are many different options available to you. In most cases, just about any eye problem can be corrected with contacts. There are of course, extreme cases.

Now, there is the other side of the coin as well. Not only do contact lenses wearers benefit from prescription contacts, but those who have no sight problems at all also benefit. If you are one of the many people who want a new eye color, the options are numerous! You can have just about any eye color that you want. You can enhance your current eye color with the use of contacts. Or, you can create wild and scary looking eyes with Halloween contacts. There is no telling the limit that is available to you.

The best part is that the contact lens world is wide open on the internet. Hundreds of thousands of people purchase their contacts online. The best prices, then, are just around the corner. Why not own a few pair to match a few different outfits? Look for something different to scare a friend with (like glow in the dark contacts). Or, simply enhance your current eye color for great looking options. Your choices are endless!
Find more information and tips about contact lenses by visiting http://www.contactlensesnews.info

Top Ten Things You Should Know About Contact Lenses

1. Soft lenses are perceived by most patients and practitioners alike to be more immediately comfortable while adequately correcting vision. They come in all formats even toric and bifocal. Disposable soft lenses take minimal but important care to maintain their safety and
usefulness.

Soft lenses do absorb elements from the tears and the environment. They can change in fit with their age and cleanliness, perhaps causing a lack of oxygen to the eyes. Their surfaces break down rapidly, causing a decreasing sharpness of vision.

On the other hand, many patients feel they see sharper and more clearly with rigid gas
permeable (RGP) lenses. RGPs become very comfortable after adapting to them. They are easier and less expensive to maintain, last longer and are available in all formats. RGPs can more easily be custom designed to offer a wider range of vision correction than soft lenses. They can breathe more oxygen, don't deteriorate as fast and don't absorb things as easily as
soft lenses.

2. Soft lenses generally center by themselves if they fit well. Just put them straight on the cornea and they will go where they belong. Use the iris, the colored part of the eye, as a guide. Make sure you have a competent eye care practitioner evaluate the fit of your lenses before you wear them, though. Improperly fit soft lenses can cause damage to your eyes!

3. Almost all nearsighted people can wear contact lenses, no matter how high their
prescription. In fact, there are contact lens laboratories that make custom lenses up to -30.00 diopters! It is essential to follow your contact lens practitioner's rules, however. Contact lenses are extremely safe when prescribed and cared for properly.

4. Improperly worn contact lenses can cause a loss of oxygen to the cornea, which in turn can lead to blood vessels growing over the front of your eyes, infections, lid changes, allergies, corneal warping, corneal swelling and possibly even blindness.

5. Do not share contact lenses with your friends. Everyone's tears are filled with normal bacteria, but transferring these bacteria to someone else's eyes is not a good idea. And not only is there a risk of infection, if the lenses don't fit, the eye can suffer from a lack of oxygen or develop other problems.

6. Contact lenses are medical devices. Changing parameters should be done under the supervision of an eye care practitioner. Do not take chances!

7. If you sunbathe while wearing contact lenses, there is no problem with heat. But your corneas can swell and make your lenses fit tighter, causing some temporary redness and irritation. Put some form of lubricating drops in your eyes before tanning. Wear protective glasses to block the really harmful UV radiation from getting to your eyes it has been linked
to cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.

8. Bloodshot eyes are a sign that something is not right. It could be as simple as a solution allergy or dirty lenses. But it could also be a sign that your corneas are not getting enough oxygen. Go see your eye care practitioner and find out why your eyes are so red!

9. Eyeglass prescriptions are higher than contact lens prescriptions because contact lenses sit on the eye, whereas eyeglasses sit in space in front of the eye. This is called the vertex distance. The closer a lens sits to the eye, the less strength is needed to focus light on the retina. And the stronger the prescription, the more the power adjustment. This is true for both soft and RGP lenses.

10. Some contact lens practitioners find that lenses with lower water content can sometimes be better for people who have dry eyes. But some patients actually do better with high-water contact lenses. It has long been felt by some practitioners that the thicker the lens, the better, as well.
Are you planning to wear contact lenses? Visit
rel="nofollow" href="http://www.contactlensesreviews.info/">Contact Lenses Center for the latest
news and information on contact lenses.

Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

Until recently, contact lenses and dry eyes seemed to come hand in hand. Modern technology, however, has developed several ways for contact lens wearers to deal with dry eyes. When eyes become dry, they can be irritable, bloodshot and in severe cases, vision can become impaired.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur for a number of reasons, although there is thought to be a particular link between extended contact lenses and dry eyes. Dry eyes are also prevalent with older contact lens wearers as tear ducts become less effective with age. Problems with contact lenses and dry eyes become exacerbated when wearers spend a considerable length of time in front of a computer screen or in an air-conditioned environment.

