Contacts or Glasses: How to Know Which is Better for You

 

It’s time for an eye exam. While making your appointment, the receptionist asks you if you want contacts or eyeglasses. Before you decide, make sure you understand which type of corrective lenses will work best for you.

 

Lifestyle

Jobs or hobbies that require you to wear safety goggles make wearing eyeglasses a bit tricky. You will have to wear the safety goggles over your corrective lenses. For some, this creates too much weight on the face and becomes a distraction. Some frames may make it difficult for the safety goggles to be positioned properly, lessening their effectiveness.

 

Sunglasses

Most ophthalmologists recommend sunglasses to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. Choosing eyeglasses will mean you will need to wear clip-on shades, purchase a separate pair of prescription sunglasses, or purchase expensive photochromic lenses (which do not change colors when you are driving).

 

Allergies

Even with medicine, allergy sufferer’s eyes can still be itchy and irritated. According to Londonderry Eye Care, wearing contacts sometimes causes further irritation. Additionally, some people have been known to become allergic to the lenses themselves, even after months of trouble-free wear.

 

Fashion

Eyeglass frames come in many styles. Frames can be purchased for every mood and fashion trend. Internet eyeglass manufacturers have made glasses so affordable that many purchase more than one pair.

Wearing contacts allows you to change the color of your eyes. Plus, contact lenses allow eye makeup to be as expressive as possible.

 

Maintenance

Contacts are high maintenance. You must either clean and store your lenses nightly or constantly purchase fresh lenses. If you live in an arid climate, you will have to regularly use eye drops to keep your contacts from drying out and irritating your eyes. Some contact lenses require you to remove and store your contacts for the night. Even if you use disposable lenses, you will have to have a pair of glasses for the time between removing your contacts and going to sleep.

Glasses are pretty much “grab and go.”

 

Decision Time

Deciding between contacts and glasses is a matter of personal preference. Contacts are better for people who use safety goggles or intend on wearing sunglasses. Glasses are better for people who have allergies, live in dry climates, or hate lengthy self-care routines.

If you still haven’t decided which way to go, ask your optometrist for a contact lens exam. This type of exam generates a prescription for either type of lens and keeps your options open.

 

Categories: contact lenses, corrective lenses, eye care, Eye Exams, glasses, wearing sunglasses

Hard vs. Soft Lenses: Comparing Contact Lens Choices

 

 

Contact lenses can be a great solution for individuals who need vision correction but can’t or don’t want to wear glasses—they are virtually invisible and easy to use and replace. But it can be hard to decide which contacts are right for you, especially if you’ve never had a pair before. Here are the pros and cons of the two main types of contact lenses: hard and soft.

 

 

Hard Lenses

Hard contacts, also known as rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs), are made out of durable, rigid plastic. Usually RGP lenses are made from a combination of silicone and other plastics. These contacts are smaller in diameter than their soft counterparts.

 

Pros

 

Can Correct a Wide Range of Eyesight Problems: Because RGP lenses are fitted to your cornea, they can be better adapted to correct difficult vision problems.

 

Offer Clearer Vision: Originally, hard lenses were made from glass and required high levels of blinking to aerate the eye. The silicone currently used in rigid lenses transmits more oxygen to the eye than soft lenses or previous types of hard lenses.

 

Additionally, because the lens holds its shape each time you blink, it offers vision that is consistently sharper and clearer than soft lenses.

 

Durable: Hard lenses can last for a year or more with proper care. Because of their sturdy material, they cannot be torn (though they may be shattered if stepped on). And, because hard lenses don’t include any water, they aren’t susceptible to the buildup that can decommission soft lenses.

 

 

Cons

 

Uncomfortable: Rigid contacts don’t have as much give as soft contacts, which can make them uncomfortable. It may take up to a week to get used the feeling of having the contacts in and users will likely always be aware they have the contacts in.

 

Require Constant Use: Many contact wearers switch back and forth between contacts and glasses, depending on their activities and comfort level with each. However, this may not be possible with hard contact lenses. Hard lenses must be worn daily, or wearers will have to readjust their eyes.

