Safer and more comfortable lens material and designs have increased contact lenses popularity and acceptance
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THE HEALTH | MAY , 2023
| Eye Health |
Improved comfort and designs
Safer and more comfortable lens material and designs have increased contact lenses popularity and acceptance
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
CONTACT lenses are becoming increasingly popular because they are a comfortable and effective means to correct most vision problems , including short-sightedness ( myopia ), far-sightedness ( hyperopia ), astigmatism and presbyopia .
Francis Koek , optometrist and founder of Vismate Optometrist , is also a certified ortho-K expert who specialises in contact lenses fitting for those with myopia or short-sightedness .
“ We have observed an upward trend in cases of short-sightedness , which could increase the risk of developing eye diseases . Management of myopia is therefore crucial today .
“ We are also positioning Vismate as a community optometry centre in Seremban by emphasising on comprehensive examination and myopia management .”
SAFE AND COMFORTABLE
Continuous material , design , and manufacturing innovations of contact lenses have significantly increased the comfort and safety of contact lenses .
Koek observed that the dropout rate for contact lenses was getting lower due to innovation . He said there was a rising demand from people who prioritise lifestyle and comfort .
“ For example , if we look at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care ’ s ACUVUE contact lenses , they offer silicone hydrogel with high wetting agent technology which allows users to wear them for long hours without the discomfort of dryness , and provide UV protection .
WIDE APPEAL
Today , contact lenses are available to accommodate patients ’ lifestyles , visual needs , careers and interests .
Get a thorough eye examination before getting contact lenses fitted . Check your prescription and assess your eye health condition to determine the best contact lenses option .
Koek shared that the population ’ s preference for contact lenses is higher among people between 20 and 35 . “ Meanwhile , older individuals assume contact lenses are uncomfortable and will be unable to correct their aged-related vision problems .
“ They are unaware of the innovations which provide a high safety level and comfort , as well as the availability of
From left : Alan Ashraaf , Francis Koek and SiauFui Chow .
Eyeglasses vs contact lenses
• It is not advisable to use your current eyeglass prescription for contact lenses because prescription for glasses may differs from a contact lens prescription in many ways .
• Contact lenses rest directly on your eyes , while glasses typically rest about 12 millimetres away . This difference leads to an adjustment of prescription for contact lenses which will be advised by your Optometrist .
multifocal lenses .”
Multifocal contact lenses contain multiple prescriptions all in one lens ; typically for very close objects ; for normal objects viewed at a distance , and then for intermediate distances ; which helps people to correct age-related vision problems .
With awareness , he noted , the acceptance of contact lenses is slowly growing among older age groups .
He continued : “ Contact lenses is also useful for people with anisometropia , where the difference in vision power between both eyes is significant . Glasses usually will cause a prismatic effect which results in discomfort .
“ Therefore , contact lenses are the better vision correction option for anisometropia patients .” – The Health
• Contact lens prescription is affected by additional factors , such as Base Curve ( BC ) to measure the curvature of the back surface of the contact lenses to ensure your contact lenses isn ' t too loose or tight .
• Visit your Optometrist to help you choose the right lenses for your needs by performing a thorough contact lenses eye examination .