Understanding toric contact lenses

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Since the positioning of the various curvatures is key to improving vision, toric soft contact lenses cannot rotate - they must be held in a certain position in order to be effective. This is accomplished several ways. One way is to add weight to the bottom of the lens by building up or thickening that section. Another way is to make the top part of the lens lighter, by thinning this section.

Rigid gas permeable lenses are an option

Yet another way to correct astigmatism with contact lenses is to use rigid gas permeable lenses. These lenses are not as flimsy as soft lenses and that enables them to hold onto their shapes, even after blinking. Regular gas permeable lenses work effectively at correcting mild to moderate astigmatism, but in cases where the astigmatism is severe, it's usually necessary to purchase gas permeable toric contact lenses. Toric lenses are custom shaped so that the inside of the lens more closely matches the shape of the astigmatism. Because of the customized fit, toric lenses remain in position and rotation isn't an issue.

And because toric contact lenses involve customization, you'll likely have to pay more for this type of contact lens. You might even find that your eye doctor charges more when fitting you for toric lenses because of the extra work involved in properly measuring each eye.

If you work with an eye doctor you trust, he or she will likely first try to prescribe regular contact lenses to treat your astigmatism. Again, mild and moderate astigmatism can usually be adequately corrected with standard lenses. Only when the astigmatism becomes severe is it necessary to resort to toric style contact lenses. When this happens, you'll find that toric lenses are available as daily wear, extended wear, silicone hydrogel and disposable brands. They even come in an assortment of eye color options!

Understanding toric contact lenses

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Since the positioning of the various curvatures is key to improving vision, toric soft contact lenses cannot rotate - they must be held in a certain position in order to be effective. This is accomplished several ways. One way is to add weight to the bottom of the lens by building up or thickening that section. Another way is to make the top part of the lens lighter, by thinning this section.

Rigid gas permeable lenses are an option

Yet another way to correct astigmatism with contact lenses is to use rigid gas permeable lenses. These lenses are not as flimsy as soft lenses and that enables them to hold onto their shapes, even after blinking. Regular gas permeable lenses work effectively at correcting mild to moderate astigmatism, but in cases where the astigmatism is severe, it's usually necessary to purchase gas permeable toric contact lenses. Toric lenses are custom shaped so that the inside of the lens more closely matches the shape of the astigmatism. Because of the customized fit, toric lenses remain in position and rotation isn't an issue.

And because toric contact lenses involve customization, you'll likely have to pay more for this type of contact lens. You might even find that your eye doctor charges more when fitting you for toric lenses because of the extra work involved in properly measuring each eye.

If you work with an eye doctor you trust, he or she will likely first try to prescribe regular contact lenses to treat your astigmatism. Again, mild and moderate astigmatism can usually be adequately corrected with standard lenses. Only when the astigmatism becomes severe is it necessary to resort to toric style contact lenses. When this happens, you'll find that toric lenses are available as daily wear, extended wear, silicone hydrogel and disposable brands. They even come in an assortment of eye color options!

Results are both immediate and guaranteed. The moment you insert the contact lenses, vision is better and if it's not or if the contact lenses feel uncomfortable, then you've somehow ended up with an incorrect prescription, something that's easy to remedy.

Costing less than what you pay for your coffee or other daily habit, these contact lenses are an option that's affordable. Plus, most 30-day contact lens brands are disposable so at the end of the wear cycle, you throw the pair away and put in a new pair. Doing so eliminates the need to constantly spend money replenishing cleaning solutions and other lens maintenance products. You should keep a bottle of cleanser handy but it will last quite a while.

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Newer technology is another benefit. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are more efficient at letting oxygen into the eye, and that keeps eyes healthy and free of irritation.

Should an eye examination reveal the need for a different prescription, such as bifocal lenses, updating to the new prescription is easy.

Cons of 30-day continuous wear contact lenses

Even with the new technology, many people find it difficult to sleep with their contact lenses on. That for many is the determining factor for or against 30-day contact lenses.

The chances of developing an infection increase when contacts remain in place while sleeping.

Annual eye examinations are still required to keep the prescription valid.

Pros of LASIK eye surgery

Technology, training and experience have improved the success rates of LASIK eye surgery so those who undergo the procedure generally end up with eyesight that's even better than 20/20 with long-lasting results.

