Today, more and more people resort to vision correction with lenses. And this is not surprising. Lenses give a 100% result without compromising he alth and appearance. There are a wide range of soft vision correction products on the market, but silicone hydrogel lenses are the most popular among them. Why are they so good and what are their shortcomings?
Types of lenses
Varieties of lenses are distinguished depending on the category. By density lenses are:
1. Soft.
2. Tough.
By quality:
1. Hydrogel.
2. Silicone hydrogel lenses.
3. Biocompatible.
Depending on the purpose of use:
1. Preventive.
2. Medical.
3. Corrective.
4. Decorative.
The shape of the lenses are:
1. Spherical - used to treat hypermetropia andmyopia.
2. Multifocal - correct presbyopia.
3. Toric - used to treat astigmatism.
Depending on the parameters of the cornea and lenses:
1. Corneal.
2. Corneoscleral.
What is the new kind of lenses?
The surface of the eye cannot supply it with oxygen on its own, so the required amount comes only from the air. At a time when the eyelid is closed, eye nutrition is reduced, and the lens can become an additional barrier. For this reason, the degree of oxygen transmission is so important.
Distinctive features and features of these vision correction products are:
1. High ability to pass oxygen, which is so necessary for the eyes. Their throughput ranges from 80 to 180 units. Such performance was achieved thanks to the use of a silicone mesh that covers the entire surface of the lens.
2. Good elasticity and degree of water absorption. It is these properties that can cause burning, dryness or discomfort. To minimize these symptoms, the use of moisturizing drops is recommended.
To correctly answer the question of which lenses - silicone hydrogel or gel - are suitable for you, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist.
What is the difference from hydrogel models?
Hydrogel models do an excellent job of passing oxygen during the daytime, when the eyelid is open most of the time. With eyes closed enoughpower does not occur. For this reason, they are not recommended for use around the clock or sleeping in lenses. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses have the ability to pass oxygen not only during the day, but also at night due to the use of a silicone mesh that covers the entire surface.
For this reason, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which lenses are better - hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. You will have to determine when and how long you plan to wear soft correctives.
How to choose lenses without compromising he alth?
To choose a product that not only helps to correct vision, but also does not harm the body, it is worth considering some selection rules:
1. Do not buy the product without a prescription from an ophthalmologist. Get your eyes checked by a doctor, only he will be able to choose the right model for you. He will select the required diopters and recommend lenses that will be easier for you to get used to.
2. The right choice of contact lenses. In order to evaluate whether the product suits you, you need to put on lenses and walk around in them for a while. 10-15 minutes will be enough. After installing the lenses, the doctor conducts diagnostics again to assess the degree of fit and the level of correction. Only if the patient feels well, we can say that the model suits you.
3. Learn the basic rules for wearing lenses. An ophthalmologist will help you get acquainted with them when buying the first pair, and then it’s a matter of habit.
4. Check your eyes regularly. With age, visionchanges, and the lenses must match the needs of the eyes. Visit your doctor at least once a year.
When choosing the appropriate vision correction, the doctor takes into account the following factors:
1. Medical indications.
2. Vision level.
3. Degree of violation.
4. Tear film condition.
5. Cornea condition.
6. Buyer wishes.
7. Client budget.
If you wish, you can immediately pick up colored silicone hydrogel lenses. During a doctor's appointment, you have the opportunity to try on several shades and find the right one for you.
Silicone Hydrogel Lenses Brands
In order to avoid additional questions when buying vision correction products, it is better to familiarize yourself with the main manufacturers and the features of their products.
1. Acuvue is a popular brand all over the world. These lenses are soft and comfortable. Their surface has a light blue tint, which facilitates the process of putting on. This brand of vision correction products are replaced daily, eliminating the hassle of containers and cleaning solutions.
2. VizoTeque Supreme is a brand that produces silicone hydrogel lenses. They are soft and breathable. A feature of the lenses of this brand is the presence of hyaluronic acid in the composition, which additionally nourishes the eye and prevents it from drying out.
3. Air Optix is a famous brand. The product of this brand is perfect for long-term use, lenses are available for saledifferent period of wear. Models are quite soft and pass oxygen well.
4. PureVision - the brand introduces silicone hydrogel lenses that have a slight blue tint, making them easy to find in the container.
5. Biomedics - very popular lenses, the material of which is silicone hydrogel. Lenses not only keep the surface of the eye moisturized, they additionally protect it from UV rays.
6. "Johnson &Johnson" is a popular brand with sufficient production experience. The lenses of this brand are soft and comfortable to wear, perfectly pass oxygen.
Benefits
1. Silicone hydrogel lenses have a stiffer structure, which makes them easier to put on and prolongs wear.
2. Relieve dry eyes and the need for constant use of drops.
3. Recommended for long work with papers and computer.
4. Possibility to sleep in lenses.
5. They are less soiled, so they do not require additional care, and the comfort during wearing is much higher.
Flaws
Despite the abundance of positive qualities, this type of lens also has disadvantages:
1. High cost compared to competitors.
2. Long accustoming period, due to the fact that the lens is more rigid due to the silicone mesh.
3. The possibility of an allergy to silicone, which is extremely rare.
Operating Rules
Silicone-hydrogel contact lenses have their own peculiarity - they accumulate more lipid deposits. This can cause dry eyes. In order to avoid such unpleasant consequences, it is worth choosing the right solution for silicone hydrogel lenses.
When choosing the right cleaning agent, you should carefully study the recommendations of the manufacturer. The label should indicate that the solution is suitable for cleaning these models.
Among the products on the market, the most prominent brands are OptiFree Express, Solo Care Aqua, AOSept:
1. Solo Care Aqua is a solution containing dexpanthenol. It helps heal wounds and cracks, and is also famous for its ability to retain moisture. A convenient feature of the solution is the fact that it takes a few minutes for the lenses to be in the solution for them to become perfectly clean. In this case, there are two ways to clean using this tool. According to the first vision correction means are placed in a container for 6 hours. The second method will require you to initially clean the lenses by hand, simply by wiping them. Then they can be placed in the solution, and after 5 minutes the lenses will be cleaned.
2. OptiFree Express is a solution for silicone hydrogel contact lenses that not only allows you to perfectly cope with protein deposits, but also quickly eliminates harmful microorganisms. Cleaning time is 4 hours.
3. AO Sept Plus is a solution with a super cleansing system. Similarmeans are used for additional cleaning. The solution comes with a special container equipped with a platinum plate, which serves as a catalyst. After entering the solution, active purification begins. Lenses must be kept inside for at least 6 hours to avoid burns to the cornea. Only after the set time has elapsed, the solution turns into water and the lenses are ready to be worn.
Silicone hydrogel lenses reviews
This type of lens receives positive reviews on the Internet. Many users report a reduction in dry eyes after switching to these correction products. They are distinguished by those whose job is to use a computer for a long time, as well as people who often fall asleep in lenses. Despite the abundance of positive reviews, some buyers are unhappy with the intermittent feeling of dryness that can be caused by poor lens cleaning. There are buyers who have an allergic reaction to the silicone in the composition.
Conclusions
Thus, silicone hydrogel lenses are an excellent and modern vision correction tool that allows you to make the process of wearing them even more comfortable. An ophthalmologist and the right solution will make your choice easier and will not let you be disappointed in a new purchase.
