Constant wear lenses: features and specifics

Increasingly, people who do not have perfect vision prefer to purchase contact lenses rather than glasses. Why? Firstly, this type of optics allows you to lead a full lifestyle without restrictions, and secondly, every second “bespectacled” person has a complex due to existing deviations and does not want to “advertise” this fact. Based on the price-quality ratio, it is more profitable to purchase contact lenses for continuous use. 24-hour use is allowed, but from time to time your eyes need rest, so take a “break” at least a couple of times a week.

Long-term wear contact lenses - what are they?

This concept means the ability to stay in the eyepieces for several weeks without requiring their replacement. Some models, according to manufacturers, can be safely left overnight.

There are several varieties of this type of optics depending on the duration of use:

• Two weeks. Ideal for people suffering from eye hypersensitivity. They are “used” without replacement for fourteen days. A popular product in this category is Acuvue Oasys;
• Period. A common model, available in various variations. Lenses differ in the amount of moisture in the composition, level of permeability, etc. Alcon and Maxima Optics have a large selection of products;
• For three months. An excellent option for those who do not like to overpay for optics and prefer to save their family budget. A similar eyepiece can be found in the collection of the Bausch&Lomb Corporation;
• For half a year. They were wildly popular a couple of years ago, but today they are very difficult to find in stores. Manufacturers are gradually abandoning their production, since the product is not able to provide the required level of hygiene for the organ of vision. Try to find a suitable model in the CooperVision brand range.

The best daily contact lenses

Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack – one-day Japanese contact lenses.

The thinnest blister in the world - 1 mm thick. It will fit into any pocket, wallet and even business card holder. The blister platform holds the lens in the correct position with the outer side up - contamination of the inner surface in contact with the eye is excluded.

Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack provides consistently high visual acuity and optimal corneal hydration throughout the day. Among analogues, lenses stand out due to their hydrophilicity and resistance to drying out. This is especially important during visual activity that requires concentration, when the frequency of blinking decreases: during prolonged work at the computer, driving a car, or playing sports. Plastic material and reduced lens edge thickness guarantee a comfortable fit and comfort while wearing.

Official website - www.novalexgroup.ru

Miru 1day UpSide

Miru 1day UpSide are Japanese premium silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Among their analogues, they stand out due to their high oxygen permeability and optimal moisture content for eye health. The smart blister design ensures hygienic and convenient lens removal.

Miru 1day UpSide is the softest among analogues on the market of contact correction products: the elastic modulus is only 0.36. MeniSilk™ Air material with a special discharge structure allows oxygen to pass through several times better than hydrogel lenses. This guarantees comfort when used from morning to late evening. Thanks to the ultra-precise plasma surface treatment of Nanogloss™ Pro, the lens is unsurpassedly smooth: this allows it to always remain clean, transparent and well-hydrated.

In addition, Miru 1day UpSide protect the eye from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Official website - www.novalexgroup.ru

CooperVision Proclear 1 Day

High-quality contact lenses for daily wear are ways to correct farsightedness and nearsightedness. They provide a fairly high level of moisture content.

In addition, buyers are pleased with the fact that they do not need to purchase a special solution for storage. Experts have long recognized these optical products as comfortable to wear and unable to cause dry mucous membranes.

ZEISS Contact Day 1 spherical

One-day lenses made of high-quality bio-hydrogel material are light blue tinted. They perfectly protect against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays and are suitable for use exclusively during the daytime.

Buyers respond positively to the optimal moisture content, as well as moderate thickness.

Dailies (Alcon) Total1

Expensive, but very high quality and truly worthy of attention, contact lenses are designed to correct myopia as well as farsightedness. They are famous for their moderately high level of moisture content.

When worn, these optical products are not only not felt, but also do not irritate the mucous membranes of the organs of vision. The material here is thin, so it takes some getting used to - this point is the only drawback, because otherwise the lenses are almost perfect.