Customized LASIK surgery, which involves creating a multi-dimensional map of the cornea and then feeding the customized data into the laser, offers even higher rates of success.

Results are immediate with LASIK eye surgery and most patients see well enough to drive home from the procedure.

Cons of LASIK eye surgery

Cost is a big factor. With rates running approximately $2,000 per eye, LASIK eye surgery is a huge investment that's unaffordable for many, even though many surgeons offer financing.

Another consideration with LASIK eye surgery is that the outcome cannot be guaranteed. Any type of surgical procedure has risks and eye surgery is no different. There have been instances in which vision is not improved after surgery. Potential side effects include nighttime dry eyes, glare, seeing spots and the appearance of halos surrounding objects.

Some people are not good candidates for LASIK eye surgery. Eyes must be healthy and individuals should be in good overall health.

Eyeglasses may still be needed later in life, when presbyopia becomes an issue.

Regular eye examinations are still needed.

What's causing that pain?

When this is the case, relief is easy. Since it's not a good idea to touch contact lenses unnecessarily, start by adding a few drops of your contact lens solution or lubricant into the eye. Hopefully the debris will rinse away and the uncomfortable feeling will be gone. If it's not, then remove the lens and take a closer look. You might find protein deposits accumulating on the lens surface. If that's the case, it's time to pay more attention to your cleaning routine. If you're using disposable lenses, it's probably time to replace one or perhaps even both lenses.

And you should feel fortunate that you have such an early warning device. A build up of protein deposits left untreated can turn into something far more serious than an uncomfortable feeling.

If you've checked the lens surface and done a bit of lens maintenance, yet still, wearing your contact lenses feels uncomfortable, there's the possibility that the lens has developed a tear. Remove the lens, place it on your fingertip and hold it up towards a light source. Look around the edges for what appears to be a tiny fiber. If one is found, investigate further. It may be just that - a tiny piece of something on the surface. If it won't come off, it's probably a tear and there's nothing you can do to repair it.

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What else could be wrong?

Other reasons contact lenses are uncomfortable include wearing the wrong prescription, a problem with dry eyes, allergies or other medical problems including eyes that aren't healthy and eye strain. These types of problems should be discussed with your eye doctor. Testing and a medical history evaluation can help rule out or pinpoint the cause of the pain and once it's been identified, proper corrective measures can be put into place.

That might include a new, properly-fitting contact lens prescription or possibly a different brand of contact lens, one that allows more oxygen to flow to the cornea. The eye doctor might recommend using lubricants and/or artificial tear drops when dry eyes are causing the uncomfortable feelings. Other medical treatments might also be prescribed depending on what's causing the discomfort. Hormonal and thyroid problems can impact a person's ability to wear corrective contact lenses as can some prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Also, try not to order lenses on an expired prescription when buying wholesale contact lenses. You’ll have to check with your doctor or your state government to see what your lenses’ expiration is. Some states mandate a one-year or two-year renewal, while other states allow your doctor to decide.

When ordering wholesale contact lenses, a valid prescription entails different things, again depending on where you live. Some state laws often delineate minimum elements to a prescription, such as basic stuff like your name and the doctor’s name. They may also include the contact lens brand name and material, along with the power, diameter, base curve, and other lens measurements. More complicated prescriptions can include wearing schedule, the limit of wearability (such as daily or extended wear), the refill amounts, substitute lens materials, and expiration dates.

Many times, when you are looking for wholesale contact lenses on the Internet, the site will require information about your doctor. That way, they can double check the authenticity of your prescription. Whatever the site requires, don’t worry about whether or not you need to study your state laws to buy contacts. It’s up to the company to make sure they are following them. It’s up to you, though, to make sure you get the safest and most beneficial lenses.

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Even though you may not need them to correct your vision, if you want colored contact lenses you will have to visit an eye doctor to obtain a prescription. A prescription for contacts that doesn't include vision correction is called a plano prescription. This type of prescription measures the width and the curvature of the eye and will insure that the contact lenses fit properly. If they don't fit right you'll know in a moment because the pain will be persistent and irritating.

Unfortunately, there's a belief among wearers of colored contact lenses that because a pair lacks vision correction it's okay to share the contact lenses with others. This is wrong! Under no circumstances is it ever a good idea to share contact lenses so don't. Not only might they be the wrong size and cause discomfort, if they haven't been cleaned, the other person likely will introduce harmful bacteria into the eyes which can cause irritation and other eye problems.

