As eye parameters are unique to everyone , the first step is to consult your optometrist
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THE HEALTH | JUNE , 2023
| Eye Health |
Contact lenses and modalities that best work for you
As eye parameters are unique to everyone , the first step is to consult your optometrist
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
CONTACT lenses have evolved over the years with increasing safety and comfort . The thin plastic lenses , placed over the cornea , correct vision problems , including near and far-sightedness .
Now , many types , technologies and modalities of contact lenses are available in the market , ensuring there is a right fit for everyone .
Optometrists Wan Nur Khairunnisa Kamri and Ainun Nazihah Muhamad Razali , co-founders of Eye Smile Optometrist , emphasised the importance of scheduling contact lenses fitting examination with a qualified eye care practitioner , such as optometrists , to determine the best type of contact lenses for your eyes .
“ Treat contact lenses like your clothes , where we pick the right size and material to fit our body type . The same goes for our eyes .
“ The eye parameters are unique to everyone . Therefore , we need to find the right contact lenses material and size that suits the particular eye size and condition ,” said Khairunnisa .
Ainun stressed : “ It is very important to get the right contact lens for your eyes to avoid irreversible damage to the eye . As optometrists , we will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine the suitability for contact lens wear before prescribing properly fitted contact lenses .”
SOFT AND HARD CONTACT LENSES
Generally , there are two types of contact lenses in the market , soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable ( RGP ) contact lenses , said Khairunnisa .
“ The soft contact lenses are made of soft , flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea .
“ Soft contact lenses have also progressed rapidly in technology and material . Newer soft lens materials include siliconehydrogels to provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses .”
( Rear , L to R ) Wan Nur Khairunnisa Kamri ,
Fatin Nadia Mohd Khalil and Ainun Nazihah
Muhamad Razali . ( Front , L to R ) Syarifah Afiqah and
Rosdyana Masbullah .
Ainun Nazihah Muhamad Razali
Wan Nur Khairunnisa Kamri
According to her , soft lenses are the most popular choice among consumers due to their high comfort level .
“ Meanwhile , the RGP contact lenses , also known as hard contact lenses , are more durable and generally give a clearer , crispier vision . They are not as comfortable initially as soft contacts and may take a few weeks getting used to wearing compared to several days for soft contacts .”
RGP contact lenses , she said , are usually prescribed for people with high astigmatism ( keratoconus ) or high myopia .
“ For example , Orthokeratology ( Ortho-K ) is a lens-fitting procedure used to
INSERTING CONTACT LENSES
1 . Before you start , wash your hands with soap ( preferably non-perfumed , anti-bacterial liquid soap ), then rinse and dry your hands with a lint-free towel .
2 . Check that the contact lens isn ’ t inside out . Put the contact lens on the tip of your finger and hold it up to the light . If the edges flare out , it ’ s inside out . It should look like a bowl with straight edges .
3 . Using your right hand , gently hold your upper eyelid with one finger so you don ’ t blink or get your eyelashes in the way and carefully pull down your lower eyelid with your other finger .
4 . Move the contact lens toward your eye steadily . Look upward as you place it on your eye . Slowly release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment to allow the lens to settle . Repeat for your other eye . correct myopia . It uses specially designed RGP contact lenses to change the cornea ’ s curvature to improve the eye ’ s ability to focus on objects temporarily .”
How to insert and remove contact lenses
CONTACT LENSES MODALITIES
Contact lenses modalities refer to the wearing schedule , which indicates how long the contact lenses should be worn , said Ainun .
Several modalities are available in the market , and with the help of your optometrist , you can find the best modality suited to your lifestyle .
“ Contact lenses modalities available are daily , weekly and monthly wear . There are also extended wear modalities for three months and even a year . However , the most hygienic and safe option is the daily and weekly wear .”
Khairunnisa and Ainun noted that Johnson and Johnson Vision Care ’ s wide range of ACUVUE contact lenses cater to most of their patients ’ needs .
Ainun added : “ They also provide us with trial contact lenses which allow us to fit patients with different options till we find the most suitable one .”
She expressed confidence in the ACUVUE brand because of its commitment to conducting extensive research & development and studies before launching new products . – The Health
REMOVING CONTACT LENSES
1 . Ensure your hands are clean and dry , and start with your right eye , then look up and carefully pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger .
2 . Bring your index finger to your eye slowly until you touch the lower edge of the lens , and slide the lens down to the lower white part of your eye .
3 . Gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and index finger and remove it . Repeat for your left lens .
4 . Discard daily disposable contact lenses . If you wear dailies you can toss them out , but make sure you clean and disinfect bi-weekly contact lenses .