ZEISS Contact Day 1 toric

Biohydrogel contact lenses from a well-known brand cannot but please people with poor vision, as they do an excellent job of increasing visual acuity. There is an optimal moisture content here.

The tint on this model is light blue. Lenses are only allowed to be worn during the daytime. They are sold in a package of 32 blisters, and are sold at a low price, which is why buyers often call this product economical.

Types of long-term wear lenses

There are several popular products for vision correction; they differ in the type of material used for production.

Hydrogel

The main element in their composition is water, which acts as a “conductor” and delivers oxygen to the cornea. They do not cause discomfort and are almost imperceptible when worn.

The advantage of hydrogel optics is its resistance to the formation of protein deposits, which significantly reduces the cost of means for processing and disinfecting eyepieces. In addition, the risk of an allergic reaction is reduced.

Among the disadvantages, we can note the fact that the liquid quickly evaporates from the surface of the lens, as a result the mucous membrane dries out, increasing the risk of hypoxia. If dryness occurs in the organ of vision and discomfort appears, immediately remove the eyepieces so as not to provoke the development of complications. Hydrogel products are not recommended to be worn for more than twelve hours.

Silicone hydrogel

The best option, harmoniously combining the positive qualities of two types of raw materials. The optics transmit oxygen well, have a wear-resistant surface, and the process of moisture evaporation occurs several times slower than with hydrogel eyepieces.

Resistant to the formation of protein deposits. You can safely leave them overnight. Especially in conditions where it is not possible to carry out normal treatment and disinfection (for example, during a long train journey).

Due to the silicone included in the composition, the surface of the product is susceptible to the accumulation of fatty deposits. This is one of the main disadvantages of these lenses. As a result, the process of moistening the eye with tears is disrupted, and friction of the organ of vision increases.

Rigid gas permeable

To create them, silicone-based material is used. Thanks to this, the optics transmit oxygen well, even better than silicone hydrogel lenses. They keep their shape perfectly and have a high level of wear resistance.

The eyepieces do not contain water, so they do not dry out in the wind or in a stuffy room, so there is no need to moisturize your eyes with drops. The main advantage of hard lenses is that they can be worn even with diseases such as astigmatism and age-related hypermetropia. The use of soft optics with such deviations is impossible.

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Features of continuous wear lenses

Continuous wear lenses are extremely comfortable. As a result of repeated testing, manufacturers managed to achieve the maximum level of consumer comfort when using this type of optics. Ophthalmologists recommend such models for people with irregular schedules, often working in emergency situations.

What are the features and advantages of continuous wear lenses:

• made using the latest technologies based on high-quality materials - for example, Biofinity optics with Aquaform technology are capable of retaining moisture for a long time, so they can be worn continuously for up to 30 days;
• comfortable and not felt on the eyes - thin, soft and flexible lenses can be worn for a long time, because they do not interfere with the free movement of oxygen to the cornea, and are also well moisturized;
• provide high visual acuity due to maximum transparency of the material and special design - aspherical design significantly reduces the amount of optical distortion.

The main task of the user is not to violate the ophthalmologist’s recommendations for the selection and period of wearing contact lenses, and to promptly obtain a new pair for replacement. Routine examinations by an ophthalmologist are also important to avoid common problems associated with the use of contact optics.

Benefits of long-term wear lenses

The popularity of such products is easy to explain; they have several undeniable advantages, which were instantly appreciated by everyone who has vision problems:

• Low price. Compared to “one-day” ones, they have a fairly affordable price;
• No need for regular updates. One pair can be worn from thirty days to six months;
• A wide range of. Finding a suitable model is not difficult;
• There is no need to “bother” your head with daily procedures for the care and processing of “plates”.

People who use long-term wear contact lenses can go on long business trips or to sporting events without any problems.

Tips for caring for lenses

Since continuous wear lenses are worn daily, day and night, for thirty days, no maintenance is required. At the beginning of the period of use, the lenses are put on, and when it expires, they are thrown away and a new pair is taken.

Before putting on a new pair of lenses, you should rest your eyes for at least one night.