Within the world of colored contact lenses you'll find many options and it's important to understand what these options are. For example, opaque colored lenses are absolutely necessary when a person wants to completely change eye color. Colored lenses are actually tinted, and besides changing color you'll find other types of tints, some of which aren't necessarily designed to change eye color.

One of the benefits of a visibility tint is that the tint makes the lenses easier to handle by making them easier to see. Clear contacts can end up anywhere when they're dropped and they'll be invisible and nearly impossible to find. But the colored tint on the lens will help pinpoint their location. Enhancement tints have a deeper tint that will enhance and intensify a person's eye color.

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Lenses that are coated with UV/UB protection tints are preferred among those who participate in outdoor sports. The tints help to reduce glare which improves vision and hopefully the game. And speaking of sun protection, there is a brand of colored contact lenses that darken to a color that resembles that of sunglass lenses when exposed to light. Once inside, the color transitions back into clear.

Kids who participate in sports find that wearing contact lenses is much easier than dealing with the hassle involved in wearing eyeglasses. Eyeglasses and sports aren't always a good match. They break more frequently and replacing children's eyeglasses isn't cheap!

Kids can be cruel, and children who wear eyeglasses find that they're frequently subjected to unnecessary taunting and name-calling. Such behavior can seriously impact a child's self-esteem and confidence, especially when they're young and don't know how to disregard the words being said.

Studies have shown that contact lenses for kids, in particular rigid gas permeable styles, have the added benefit of helping to keep nearsightedness from progressing.

There is something else to consider before making a final decision, however. Although a child's age isn't necessarily a consideration, a parent may wish to consider a child's maturity level. With the decision to wear contact lenses comes an understanding that the wearer has certain responsibilities that must be upheld. Since no two children mature at the same pace, a parent really is the only person who can make this determination.

It helps to think about the ways in which the child does or does not currently show responsibility. For example, how is the child at caring for pets, or at finishing chores or at completing school assignments?

If a child isn't yet mature enough to handle the responsibility, the parent then has to determine whether he or she is willing to take responsibility for cleaning, maintenance, insertion and removal of the contact lenses and also for scheduling eye examinations and follow-up visits as necessary.

If a child is mature and is motivated, that child likely will be a good candidate. And since most children take instruction well, especially when someone other than a parent gives it, they generally are very good at wearing and caring for contact lenses as they've been instructed by the eye doctor.

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Contact lenses for kids do present the same risks as adults have including a higher incidence of eye infection, dryness or abrasion. Some children, even though they may be very motivated, are not good candidates for wearing contact lenses either.

As always when in doubt, talk the decision over with someone who has experience prescribing contact lenses for kids.

Another benefit of gas permeable contact lenses is that even though the plastic is more durable, which makes handling the lenses easier and less prone to damage, oxygen is still able to flow through, helping to keep eyes from becoming dry or irritated. The high gas permeability is also what makes these materials perfect for use in extended wear contact lenses. Eyes can breathe better, and the lens design ensures that tiny bits of bacteria and other particles can be flushed from the eye rather than trapped on the eye.

Gas permeable lenses are not as flimsy as soft contact lenses. They won't tear or dry out as easily and if cared for properly, each lens should last a long time. If you wear soft lenses, you know how easily they tear, how frequently you're reaching for replacement lenses and how often you're reordering. The cost of disposable lenses adds up quickly, and for some, switching for gas permeable lenses actually saves money.

With all of these benefits and more, gas permeable contact lenses should be the number 1 choice among contact lens wearers. But they're not. Why aren't these lenses the most popular type?

There are times when comfort is compromised. There is an adaptation period and for the first few days or more of wearing gas permeable lenses, some wearers feel much discomfort. Once the eyes adjust, the lenses are back to measuring high on the comfort meter. But when people don't wear gas permeable lenses on a regular basis, they sometimes have to go through the adjustment period again and even again.

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Another unfavorable side effect is that upon removal, blurry spots sometimes appear and can take a day or so to clear up. Because of this, there's a tendency to stop wearing the lenses, but in doing so, the adaptation period has to restart. It becomes somewhat of a Catch-22 situation. Gas permeable contact lenses feel great and can be a great deal, but understand that once you start wearing this type of contact lens, it can turn into a lifelong commitment.