 

May Shift or Fall Out: While you’re getting used to hard contact lenses, there is a high likelihood of them shifting or even falling out. This problem may continue after you get used to the contacts, as they don’t change shape to reflect the natural movement of your eye.

 

 

Soft Lenses

Soft contact lenses are also made out of plastics, but they have the consistency of cling wrap rather than stiffness of RGP lenses. These lenses mold to the shape of your eye and come in a several different longevities—from single-use lenses to six month contacts.

 

 

Pros

 

Low-Maintenance: Because soft contacts come in short-term or disposable types, they are made to be as low-maintenance as possible. You will only need to perform basic cleanings and storage.

 

Comfortable: Soft contacts mold to the shape of your eye, moving with it. This makes them instantly comfortable for most wearers, even those who have never used contacts before.

 

Provide Flexible Wear Options: These contacts can be worn in circumstances when rigid lenses would be impractical or uncomfortable, such as while swimming. Wearers can switch between contacts and glasses as often as they like. You may even be able to fall asleep with soft contact lenses in without realizing.

 

 

Cons

 

May Cause Irritation: Soft lenses can pick up irritants from soap, hand lotion, and makeup. When these substances adhere to the surface of your contact, they can cause irritation, discomfort, pain, or vision limitations. The lenses will need to be cleaned or replaced.

 

Are Easily Damaged: Because soft contact lenses are extremely flexible, they are also susceptible to ripping or warping.

 

Wear Out Quickly: Even soft contact lenses that are intended to last for several months may not last that long because they become dirty or damaged easily.

 

If you are considering switching to contact lenses, or adding contact lenses to your corrective vision procedures, talk to your optometrist. Most of the time you can pick up everything you will need—contacts, saline solution, and optical health vitamins—right in your optometrist’s office (source: Dr. Bishops & Associates, who provide contact lenses in Calgary). Contact lenses can be more convenient, flexible, and simple than glasses alone.

 

Knowing the benefits and disadvantages of each choice can help you decide which avenue you’d like to pursue.

 

Categories: contact lenses, hard contact lenses, rgp lenses, soft contact lenses, vision problems

How to Have Beautiful Eyes without Damaging Them

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, which is perhaps why you give them so much anti-ageing attention. You want to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, trim unruly brows and generally make your eyes gorgeous, but at what cost to your wellbeing? Could some of your favourite beauty therapies actually be doing damage to your eye wellness? We’ve rounded up some of the worst offenders for harming eyes, as well as some friendlier alternatives, so you can have healthy and beautiful eyes.

 

1. Coloured lenses: As we’ve just had Halloween, you may have seen a lot of people wearing scary eye lenses and thought, “hey, now there’s an idea.” While you may want to choose a new colour for your eyes – instead of looking like a zombie – when these lenses are sold without prescription you are putting your eyes at risk of injuries or infections. Even if you only wear them for a short time, contact lenses from salons, costume shops, or online can cause vision loss, because contact lenses require proper fitting, cleaning, and care. However, if you still feel like the good Lord gave you the wrong colour eyes, you can ask a licensed eye care professional about RX coloured contact lenses. You’ll need an eye exam even if you have perfect vision, and your doctor can write you a prescription and show you how to take care of the lenses properly. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice so that you don’t injure your eyes.

 

2. Prescription eyelash serum: If you want long, flirty eyelashes – albeit temporarily – latisse is a prescription drug that can help you get them. You daub the serum onto the upper line of your lashes on a daily basis, and can expect to see results in four months. While your lashes may become long and luscious, it’s important that you bear in mind that there’s a risk of side effects, some of which are permanent. The drug may change your eye colour to brown (or make brown eyes darker) and it can also darken the skin around your eyes. Instead, why not ditch the prescription drug in favour of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions? However, while these alternatives can give you that long-lashed look without a prescription drug, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. The adhesives can irritate your eyelids or cause an allergic reaction, so be careful. You should also be on the watch for permanent eyelash tints that promise thicker-looking lashes, as these have been linked to serious injury, including blindness. The FDA is yet to approve any permanent dyes for use on the lashes.