But if lenses are used in flexible or daytime mode, then cleaning and disinfection procedures must be carried out for them. To do this, you can use a special solution, and you will need to store the lenses in containers. In this case, we should not forget about hygiene in order to eliminate the risk of dirt and germs getting on contact lenses. Therefore, before carrying out manipulations, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. The container must also be kept clean.

How to treat conjunctivitis in a newborn baby: tips for caring for a sick baby.

Colored contact lenses for eyes with diopters: application features, read this article.

What are the consequences of myopia in children: https://eyesdocs.ru/zabolevaniya/miopiya/blizorukost-u-shkolnikov-prichiny-lechenie-profilaktika-neduga.html

Disadvantages of long-term wear lenses

The main part of the negative aspects associated with this optics arises if the patient wears them incorrectly and does not care for them:

• Protein and lipid deposits accumulate on the surface of the eyepieces, this provokes the development of allergies and increased sensitivity of the eyeball;
• The deposition of calcium salts not only causes discomfort, but can also injure the cornea;
• Germination of colonies of harmful bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. In appearance, they resemble a gray or yellow ring.

Also, when using such optics, an infection can enter the visual apparatus, causing inflammation of the cornea and negatively affecting eye sharpness.

Air Optix Night & Day AQUA

Air Optix Night & Day AQUA are first generation silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses from the American company Alcon for daily or continuous wear for 30 days.

The degree of oxygen permeability of Air Optix Night & Day AQUA lenses is characterized by the highest levels to date.

The main distinguishing feature of this model is the highest degree of oxygen permeability among both silicone hydrogel and hydrogel CLs. This allows you to wear them continuously for one month.

The lens has a special biospheric design - both surfaces are aspherical, which significantly reduces the number of visual aberrations and image distortions, and also ensures good fit of the lens on the eye and high comfort when wearing them.

The surface of the product is subject to plasma treatment, which allows you to achieve ideal smoothness. This, in turn, protects the CL material from various protein and lipid deposits.

Main characteristics of Air Optix Night & Day AQUA:

Thus, if you do not have the opportunity or desire to care for your lenses on a daily basis, but still want comfort, safety and clear vision, Air Optix Night & Day AQUA is an excellent choice.

Who should wear lenses for long-term wear?

There are several categories of patients for whom these eyepieces will be an ideal solution to vision problems:

• Representatives of certain professions. Perfect for drivers who, due to their duty, are forced to spend a lot of time on the road. They cannot remove the lens, much less disinfect it properly;
• For those who prefer to wear optics for long-term use and do not want to go to the store every day to buy a new pair;
• Some patients are forced to unwittingly wear long-wear lenses. For example, after eye surgery. In this case, the product acts as a bandage;
• The products are suitable for those who have vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia or presbyopia.

Reasons for wearing lenses

Lenses are the preferred optics option, recommended by the vast majority of doctors to their patients. Indications for wearing such products are:

• Farsightedness and myopia, including high degrees;
• Astigmatism (in this case, special toric lenses are used);
• Intolerance to spectacle vision correction;
• A significant difference between the diopters of the left and right eyes, for which the selection of glasses is extremely difficult;
• Vision correction for “lazy eye” syndrome.

Also, lenses are often worn if there are cosmetic problems, including color defects in the iris. Tinted samples of soft optics can also be used to give the eyes a more interesting shade (especially for light-colored irises). Less commonly, lenses are worn without any indication. However, in most cases, tinted models, as well as crazy lenses, are chosen for this.

It is these restrictions that you should first pay attention to when choosing certain product models.

Tips for choosing

To ensure that wearing lenses is not only comfortable, but also benefits your eye health, you need to follow a few simple recommendations when purchasing:

• Only an ophthalmologist can choose the right model that suits your organ of vision;
• Depending on the problem, the doctor selects the type of optics (rigid, hydrogel or silicone hydrogel);
• To select lenses for permanent wear, the ophthalmologist will conduct a detailed examination to find out the degree of development of the disease and the structural features of the visual apparatus;
• The selection of a model that will not cause discomfort and will improve eye sharpness is carried out by the doctor empirically. You'll have to try on more than one pair before finding the right one.

