Contact lenses are medical devices placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. People often choose these lenses over traditional eyeglasses for cosmetic reasons, or because they offer a wider field of view and do not interfere with active lifestyles or sports. Because they sit against the sensitive cornea, contact lenses are regulated medical devices that require a prescription and professional oversight from an eye care specialist. The decision to begin wearing contacts involves several factors, including a person’s readiness, a specialized fitting process, the choice of lens type, and a commitment to hygiene.
Determining Readiness
There is no specific minimum age mandated for a person to begin wearing contact lenses, as readiness depends on individual maturity and responsibility, not just physical age. Some children as young as eight have successfully managed contact lenses, while some older teenagers may not yet be prepared for the commitment. The primary consideration is whether the potential wearer can consistently follow the detailed instructions required for safe lens use.
Success with contact lenses relies on the ability to maintain a routine, including proper handwashing, daily cleaning, and adhering to the prescribed wearing schedule. An eye care professional will often assess a person’s behavior, looking for signs of diligence in personal hygiene and following instructions in other areas of life. A person who is highly motivated to make the switch is often better equipped to manage the necessary daily care involved.
The Contact Lens Examination and Fitting Process
Obtaining contact lenses requires a comprehensive eye examination followed by a specialized contact lens fitting process. The initial eye exam determines the appropriate refractive prescription and assesses the overall health of the eye, looking for conditions like severe dry eye that could interfere with lens wear. The contact lens fitting is an additional step where the eye care specialist takes precise measurements of the eye’s unique shape.
Special instruments like a keratometer or corneal topographer are used to measure the curvature of the cornea. These measurements are used to select the correct base curve and diameter of the lens, ensuring it fits comfortably on the eye without being too tight or too loose. The proper fit is necessary to allow for adequate tear exchange beneath the lens and sufficient oxygen flow to the cornea.
The process includes a trial period where the patient wears sample lenses so the eye doctor can evaluate the lens movement, fit, and visual acuity. A mandatory training session is also conducted, where the new wearer learns the techniques for inserting, removing, and caring for the lenses. This instructional period ensures the wearer understands the necessary safety protocols before a final prescription is issued.
Understanding Different Lens Types
Contact lenses fall into two main material categories: soft lenses and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses, made from flexible plastics called hydrogels or silicone hydrogels, are the most common choice due to their immediate comfort and ease of adaptation. Silicone hydrogels are particularly popular because they allow a higher amount of oxygen to pass through to the cornea, supporting better eye health.
Soft lenses are further categorized by their replacement schedules, which include daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly replacement options. Daily disposables are worn once and discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions and care products. Bi-weekly or monthly lenses require daily cleaning and disinfection before being replaced with a new pair after their prescribed wear period.
RGP lenses are made of a firmer, more durable plastic that provides sharper vision correction, particularly for complex prescriptions like high astigmatism or conditions like keratoconus. While they may require a longer adaptation period, RGP lenses allow excellent oxygen transmission and resist the buildup of deposits more than soft lenses. The eye care professional determines which lens type is best suited based on the wearer’s visual needs, eye health, and lifestyle.
Essential Hygiene and Maintenance
A rigorous daily hygiene routine is necessary for safe contact lens wear, as improper care is a leading cause of eye infections. Before handling lenses, a person must thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of microorganisms. Lenses that are not daily disposables must be cleaned by gently rubbing them in the palm of the hand with a recommended disinfecting solution before rinsing and soaking.
It is necessary to only use fresh, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storage, never topping off old solution in the case. Tap water, which contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, should never come into contact with the lenses or the storage case, as it can cause severe, vision-threatening infections. The lens storage case itself should be rinsed with solution, air-dried, and replaced entirely every three months to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
Sleeping in lenses that are not specifically approved for extended wear significantly increases the risk of corneal infection due to reduced oxygen flow to the eye. Wearers should also be vigilant for signs of trouble, such as persistent eye redness, pain, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. Should these symptoms occur, the lenses must be removed immediately, and an eye care professional should be contacted without delay.