Specific Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes

There are some manufacturers that deal specifically with the problem of contact lenses and dry eyes. For example biomedics offer their own range of frequency 55 contact lenses for dry eyes. The higher water content can be a real benefit for those suffering from irritated and dry eyes.

If you are looking for contact lenses for dry eyes, take some time to review and make a comparison before you select the best contact lenses for your circumstances. So many companies offer a range dealing specifically with contact lenses and dry eyes that it pays to experiment and shop around and compare ratings.

Solutions for Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

It's not only specific types of contact lenses that can help with dry eyes. There are solutions that are aimed at working alongside contact lenses and dry eyes to minimize the risks; theses include tear inducing solutions and artificial tears.

Those who suffer from problems with contact lenses and dry eyes need to pay particular attention to the various contact lens products on the market. By comparing brands and manufacturers, the perfect contact lens will be found.

If irritation of the eyes continues, the contact lenses should be removed immediately and a health care professional consulted.

With modern developments, there is no need for any contact lens wearer to suffer from dry eyes, so get help and remove the irritation.

Contact lenses and dry eyes are soon to be a thing of the past!

Christopher Chase is a writer and author of many different articles on contact lenses. Visit www.MyContactLensGuide.comto get the latest news, buying guides and articles on discount contact lenses.

Extra, Extra, Get your free samples of contact lenses here...

So you are looking for free samples of contact lenses? Perhaps you saw a commercial that said visit our website for a coupon to receive free samples of contact lenses. Or, see your eye care provider today for your free pair of so and so lenses.

While this a great way for lens manufacturers to have you try their brand of contact lenses, most contact lens fitters do not require such coupons.

In order to get free samples of contact lenses, that particular lens must still be fit to your eye. Therefore you must still visit your eye care specialist. A properly fit soft contact lens must center correctly, move slightly with a blink, match the contour of your eye, and correct your vision. Any lens that does not meet all those minimum criteria does not fit. So why bother with some free samples of contact lenses that won't work for you?

Here is a secret the other websites and commercial advertisements might not be telling you: You don't need a coupon to get free samples of contact lenses.

If you are having issues with your current lenses, or have never worn lenses before, your specialist will fit you with something different. Depending on the type of fit, your lens fitter may have diagnostic lenses in the office for evaluation. If the diagnostic contact lenses are a good fit, chances are you can take them home to try out (yes, even without a coupon).

There are some instances where free samples of contact lenses can not be handed out. For example, if you do not wear a pre-packaged, disposable contact lens. Non disposable lenses are not given to eye care providers as diagnostic tools and therefore will need to be ordered per case. Also, gas permeable contacts can not be given out as free samples. Every gas permeable contact lens is made per specs for an individual patient; therefore it would not be possible to have free samples on hand.

So you can search out coupons for free samples of contact lenses, or you can let your specialist decide which lenses might be a better option for you.
Steve Cogger is a contact lens specialist from New York City and a fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America. In order to provide a resource for all lens wearers, he is also the webmaster of http://www.All-About-Contact-Lenses.com

Have you ever wondered; how do contact lenses work?

 Have you ever wondered; how do contact lenses work?

If you wear lenses, or even if you don't, chances are you have asked yourself, "how do contact lenses work? After all, it's just a little piece of plastic. It's amazing that without them, your vision can seem awful. And with a little thin lens, everything is clear. So let's take a closer look; how do contact lenses work?

In their simplest form, contact lenses are nothing more than an optical lens; similar to that in a pair of eyeglasses, only much smaller and of a different material.

For the nearsighted eye, the lens is a minus power. On eyeglasses, this makes for a thin center and thick edge. The same goes for contact lenses, a very thin center and a thicker edge. The variation of the thin to thick makes up the power of the lens. For example, a -14.00 lens has thicker edges than a -2.00.

The inside curve of the lens, also called the base curve, is designed for optimum fitting on the cornea. Base curves are measured in mm of radius. For example, a base curve of 8.6 means that the lens has the same inside curves of a circle with a radius of 8.6mm.

Another major factor in answering how do contact lenses work?, the diameter. Diameter is measured edge to edge, also in millimeters. The diameter is altered for physical fit and comfort. Any time the diameter is changed, the base curve needs to be revised. For example, a lens with a base curve of 8.6 and a diameter of 13.8 will be overall flatter than a lens with a base curve of 8.6 and a diameter of 15.0.

