What are contact lenses?

The first soft contacts lens were made in the 1960s of a hydrogel called polymacon or "Softlens."
This is a polymer made of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) cross linked to ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate. The early soft lenses are about 38% water, but the modern hydrogel lenses are
may be up to 70% water. Since the water is used to allow the oxygen permeation, these lenses
increase the gas exchange by getting a larger. Hydrogel lenses are highly flexible and easily
wetted.

Silicone hydrogels came on the market in 1998. These polymer gels leave higher oxygen
permeability than are often obtained from water, therefore the water content of the contact
isn't particularly important. this suggests smaller, less-bulky lenses are often made. the event of
those lenses led to the primary good extended wear lenses, which might be worn overnight
safely.

However, there are two disadvantages of silicone hydrogels. Silicone gels are stiffer than the
Softlens contacts and are hydrophobic, a characteristic that creates it difficult to wet them and
reduces their comfort. Three processes are wont to make silicone hydrogel contacts easier.
Plasma coatings are often applied to form the surface more hydrophilic or "water-loving". A
second technique incorporates re wetting agents within the polymer. Another method
lengthens the polymer chains in order that they aren't as tightly cross-linked and may absorb
water better alternatively uses special side chains (e.g., fluorine-doped side chains, which also
increase gas permeability).

At present, both hydrogel and silicone hydrogel soft contacts are available. Because the
composition of lenses has been refined, so has the character of contact solutions.
Multipurpose solutions help wet lenses, disinfect them, and stop protein deposit build-up.
Hard Contact Lenses
Hard contacts are around for about 120 years. Originally, hard contacts were made from glass.
They were very thick and uncomfortable and never gained widespread appeal. The primary
popular hard lenses were made from the polymer acrylic, which is additionally referred to as
PMMA, Plexiglas, or Perspex. PMMA is the hydrophobic, which helps these lenses repel
proteins. These rigid lenses don't use water or silicone to permit for breathability. Instead,
fluorine is added to the polymer, which forms microscopic pores within the material to form a
rigid gas permeable lens. an alternative choice is to feature methyl methacrylate (MMA) with
TRIS to extend the permeability to the lens.
Although rigid lenses tend to be less comfortable than soft lenses, they can correct a wider
range of vision problems and they are not as chemically reactive, so they can be worn in some
environments where the soft lens would present the health risk.
Hybrid contact lenses
Hybrid contact lenses are combine signified vision correction of a rigid lens with the comfort of
a soft lens. A hybrid lens has a hard center enclose by a ring of soft lens material. These newer
lenses can be used to correct blind spot and corneal irregularities, offering an option besides
hard lenses.

INSERTING SOFT CONTACT LENSES

Wash hands and dry them using a soft cotton towel
Place the contact lens on the tip of yours index finger and tuck your other fingers out of the
ways
Look slightly across your nose in the mirror
Drag your bottom eyelids down with our middle finger
Place the contact lens on the choroid with the bottom edge of the contact lens touching first
(the angle the contact lens is placed on your finger is crucial)
Press firmly and then release your eyelid
Massage the contact lens into place through the lids or blinks a couple of time.
If you having trouble, try exercise touching the white part of the eye without a contact lens a
few times before inject the lens. If you find that your contact lens is folding over, it means you
are blinking your eyes before the contact lens has order, in which case you may want to try
holding your top eyelid too.

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