Today, more and more people are resorting to vision correction using lenses. And this is not surprising. Lenses give a 100 percent result without compromising on health and appearance. The market has a wide selection of soft products for vision correction, but silicone hydrogel lenses are the most popular . Why are they so good and what are their disadvantages?
Types of Lenses
Types of lenses stand out depending on the category. According to the density of the lenses are:
1. Soft.
2. Tough.
By its quality:
1. Hydrogel.
2. Silicone hydrogel lenses .
3. Biocompatible.
Depending on the purpose of use:
1. Preventive.
2. Therapeutic.
3. Corrective.
4. Decorative.
In their form, lenses are:
1. Spherical - are used to treat hyperopia and myopia.
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 a new kind of lens?
The surface of the eye cannot independently supply it with oxygen, so the necessary amount of it comes only from the air. At a time when the eyelid is closed, the nutrition of the eyes decreases, and the lens can also become an additional barrier. For this reason, the degree of oxygen transmission is so important.
Distinctive features and features of these vision correction tools are:
1. High ability to pass oxygen, which is so necessary for the eyes. Their throughput is from 80 to 180 units. These indicators were achieved through the use of silicone mesh, which covers the entire surface of the lens.
2. Good elasticity and degree of absorption of water. It is these properties that can cause burning, dryness or discomfort. To minimize these symptoms, moisturizing drops are recommended.
To answer the question correctly, which lenses - silicone-hydrogel or gel - are suitable for you, it is better to contact an ophthalmologist.
What is the difference from hydrogel models?
Hydrogel models do an excellent job of transmitting oxygen in the daytime when the eyelid is open most of the time. With eyes closed, adequate nutrition does not occur. For this reason, they are not recommended for use around the clock or sleep in the lenses. Silicone-hydrogel contact lenses have the ability to pass oxygen not only during the day, but also at night thanks to the use of a silicone mesh covering 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 at what time and for how long you plan to wear soft remedies.
How to choose a lens without compromising health?
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 the appointment of an ophthalmologist. Have a doctor check your eyesight, only he can choose the right model for you. He will choose the necessary diopters and recommend lenses that you can easily get used to.
2. The right choice of contact lenses. In order to assess whether the product is right for 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 re-diagnoses to assess the degree of fit and level of correction. Only if the patient feels well can we say that the model is right for you.
3. Learn the basic rules for wearing lenses. An ophthalmologist will help you familiarize yourself with them when you buy the first pair, and then it’s a matter of habit.
4. Check your eyesight regularly. Vision changes with age, and the lenses must match the needs of the eyes. See your doctor at least once a year.
When choosing suitable means of vision correction, the doctor takes into account such factors:
1. Medical indications.
2. The level of vision.
3. The degree of violation.
4. The condition of the tear film.
5. The condition of the cornea.
6. The wishes of the buyer.
7. The budget of the client.
If you wish, you can immediately pick up colored silicone-hydrogel lenses . During a doctor's appointment, you can try to wear several shades and choose the one that suits 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 worldwide popular brand. These lenses are soft and comfortable. Their surface has a light blue tint, which facilitates the process of donning. Vision correction products of this brand must be replaced daily, which avoids the hassle of containers and cleaning solutions.
2. VizoTeque Supreme - a brand producing silicone hydrogel lenses. They are soft and easily breathable. A feature of the lenses of this brand is the presence in the composition of hyaluronic acid, which additionally nourishes the eye and prevents it from drying out.
3. Air Optix is a well-known brand. The product of this brand is perfect for long-term use; lenses of various wear periods are on sale. The models are quite soft and pass oxygen well.
4. PureVision - the brand presents silicone-hydrogel lenses that have a light blue tint, which facilitates their search in the container.
5. Biomedics - very popular lenses, the manufacturing material of which is silicone hydrogel. Lenses not only provide a sufficient level of moisture to the surface of the eye, they additionally protect it from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
6. " Johnson and Johnson" is a popular brand with sufficient manufacturing experience. The lenses of this brand are soft and comfortable to wear, they perfectly transmit oxygen.
Benefits
1. Silicone-hydrogel lenses have a more rigid structure, which simplifies the process of putting them on and prolongs the wear period.
2. Relieve dry eyes and the need for constant use of drops.
3. Recommended for long-term work with papers and a computer.
4. The ability to sleep in the lenses.
5. They are less polluted, therefore, do not require additional care, and comfort during wear is much higher.
disadvantages
Despite the abundance of positive qualities, this type of lens has its disadvantages:
1. High cost in comparison with competitors.
2. A long period of addiction, due to the fact that the lens is more rigid due to the silicone mesh.
3. The possibility of allergies to silicone, which is an extremely rare case.
Terms of Use
Silicone-hydrogel contact lenses have their own peculiarity - they accumulate lipid deposits more strongly. 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 appropriate cleaning agent, carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations. The label should indicate that the solution is suitable for cleaning such models.
Among the products on the market, the most prominent brands are OptiFree Express, Solo Care Aqua, AO Sept:
1. Solo Care Aqua - a solution containing dexpanthenol in the composition. It helps to heal wounds and cracks, and is also famous for its ability to retain moisture. A convenient feature of the solution is the fact that a few minutes of the lenses in the solution are enough to make them perfectly clean. There are two ways to clean using this tool. According to the first, vision correction devices are placed in a container for 6 hours. To use the second method, you will first need to clean the lenses manually by simply wiping them. Then they can be placed in the solution, and after 5 minutes the lenses will be cleaned.
2. OptiFree Express - a solution for silicone-hydrogel contact lenses , which allows you not only to cope with protein deposits, but also quickly eliminates harmful microorganisms. The cleaning time is 4 hours.
3. AO Sept Plus - a solution with a super purification system. Similar means are used for additional cleaning. The kit comes with a special container equipped with a platinum plate, which serves as a catalyst. After getting into the solution, active cleansing begins. The lenses must be inside for at least 6 hours to prevent burns to the cornea. Only after the set time has elapsed, the solution turns into water and the lenses are ready to wear.
Silicone hydrogel lenses: reviews
This type of lens receives positive reviews on the Internet. Many users report a decrease in dry eye after switching to these correction tools. They are distinguished by those whose job is to use the computer for a long time, as well as people who often fall asleep in their lenses. Despite the abundance of positive reviews, some buyers are unhappy with the periodically occurring feeling of dryness, which can be caused by poor lens cleaning. There are buyers who have an allergic reaction to silicone in the composition.
conclusions
Thus, silicone-hydrogel lenses are an excellent and modern means of vision correction, which makes the process of wearing them even more comfortable. An ophthalmologist and a correctly selected solution will facilitate your choice and will not let you be disappointed in a new acquisition.