To picture this in your mind, picture a circle and imagine the top quarter of the circle is a lens. Now imagine the top half of a similar circle is a lens. Can you begin to see how different those two lenses would be?

Contact lenses only work properly when they have the proper prescription and they are fit correctly. A contact lens that is too steep will not only be uncomfortable, it will also create a blurry image because of the distance between the front of your cornea and the back of the lens. A lens that is too flat will not center properly and the edges will buckle or lift off the white of the eye.

Once properly fit, the lens must stay hydrated in order to work properly. On soft contact lenses, this is accomplished simply by blinking. Think of your lids as windshield washers that constantly clean the lens. If you wear lenses, you may notice that they blur a little after long term computer use. This is directly related to the fact that a persons blink rate slows when focusing on anything up close, i.e. the computer screen.

As you can see the optical qualities, proper fitting, and constant blinking are the main factors when figuring how contact lenses work.
Steve Cogger helps thousands of contact lenses wearers find the perfect lens for their eyes. His busy New York practice specializes in all lens modalities. For more consumer information and education, http://www.All-About-Contact-Lenses.com

Tips for Choosing the Correct Contact Lenses

The online shopping experience is in many ways different from making the same purchases from a brick and mortar establishment. While the convenience of browsing, ordering and making shipping arrangements is hard to beat, health related products such as these must be designed specifically for the consumer whos doing the ordering. With this in mind, there are a number of things to consider when making the decision to buy this type of product via the internet.

Your first step, if course, is to ensure that your prescription is up-to-date. This means that you should have had an eye exam within the last one to two years. In most cases, your contact lenses will be effective, as long as the prescription renewal date is still intact and hasnt expired. Typically, these are valid for one to two years after your last exam, although some states allow the doctor to determine the expiration date.

Its highly recommended that you only purchase contact lenses with a valid prescription that was dispensed by your doctor. Some online merchants allow items such as these to be purchased without a confirmed prescription, which can lead to vision problems. Those who wear contact lenses that havent been made specifically according to their vision needs run the risk of damaging the eye.

Choosing a reliable establishment for the purchase of online contact lenses is easier if you remember that they should always ask for your eye care physicians contact information and a copy of your prescription. There are some companies who wont ask for such things or will ask, but will never confirm the prescription. If you decide to purchase your contact lenses online, always make a notation to the effect that you will be notifying your doctor, who should expect to receive a confirmation call. Follow-up by making a copy of your ordering information and forwarding it to your doctors office. If the company thats dispensing the contact lenses knows that the doctor has been alerted, they may be more likely to follow the laws that are specific to that type of sale.

Since contact lenses which are not properly fitted to the eye may cause damage, take steps to have your contacts checked by your physician after theyre delivered. Simply make an appointment with your eye care specialist and bring the new contacts with you, so that the prescription and fit can be evaluated. Though this may sound like extra work and, in some cases, a bit of an extra cost its well worth doing if it saves you from experiencing vision problems as a result of poorly constructed contact lenses.

Theres nothing wrong with purchasing products online and nearly everyone has done so at one time or another but greater care needs to be taken when these purchases involve items that relate to your health in any way. Once damaged, your eyes may not be repairable, which may result in blindness. By doing your homework and exercising common sense, youll ultimately save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money
Carter McIntosh is a freelance author and contributing writer to http://www.101-contact-lenses.com

Learning About RGP Contact Lenses

If you are interested in learning about RGP contact lenses, then the following information will help you considerably. These are rigid gas permeable lenses, are a hard lens made of silicone that allow oxygen to penetrate the lens, thus aiding in eye health and comfort of the contact. So, as you are learning about RGP contact lenses do not allow yourself to be confused with the first introduction of hard contacts that were not only uncomfortable and difficult to wear, but they also did not allow for oxygen penetration. There are many people that prefer, or do not have a choice, to wear RGP contact lenses instead of soft lenses.

The RGP lenses have specifically been developed for individuals with astigmatism, individuals who prefer strong, sharp vision, and people who are unable to wear traditional sot lenses or do not experience a good result. In fact, RGP lenses are even good for individuals who like and can wear soft lenses. This is because the RGP lenses allow for sharper vision, more clarity, and is more durable. The durableness of the RGP lenses exists in its construction. They are not made with water as soft lenses are, so they do not tear easily. Because of this, individuals who exercise care with their RGP lenses may keep the same pair for years. That is, of course, if their vision does not change. However, all individuals who wear contact lenses should always visit their optometrists on a yearly basis to make sure their eyes are in good health and their contacts are in good shape.
If you need help or advise on Contact Lenses, visit our site at http://contact-vision.com