BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

According to Optometrist Ryan Ban , the owner and founder of Ban UK Optometrist in Kuala Lumpur , CLs can be worn by all demographic segments . The adoption rate is highest among teenagers and young adults .

“ The adoption of CLs among consumers age 16 and above is high . They prefer contact lenses over spectacles because it offers better comfort and is aesthetically pleasing .

“ Consumers aged 60 and above tend to be apprehensive of CLs due to misinformation and fear of eye and vision complications .

“ However , older consumers are now aware of CL safety and effectiveness , and I ’ ve observed an increasing trend in CL adoption among older consumers .”

IDENTIFYING THE BEST LENSES

Ban said various contact lenses ( CLs ) are available in the market . Therefore , he advised new wearers to consult an eye care professional ( ECP ) to identify the best suitable CLs before wearing them .

“ The optometrist can assess the individual ’ s eyes and determine if contact lenses are suitable based on their eye health , lifestyle and vision correction needs .

“ During the consultation , the ECP will also provide information on the different types of CLs available and recommend the best type for the individual ’ s eyes and lifestyle .

“ They will also provide instructions on properly inserting , removing , cleaning , and caring for the CLs to prevent eye infections or complications .”

The types of CLs available in the market are ;

• Soft contact lenses - these are made from a flexible , water-containing material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea , making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods .

• Rigid Gas Permeable ( RGP ) contact lenses – they are made from a firmer , oxygen-permeable material that

provides clearer vision than soft lenses but may require a longer adaptation period .

• Hybrid contact lenses - these lenses combine a rigid centre with a soft outer skirt , providing the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses .

• contact lenses - they have a larger diameter than regular contact lenses and rest on the white part of the eye , providing improved comfort and vision correction for those with certain eye conditions .

• Speciality contact lenses - designed for specific eye conditions , such as astigmatism , presbyopia or keratoconus . “ The most popular lenses for new contact lens wearers are soft contact lenses , as they are generally easier to adapt to and more comfortable than RGP lenses ,” shared Ban .

“ Within the category of soft lenses , daily disposable lenses are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and hygiene . They are worn for a single day and disposed of , thus eliminating the need for cleaning and storage .

“ Other popular options for new contact lens wearers include weekly or monthly disposable soft lenses , which are replaced regularly and require less maintenance than conventional soft lenses .”

ADAPTING TO CONTACT LENSES The time it takes for new wearers to wear

Ryan Ban

From left : Ryan Ban Lijia , Candace Wong , Chong Xin Hui , Jerry Ong Han Yong .

CLs can be different .

“ Some may adjust to wearing contact lenses almost immediately , while others may take several days or weeks to get used to the sensation of wearing lenses .

“ Factors such as the type of CLs , the individual ’ s eyes and their previous experience with wearing lenses can all impact how quickly someone adapts to wearing CLs .”

Ban continued : “ New CL wearers need to be patient and give themselves time to adjust to wearing the lenses .

“ If new CL wearers experience discomfort or difficulty with their lenses after several weeks , they should consult their ECP for advice and guidance .”

SUPPORTING ECPS AND CONSUMERS

Besides providing a broad range of CL options , Ban UK Optometrist ’ s partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care ( J & J Vision Care ) offers marketing and educational resources to help optical shops promote and educate their customers .

“ These resources include point-of-sale materials , digital marketing assets , and training programs for optometrists and opticians .

“ J & J Vision Care ’ s ACUVUE lenses generally receive positive consumer feedback , particularly among new wearers ,” shared Ban .

“ Many people find them comfortable to wear and appreciate the brand ’ s wide range of options , including daily disposable lenses , toric lenses for astigmatism , multifocal lenses for presbyopia , and of course those lovely colour daily contact lenses .” – The Health

Myth 1 : Contact lenses can get lost behind your eye . Fact : Contact lenses can ’ t get lost behind your eye . The conjunctiva , a thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids , prevents foreign objects from entering the space behind the eye . Myth 2 : Wearing contact lenses can cause blindness . Fact : While contact lenses can cause complications such as corneal ulcers or infections if not worn or cared

for properly , the risk of blindness is extremely low . Regular check-ups with an eye care professional ( ECP ) and following proper care instructions can help prevent these complications . Myth 3 : Contact lenses are uncomfortable and challenging to wear . Fact : With advances in contact lens technology , many people find contact lenses comfortable and easy to wear . Proper fitting and care can also increase comfort levels . Myth 4 : Contact lenses can correct all

vision problems . Fact : While contact lenses can correct many vision problems , they may not suit everyone or all vision conditions . ECPs will assess an individual ’ s eyes and vision needs to determine whether contact lenses are suitable . Myth 5 : Contact lenses are more expensive than spectacles . Fact : While the cost of contact lenses may vary depending on the type and frequency of replacement , they are generally comparable in price to spectacles .