14
THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2021
| Eye Care |
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
THE TECHNOLOGY that goes into making colour lenses in an important factor to consider when you buy contact lenses . Optometrist Lee Min Er from
Paris Miki shared that the lens technology for colour lenses involves the way the pigments are embedded on the lens .
“ There are two different ways to embed the pigment . First , the pigment is printed onto the surface of the lens .
“ It can be either be on the outer or inner surface of the lens . It means that the pigment will be directly in contact with either the eyelid or the eyeball .”
The other method is where colour pigments are embedded in the lens matrix , where it does not come in contact with the eye surface to ensure safety .
Min Er shared a gross test to determine which technology is used .
“ Use a cotton bud to rub on both surfaces of the contact lenses . If you notice color on the cotton bud , then it uses the surface printing technology .”
Is it safe ?
She advised against using contact lenses with pigment printed on either surface .
“ The pigment will be in direct contact with the eyelid and eyeball . So , when we blink with our eye , with the friction , the pigment may rub off and it may stick to your eye and cause irritations and other complications .
“ I would strongly suggest going for lenses with the ‘ embedded ’ form technology , in which the pigment is safely enclosed between two layers of the lens and prevents direct contact with the eyelid and eyeball .
“ The colour does not wear off and come in contact with the eye ’ s delicate surface . Most importantly , it maintains eye health and is safe to use .
“ ACUVUE ® Define ® beauty lens is an example of a safe colour lens because it uses the Beauty Wrapped in Comfort Technology , whereby the pigments are safely enclosed between two layers of the lens material and does not have direct contact with the eyes .”
“ When looking for beauty lenses , it is important we do not compromise our eye health and safety .”
Min Er noted that not everyone is suitable for all types of color lenses or beauty lenses .
“ It could be due to the restriction of power . For example , for those with high astigmatism , their choices will be limited to only clear lenses .
“ I make sure clear vision is always the priority for our patients and customers .
“ So , if you are wearing a pair of the right and suitable lenses , regardless of clear lens or beauty lens , you have the best of both beauty and safety .
Apart from vision correction , contact lenses are used for beauty and fashion . And there are two categories of these cosmetic lenses , which are beauty lenses and colour lenses .
Beauty lenses are for enhancement purposes . They are designed with the translucent clear layer to make the eye more prominent and will not hide the natural eye colour and beauty .
All non-clear lenses are known as colour lenses . There is a wide range of colour lenses , which include blue , green , violet , pink and even the Halloween series . These lenses make our eye more outstanding , bigger and give them more emphasise .
Colour lens technology
There are certain factors to consider when purchasing your beauty or colour contact lenses
Lee Min Er
ACUVUE ® Define ® – Fresh Blue . ACUVUE ® Define ® – Fresh Honey .
I would strongly suggest going for lenses with the ‘ embedded ’ form technology , in which the pigment is safely enclosed between two layers of the lens and prevents direct contact with the eyelid and eyeball .”
— Lee Min Er
How long can you wear contact lenses ?
According to Min Er , the duration of wearing beauty or colour lenses depends on the lens material , the patient ’ s eye condition and the replacement schedule .
“ There are two main types of the lens material , hydrogel lenses and silicone hydrogel lenses .
However , she noted that it still depended on the patient ’ s eye condition .
“ That ’ s why we need to do the assessment and we will advise accordingly .”
As for the contact lenses replacement schedule , she said : “ There are two main types in the market , the daily or monthly lenses .
“ I would suggest going for the daily lenses for hygiene and ease of use purpose compared to monthly lenses .
“ You need a high level of discipline if you choose to go for monthly lenses as they need proper care , cleaning and storing . And quite surprisingly , many