Why Can’t Some People Wear Contact Lenses?

Contact Lens Composition

Contact lenses are a lightweight, virtually unnoticeable way to correct your vision. By placing the lenses directly on the eye itself, the lens will stay fixated and allow you to see clearer. Contact lenses have been around for more than 100 years, and advancements in technology have allowed more people to utilize them. The first versions of contact lenses were made from a Lucite or Plexiglas composition; however, these materials are rarely used today. Today’s lenses are made with either a water-containing plastic or non-water-containing plastic, depending on your eye condition. In addition, various other types of lenses have been created to allow more individuals to use contact lenses. UV-blocking lenses, hybrid lenses (combining oxygen-permeable lenses with soft water-containing plastic lenses), as well as custom fit lenses can all be created. In addition to basic vision correction, certain lenses can also help correct problems such as astigmatism and a misshaped cornea. Bifocal lenses can be worn to help with near and far-sighted difficulties.

Sensitivites to Contact Lenses

Because of these advancements in lenses, few people cannot wear contact lenses. If you are having sensitivities to wearing lenses, check with your eye care professional on the size of the lenses to make sure they are fitting your eye correctly. During your eye exam, your eye’s diameter and curvature are measured so that the correct sized lenses can be ordered. If the fit is wrong, you may have increased irritation in your eyes.

You also may need to change brands of contact lenses if you continue to have problems. Each manufacturer uses a different combination of plastic materials, so finding the right brand may also be a factor. In addition, you may have a reaction to the type of cleaning solution you are using. Try changing the solution to see if this helps alleviate any eye sensitivities.

Contact Lens Care

It is important to clean and dispose of your contact lenses regularly. You should not sleep in your contact lenses unless your eye care professional instructs you to do so. Also, today’s contact lenses need to be disposed of regularly to avoid a buildup of bacterial and minerals, which can lead to eye infections. Lenses can be prescribed, which can be disposed of daily, weekly or monthly. Properly caring for your lenses will also help make your lenses fit more comfortably and that your eyes continue to remain healthy.