Most of the information from the outside world (over 80%) comes to us through the eyes. The perception that the human eye provides allows the brain to evaluate all the characteristics of the object in question - volume, size, color gamut. Visual impairment can be said to significantly impair the quality of human life.
Until recently, glasses were the only (non-surgical) opportunity to improve their vision. Today, ophthalmologists more and more often offer their patients to abandon this optical device in favor of such an innovation as lenses (for 1 month, for a quarter, for 2 weeks, for a day - there are a lot of options).
Appointment of lenses and materials for their manufacture
Depending on the goals pursued, an ophthalmologist after a thorough examination will offer the best option for each specific patient. If a person just wants to look attractive, have an expressive look, then colored lenses are quite suitable for him . For a month, for 3 months, for a day - almost everyone can now change their appearance or add a certain highlight to the image.
If the patient suffers from nearsightedness or farsightedness and wants to eliminate these visual imperfections, an ideal option for such a case is spherical or aspherical lenses. The first in quality of image formation is somewhat inferior to the second, in which the optical power is the same in all areas. For those suffering from myopia and hyperopia, this is the right decision.
Myopia and hyperopia accompanied by astigmatism (a violation of the shape of the lens or cornea) can be corrected by toric contact lenses. How many lenses can I wear? You should appoint them for a month, for 2 weeks or for another period of time - this will be decided by the attending ophthalmologist.
In addition, the modern medical market can offer patients the means to correct presbyopia (senile vision). The essence of the problem lies in the anomaly of refraction of the eye, in which a person cannot read the text written in small print, or see any small objects at close range. The most likely causes of the development of the disease are a decrease in the elasticity of the lens, a change in its curvature, and weakening of the ciliary muscle that controls the focus.
The materials from which contact lenses are made (for a month or for any other period) are hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. The second composition has more attractive qualities for consumers: it breathes better, does not need such intensive moisturizing as a hydrogel. As a result, patients with contact correction from silicone hydrogel feel much more comfortable.
Replacement frequency, possible lens wearing modes
The concept of replacement frequency refers to the maximum period of time that wearing correction tools recommended by the manufacturer. After this time interval, the lens should be replaced with new ones. According to this parameter, they can be divided into:
- day wear contact lenses,
- those that can be worn for 1 to 2 weeks,
- contact lenses for a month (without removing, they can be used up to 30 days),
- There is also “optics” for long-term wear: from 3 months to six months and traditional lenses that can be used for 1 year.
Contact lenses, serving from 6 to 12 months, are packed in special bottles.
For a more frequent replacement, they are often packaged in blisters.
The wearing mode refers to the maximum time period during which the means for correcting vision can not be removed. So, one group of lenses is intended for daytime use (put on in the morning and removed in the evening). The second includes prolonged funds (dress for a week and not removed for the night). The flexible mode of wearing implies 1-2 days of use (without removing). Continuous use is when a lens is prescribed for a month. Without removing, they can be worn for 30 days. True, this is possible only when using certain types of silicone-hydrogel models, and they can be used only after consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Breathable means of contact vision correction
Contact lenses have a wide variety of characteristics. Among all others on the packaging of means of contact correction of vision of any manufacturer there is a marking Dk / t. Dk denotes oxygen permeability, t is the thickness of the lens at its center point. The ratio of these parameters to each other is called the transmittance of oxygen. For hydrogel lenses, this indicator is 20-40 units, while for silicone-hydrogel lenses it can range from 70 to 170 units. Therefore, means of contact correction made of silicone hydrogel may well be called “Breathable Lenses” (for a month, quarter, two weeks or one day - it does not matter).
Oxygen in such correction means is transferred to the silicone component, which with good reason can be considered a kind of silicone pump. The amount of fluid in such lenses does not play such an important role as in simple hydrogel lenses, where oxygen permeability depends on the volume of water (more water - higher permeability). Therefore, when resolving the issue (if lenses are selected for a month): "Which are better - hydrogel or silicone-hydrogel?" preference should be given last.
Benefits of Monthly Replacement Lenses
Lenses for a month (which is better - will be discussed below) are in great demand by consumers. The advantages of these tools for vision correction over models with other wearing modes are as follows:
- the duration of socks, the perfect combination of convenience and price;
- monthly contact lenses are produced in a wide range of optical power (from + 6.0 to - 12.0 diopters), which allows you to cover a large group of consumers;
- funds are produced with a wide variety of characteristics and properties: “breathable”, moisturizing, with insufficient moisture in the cornea, with increased biocompatibility, for use in low light conditions, with low formation of deposits, etc .;
- Developed special lenses for 1 month for astigmatism patients (multifocal);
- Consumers are offered tinted and color-changing (colored) lenses for a month, which can be both with diopters and designed for people with normal vision (zero).
Use of contact lenses (per month)
Two options are worth considering here. The first is day-wear lenses. These funds must be removed at night and stored in a special solution. During a night's sleep, the eyes will rest, and the lenses will be sufficiently moistened, undergo a special treatment (disinfection) and be cleaned of various deposits accumulated during the day. Such lenses for the month have the most positive reviews, but we must remember that a special solution and storage containers are mandatory conditions, if not observed, there is a risk of damage to the surface of the product, contamination. As a result, inflammatory processes of the eyes occur.
How to wear lenses (for a month - the standard term of appointment) if they are prolonged or continuous use? It also has its own nuances. Such funds for vision correction are not removed at night, but not all models can be worn continuously for 30 days. Some manufacturers answer the question of how much lenses can be worn for a month, in the sense that they can be removed for 6 days. Then for one night they are placed in a special solution for cleaning. And your eyes will rest during this time.
