lenses each day. Because they come in a 90-day supply, there’s no need to
fret over an occasional lost lens. It’s an economical option for part-time or
full-time contact-lens wearers.
Continuous-wear lenses
For those who like to wear contact lenses but don’t want to be bothered
with the daily rituals of inserting, removing and cleaning them, there are lenses
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for up to 30 days of
continuous wear.
These lenses offer a great deal of flexibility. You can wear them continuously for 30 days and nights, or take them out once a week. You can even take
them out every night, if you like. Talk to your eye doctor about the schedule
that works best for you.
Two-week replacement lenses
Continuous wear is possible now because new materials allow a far greater
supply of oxygen to pass to the eye. Contact lenses made of a special silicone
hydrogel allow eyes to “breathe” normally—almost like not wearing contact
lenses at all. The result is that contact-lens wear is more comfortable for a
longer period. An added benefit is that many people find the whites of their
eyes stay white, instead of reddening. Silicone hydrogel lenses are available
for patients who want to replace their lenses every month or every two weeks.
Is your child
ready for
contacts?
Colored lenses
If you’re interested in wearing colored lenses for cosmetic reasons, today’s
colored lenses look more natural than ever. Some are available as single-wear
lenses, too, for those who want an occasional enhancement. Select one color
or choose several. There’s no easier way to experience life as a blue-, brown-or green-eyed beauty. Some people like these lenses just because the color
pattern makes it easier to see and handle them.
Mix and match
Don’t feel you’re limited to just one kind of contact lens. You and your
optometrist can select a lens type for your primary wear and also choose
colored or daily disposable lenses for specific needs.
There are so many possibilities that you have every reason to ask your
optometrist about contact lenses—whether it’s your first time ever or the
first time in 10 years. In fact, even if you’re wearing contact lenses now, ask
your optometrist this simple question: What’s new? A
Even young children can be
successful contact-lens wearers.
Here are some ways to gauge a
child’s readiness.
• Is your child generally responsible
for personal belongings?
• Does your child demonstrate
good hygiene habits, such as
washing hands?
• Is your child motivated? Being able
to wear contact lenses instead of
eyeglasses can help boost a child’s
self-esteem and may be motivation
for other good behaviors.
• Would contact lenses be better in
some circumstances? If your child
is a part-time athlete or performer,
contact lenses could be preferred
over eyeglasses on the field or on
the stage.—MB