Prosthetic contact lenses are perfect for people who have suffered an eye injury that has caused the eye to become somehow disfigured. They're also worn by individuals who have lived with an eye defect since birth. Such injuries and defects can leave the eye looking abnormal. For example, sometimes there is one big black circle where normally there would be a dark pupil surrounded by an eye color. A condition known as albinism might result in one eye being lighter in color than the other. The pupils might for some reason be misshapen or a person may have a deficiency in his or her color vision.

Prosthetic lenses can also be used to realign an eye that has 'crossed'. No surgery is involved and when the lens is put into place, the colored part of the eye appears to be in its 'normal' position in the center of the white area as opposed to the corner. Prosthetic contact lenses can disguise such inconsistencies making the eyes less awkward to look at and leaving the affected individual with a much higher level of self-confidence.

These contact lenses aren't always needed to correct a vision problem, although they can easily be made that way. Oftentimes, they're purely cosmetic in nature. Since each reason for needing prosthetic contact lenses is unique, so too is the manufacturing process. The easiest way to create this type of prosthetic device is to work from close-up pictures that have been taken of both eyes. Digital photographs work best and provide the truest colors making it much easier to match eye color and any unique eye coloring patterns.

Caring for prosthetic contact lenses is no different from normal contact lens maintenance routines. Because of the hand-crafted nature of these lenses, they generally are not made to be disposable. That means daily cleaning and disinfecting and weekly enzyme cleansing routines to remove protein build-up are important to both preserving the coloring of the contact lenses as well as preserving the health of the eye.

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If you feel you could benefit from prosthetic contact lenses, discuss this option with your eye doctor.

It's not necessary to understand all the different makes and models of contact lenses. That's more the responsibility of vision specialists since they're the ones responsible for making the final determination based on their training, knowledge and past experience.

There are several ways to categorize contact lenses. One way is to categorize contacts by material type. Plastic is the material of choice when it comes to contact lenses. Its fluid nature enables a more comfortable fit and its availability makes contact lenses more affordable. Plastic lenses fall into 3 general categories including gas permeable, hard and soft.

Another way to categorize contact lenses is by their wear and replacement schedules. As for wear schedules there are daily wear and extended wear lenses. Daily wear lenses are designed to be inserted and removed every day whereas extended wear contact lenses can remain in place for one to several weeks before removing.

And based on replacement schedules, there are disposable contact lenses and non-disposable. Daily wear disposable are worn once and then throw right away, completely eliminating the need for cleaning. Regular disposable contacts are worn several weeks before being thrown away. Again, the goal with disposables is less maintenance which lowers the risks of infection and other eye problems. Non-disposables require careful and regular maintenance as they don't get replaced until torn or until a patient's prescription changes.

And finally there are some special kind contact lenses. Theatrical contact lenses started out being designed for and used by actors and other performers. Giving eyes the ability to change from normal-looking to horrific and demonic, theatrical lenses are gaining in popularity among everyday users. Used primarily as a way to change a person's look, the lenses generally are not designed for corrective purposes, but they do require a prescription for proper fitting.

Besides theatrical lenses, there are contact lenses that offer protection against damaging ultraviolet light - lenses called varichrome that darken when exposed to bright sunlight making sunglasses an unnecessary accessory, and contact lenses designed to change the color of one's eyes.

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Then there are the specialized contact lenses such as toric lenses that correct more troublesome astigmatisms, bifocal contact lenses which help a person see both close up and far away, spherical or aspherical lenses, and monovision lenses in which one lens assists with close up vision and the other lens is dedicated to distance vision.

Bifocal contact lenses are becoming more popular with each passing year, especially as the elderly strive to fight the signs of aging. Like the eyeglass lens, each bifocal contact lens actually includes two different prescriptions. One of the prescriptions will be such that distance vision, if it's a problem, will be corrected. The second of the two prescriptions will enhance near distance.

There are three ways that the two prescriptions can be situated on a contact lens. Both of the prescriptions can be centered within the cornea so that they are within the boundaries of the pupil. With this placement, the eyes learn to decide and adjust to the prescription that's needed at the moment. That is known as simultaneous placement.

Translating placement is similar to that of bifocal eyeglass lenses - the top portion of the lens has the prescription for near vision and the bottom half has the prescription for distance. Another option is the placement of the different prescriptions in concentric circles with one prescription situated in the outermost circle, and the other within the inner circle.