 

3. Expired makeup: If you’re got glittery eye shadow from the 90s that you’re hanging onto for a just-in-case occasion, chuck it now. While makeup contains preservatives, these can break down over time which enables bacteria to grow. This is not just the case with eye makeup, but all kinds of makeup, although different types of cosmetic have different “use by” guidelines. Don’t hold onto your mascara for more than three to four months, and get rid of eye shadow after two years. Concerning the rest of your makeup bag, lipstick and foundation are OK up until a year, and you can keep hold of blush and powder for up to two years before tossing it out. However, getting back to your eyes, if you develop an eye infection you should throw out your eye makeup immediately. If you use mineral makeup, this contains fewer irritating fillers and preservatives than regular cosmetics, but as it contains allergens you should look products with as few ingredients as possible if you have sensitive eyes and skin.

Categories: Coloured Lenses, contact lenses, eye makeup, eye shadow, eyes, eyes nbsp, lenses, Makeup, prescription, prescription drug, Prescription eyelash serum

How to Have Beautiful Eyes without Damaging Them

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, which is perhaps why you give them so much anti-ageing attention. You want to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, trim unruly brows and generally make your eyes gorgeous, but at what cost to your wellbeing? Could some of your favourite beauty therapies actually be doing damage to your eye wellness? We’ve rounded up some of the worst offenders for harming eyes, as well as some friendlier alternatives, so you can have healthy and beautiful eyes.

 

1. Coloured lenses: As we’ve just had Halloween, you may have seen a lot of people wearing scary eye lenses and thought, “hey, now there’s an idea.” While you may want to choose a new colour for your eyes – instead of looking like a zombie – when these lenses are sold without prescription you are putting your eyes at risk of injuries or infections. Even if you only wear them for a short time, contact lenses from salons, costume shops, or online can cause vision loss, because contact lenses require proper fitting, cleaning, and care. However, if you still feel like the good Lord gave you the wrong colour eyes, you can ask a licensed eye care professional about RX coloured contact lenses. You’ll need an eye exam even if you have perfect vision, and your doctor can write you a prescription and show you how to take care of the lenses properly. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice so that you don’t injure your eyes.

 

2. Prescription eyelash serum: If you want long, flirty eyelashes – albeit temporarily – latisse is a prescription drug that can help you get them. You daub the serum onto the upper line of your lashes on a daily basis, and can expect to see results in four months. While your lashes may become long and luscious, it’s important that you bear in mind that there’s a risk of side effects, some of which are permanent. The drug may change your eye colour to brown (or make brown eyes darker) and it can also darken the skin around your eyes. Instead, why not ditch the prescription drug in favour of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions? However, while these alternatives can give you that long-lashed look without a prescription drug, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. The adhesives can irritate your eyelids or cause an allergic reaction, so be careful. You should also be on the watch for permanent eyelash tints that promise thicker-looking lashes, as these have been linked to serious injury, including blindness. The FDA is yet to approve any permanent dyes for use on the lashes.

 

3. Expired makeup: If you’re got glittery eye shadow from the 90s that you’re hanging onto for a just-in-case occasion, chuck it now. While makeup contains preservatives, these can break down over time which enables bacteria to grow. This is not just the case with eye makeup, but all kinds of makeup, although different types of cosmetic have different “use by” guidelines. Don’t hold onto your mascara for more than three to four months, and get rid of eye shadow after two years. Concerning the rest of your makeup bag, lipstick and foundation are OK up until a year, and you can keep hold of blush and powder for up to two years before tossing it out. However, getting back to your eyes, if you develop an eye infection you should throw out your eye makeup immediately. If you use mineral makeup, this contains fewer irritating fillers and preservatives than regular cosmetics, but as it contains allergens you should look products with as few ingredients as possible if you have sensitive eyes and skin.

Categories: Coloured Lenses, contact lenses, eye makeup, eye shadow, eyes, eyes nbsp, lenses, Makeup, prescription, prescription drug, Prescription eyelash serum