Contact Lenses [Archives:2000/51/Health]

Abdulragee Nalijee
Contact lenses, today, are the most widely spread fashion of eye-wear. They are used either for cosmetic reason (i.e., changing of the eye colour) or as an optical correction (i.e., to get rid of spectacles, and for curing high astigmatism).
The optical system of the eye on using contact lenses provides special advantages, while contact lens plays an important role in given protective, diagnostic, cosmetic and optical aids in numerous eye conditions.
There are many ways in which a contact lens may be optically superior to spectacles. For example, it moves very largely with the eye and vision, which means that it is much less liable to peripheral distortion which happens due to eccentric viewing through a powerful spectacle lens. In European countries many people working in industries wear spectacles to prevent their eyes from flying objects and certain irritative gases. These people have shifted from spectacles to contact lenses, since it prevents the cornea in the eye from a possible damage due to these gases; something which the spectacles cannot do.
In sports too (especially swimming), spectacles make a person handicapped. Contact lenses for the players of such sports provide a perfect optical correction.
Before buying a contact lens it is always good to refer to an optician or an opthom, so as to be sure that the eye is free of any corneal disease. On the basis of other clinical findings a decision to fit a contact lens is made. This is especially important in the case of children. At present, with the help of advanced fitting techniques and various designs available, contact lenses can be prescribed to anyone having a great desire to wear them. But contact lenses are delicate things which require a lot of care from their user, that is, keeping them in a good condition by cleaning and rinsing them regularly. This will not only keep them hygienic, but will also increase the period of their usage.
The manufacturing of contact lenses today has become so advanced that their manufacturers have taken out a new type of lens, which is specially designed for people over the age of forty-five years, as they are usually short-sighted and have problems in reading. These lenses are bifocal lenses which can be fitted with ease, causing no visual difficulties.
The most widely used contact lenses in Britain nowadays is of the brand HYDRON Zero 6 (26), which is an ultra-thin, 38.6% water content lens. Its been named Zero 6 because its made to prevent particles upto 0.006 microns form entering the eye, that is , it protects the eye from particles like bacteria and other such harmful substances.
There are many other companies which manufacture cosmetic contact lenses beside optical lenses. These cosmetic lenses are made in a variety of designs and in a wide range of colors. Cosmetic lenses are mostly used in the film industry according to an actors costume and character, but today they are used by every person in their every day life as a cosmetic make up.
Any person wanting to buy a good quality of contact lens should go for a European brand as they are the best.

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