Bifocal contact lenses are readily available as all the major manufacturers now produce at least one version. They are just as effective at correcting presbyopia as eyeglass prescriptions, so the decision as to which is better is based on the individual and his or her willingness to put forth the extra effort needed to wear and care for bifocal contact lenses. In addition to the various prescription placement options, wearers can choose bifocal contact lenses in extended wear, daily wear and disposable styles.

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Someone new to wearing bifocal contact lenses should expect an adjustment period as the eye needs time to learn how to adjust to the different prescriptions. At first, vision can cause a feeling of being 'off-balance' and this can be bothersome but it does pass. It may be necessary to switch to a different type of prescription placement, but once the right one is found, there should be no further problems.

More often than not, contact lens maintenance involves using one of the commercially-available multi-purpose solutions that take care of cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storage. After removing a contact lens, with hands that have first been washed using non-moisturizing soap, shoot the lens with a steady stream of the multi-purpose solution for a minimum of 20-seconds (or as directed), making sure that both sides of the lens are sprayed. Some solutions require that the contacts be rubbed in the palm of the hand using a clean fingertip to help loosen dirt, protein, cosmetics and other debris. Be sure to rinse each lens as directed as this is an important step in helping rid the lens of foreign matter.

Then, fill a clean storage unit with that same solution and place the cleaned lens into the appropriately labeled storage container. While the lenses are being stored, the solution will disinfect them. Repeat these steps for the other lens.

The maintenance steps generally are the same regardless of whether you wear soft contacts or gas permeable lenses. Because the maintenance steps were so frequently being skipped, it was important to devise ways to make cleaning as quick and as simple as possible. Again, your eye doctor is the person who should advise you on a suitable maintenance routine and to whom you should turn when questions arise.

Those wearing daily contact lenses that aren't disposable usually need to add an extra step to their maintenance routines, especially if they wear soft lenses or older styles of gas permeable lenses that are more prone to protein build-up. As an extra precaution, using an enzyme cleaner weekly (or as directed) is highly recommended.

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Everything that may come into contact with your contact lenses must be kept clean. That includes fingers, hands, tips of solution bottles and storage containers.

Never use water for cleaning. It may contain contaminants and it's too harsh for some lenses.

Develop a cleaning routine and stick with it. Never change without first checking with your eye doctor or specialist.

If maintenance isn't happening on a regular basis, switch to disposable lenses. You're the type of person for whom these lenses were invented!

Extended wear contact lenses are perfect for busy people because they require minimal maintenance. They're also a good choice for individuals who work odd hours and double shifts such as doctors and firefighters. Extended wear disposable lenses are the most convenient because they're simply thrown away after they're removed.

The first extended wear lenses were not designed to be thrown away. Wearers reinserted the same pair after removing them for routine cleaning and disinfecting. Because it was not possible to completely cleanse and disinfect these lenses, infections and irritations were common. Infections, although more rare, are still a risk and those who choose extended wear lenses are advised to get frequent eye examinations.

Even though they're convenient, these lenses are not right for everyone. Some are uncomfortable with the idea of leaving their contacts in while sleeping. They think (incorrectly) that they might become lost inside the eye and such thoughts can cause anxiety. For others, the eyes just aren't able to get enough oxygen, and they need to switch to daily lenses.

Daily wear soft lenses have always been the most popular of the contact lens types. They're soft and comfortable, cause minimal eye problems and they're easy to get used to. Because they are made mostly of water, they adhere well and float freely on the surface of the eyes.

They're perfect for those involved in sports and hobbies where wearing eyeglasses can become a safety issue. They're made from a more durable plastic than disposable daily wear lenses so they're not as likely to tear from handling. And since these lenses don't need to be replaced until they either become damaged or the wearer's prescription changes, they can be the most cost effective of the various types of lenses.

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The downside of daily wear soft contact lenses is that they do require routine maintenance. They need to be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before they're stored otherwise protein will begin building up. Although daily cleaning takes only minutes, it's an easy step to skip because to the naked eye, the contacts don't appear 'dirty'. Disposable daily wear lenses are practically maintenance-free and are a better choice if the wearer is not disciplined enough to follow a regular contact lens cleaning schedule. They're still removed daily, but they're disposed after a few weeks.