However, modern technology is such that it was possible to develop such lenses that can not be removed throughout the month. After this period they are simply thrown away, replaced with new ones. For such models, you may not even need a special solution. Among the most popular products today, the following can be distinguished: Air Optix Night & Day, PureVision, PureVision 2 HD.
Information on how much lenses can be worn for a month, without removing them at night, the manufacturer usually places on the packaging.
Now let's talk about which products are most in demand.
Leading lenses intended for use during the month (only during the day)
There is such a thing as lens leaders for a month. Which are better? High consumer demand is for products called MaximaSiHyPlus. Of all the existing options for monthly replacement with nightly removal, these products are among the best. The material from which they are made is the latest generation silicone hydrogel. Good hydration, high oxygen transmittance, deposit resistance and biocompatibility provide the eye with the most comfortable conditions.
Another popular contact lens model is PureVision 2 HD. Of all those produced today, they are the thinnest. A high oxygen transmittance (this is a kind of “breathing lens” for a month) allows you to wear them for a week without removing. PureVision 2 HD provides clear visual perception even in low light conditions, and the eyes do not suffer from discomfort.
An excellent level of comfort is provided to a person by Akuview lenses (for a month). For their manufacture, ultra-modern materials are used. A clear picture when working on a computer, watching TV, when in a room with dry air, excellent breathability guarantee comfort and safety to the eye.
The best models for long wear
Among the models intended for continuous use, there are leaders - contact lenses for a month. Which are better? Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is in high demand. The material used for their manufacture is silicone hydrogel. Optimum moisture content and a high coefficient of air permeability provide comfort to the eyes during the entire period of wear.
Biofifnity (CooperVision) contact lenses are also designed to be worn for a month (only during the day) or for continuous use for 2 weeks. The silicone hydrogel from which they are made has optimal air permeability and moisture content, which provides the eye with safety and comfort during the entire period of operation.
Contact Lenses
One of the most popular non-surgical means of vision correction on the medical market is the Akuview Oasis lenses. In general, they are not calculated for a month. The unique technology by which the lenses are made combines two important aspects that protect the eye from inflammatory processes: moisturizing and continuous oxygenation.
It is no secret that now many people suffer from the "dry" eye syndrome, the reasons for the development of which are rooms with low humidity, long sitting at a computer, in front of and a TV, etc. Previously, an ophthalmologist for a patient with such a disease could not pick up contact lenses. Today the issue is solved simply. Akuview lenses (they are not intended for a month, and even without replacement, but two weeks are an acceptable period) are made with a special moisturizing component that continuously saturates the eyes with moisture. Although there are consumers who wear such lenses for a month, always taking off at night. By the end of 4 weeks, the product may become a little cloudy (or may remain transparent).
Many patients consider 1 Day ACUVUE TruEye daily contact lenses as the most comfortable . For their manufacture, silicone hydrogel is used (hydrogel is usually used for one-day). The oxygen permeability of these contact means of vision correction is 100%. These lenses are so comfortable that they allow a person to forget "about their presence."
The degree of oxygen permeability in these means of contact vision correction significantly exceeds that which is considered the norm for everyone else. The lenses of Akuview Oasis (at least two sets are required for a month) are equipped with a first-class UV filter, which reliably protects the retina and lens from B-radiation (almost 100%) and from A-rays (up to 96%).
Akuview Oasis (for two weeks) or any contact lenses for a month (which is better for the consumer and the doctor to decide) must be taken with them when they go on vacation.
Quarter lenses
Quarterly lenses (for 3 months) reviews of ophthalmologists and consumers are not considered the best option for contact vision correction. Means of such prolonged wearing require appropriate attention (we are talking about very careful care). Today, people increasingly prefer lenses with a short life (as more modern and comfortable, made from the latest materials).
Precision UV (CIBA Vision Corp) product can be recommended to adherents of long-term vision correction products. The material used for their production (hydrogel) blocks up to 91% of UV radiation harmful to the eyes. Such contact lenses are the best option for those who lead a fast-paced lifestyle and do not always have the ability to remove devices.
Opinion of consumers and ophthalmologists
So, is it possible to wear and wear lenses for a month without taking off? Reviews of ophthalmologists in this regard are mostly positive. If correction tools are selected by a specialist taking into account the condition of the patient’s eyes, then they can be worn for 30 days, however, you need to remember the date of the planned replacement and give your eyes a break at least one night. In the morning, you can safely put on a new set of contact lenses for long-term use. However, if the patient feels discomfort, the lenses should be removed immediately and consult a specialist.
As for consumers, the vast majority of people are quite effective in these contact means of vision correction. Lenses (any - one-day, for weekly, monthly wear, quarterly, etc.) are almost invisible from the side, and vision becomes much sharper than when using glasses. To look to the side, the “bespectacled man” has to turn his head, and a person with lenses just needs to squint his eyes. Unlike glasses, lenses do not fall out with sudden movements and do not sweat with a sudden change in ambient temperature. Anyway, any kind of sport, outdoor activities, etc. is accessible to a person with lenses.
Cons, of course, also have a place to be. Consumers say (and ophthalmologists confirm this) that if contact lenses are improperly selected, eye irritation may occur, and sometimes vision may deteriorate. In addition, in a small percentage of people, the cornea is very sensitive. Such consumers simply cannot wear contact lenses, and they have to be content with glasses. However, this syndrome is quite rare. The bulk of people using contact lenses are very pleased with the results from the application.
Well, that’s probably all. Finally, we recall: if the need to replace glasses with contact lenses is overdue, the main thing is to turn to a good ophthalmologist who will evaluate the pros and cons and give appropriate recommendations.