When purchasing lenses, do not forget that there are a number of contraindications for wearing them. For example, diabetes, chronic disease, thyroid problems or a malfunction of the immune system.

conclusions

As you can see, the contact lens industry has come a long way. However, despite the improved properties of the materials from which contact lenses are made, long-term wearing of lenses increases the risk of developing possible complications of contact correction. Most experts are inclined to believe that the ideal option for choosing lenses is a flexible wearing mode. In this case, a person takes off the lenses at night, but if absolutely necessary, he can sleep peacefully in them without fear for the condition of his eyes. This is possible if you use the silicone hydrogel lenses presented above.

Risks associated with continuous wearing

No matter how beautiful this optics is, ophthalmologists do not recommend wearing it for a month without breaks. In their opinion, only those who really need it should use lenses in this way. In other cases, it is better to opt for eyepieces with a short service life.

Prolonged exposure to optics increases the risk of developing microbial keratitis. It provokes serious vision problems and scarring of the eye tissue occurs. Most often, the reason for its appearance lies in the violation of the recommended timing for replacing the “plates”. Also, during continuous operation there is a high risk of developing the following pathologies:

• Swelling of the cornea;
• Exacerbation of blepharitis;
• Proliferation of blood vessels;
• Hyperemia of the mucous membrane.

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Duration of continuous use

Patients with hypersensitive eyes can purchase two-week lenses. During this period, they can be left in place for cleaning and disinfection.

Most models have individual characteristics regarding throughput and moisture level in the composition. Such products can be used for a month.

If your financial situation does not allow you to change lenses too often, choose the best option - three-month optics. Eyepieces intended to be worn for six months are delivered in special bottles. But they are problematic to care for and the risk of eye infection increases.

The product should be replaced two to three days before the expiration date. Over time, the material used for manufacturing loses its positive qualities and provokes the development of severe deviations.

Popular brands

Optical stores offer a wide range of products; the choice depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. Remember that the “prestige” of the manufacturer automatically increases the price. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at lesser-known brands.

Bausch&Lomb

The corporation supplies silicone hydrogel lenses to the market. The model name is Pure Vision, the optics provide clear images even in low light conditions and at night. A unique technology is used to create them, so the eyepieces do not cause discomfort and are practically invisible to the eyes.

The throughput factor is 130 units

CIBA Vision

The Air Optix Night&Day product is very popular among bespectacled people. Allowed to be worn for thirty days. In this case, the organ of vision does not experience discomfort, since the eyepieces are practically not felt.

For their production, lotrafilcon B is used, which is responsible for moisturizing the eye. The smooth surface does not allow proteins and fats to accumulate.

Cooper Vision

The corporation offers consumers a product called Biofinity. Thanks to modern technologies used for its manufacture, lenses can be worn for two weeks. It has a high throughput coefficient - 160 units. They contain a large amount of moisture (48%).

Acuvue Oasys by Johnson&Johnson

They can be “exploited” for a week. Throughput coefficient – ​​147 units. The indicator allows you to provide 100% comfort to the eyes. Hydrogel is used for production. Eyepieces are suitable for those who spend a lot of time at the computer.

How to make wearing lenses more comfortable

To avoid discomfort and harm to your health when using optics, follow these simple rules:

• To facilitate the process of removing the “plates,” first use moisturizing drops;
• After the expiration date, immediately discard the product;
• Do not purchase eye drops without first consulting your doctor;
• You need to apply makeup after putting on the lenses;
• Do not allow particles of cosmetics to get on the surface of the eyepieces;
• Buy product care products on the recommendation of a doctor, and not on the advice of your girlfriends.

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Rating of lenses for monthly wear

The best long-term wear contact lenses
The cost of such medical products depends on the manufacturer, the material from which a particular model is made, and the breathability of the lens.

Brand Biofinity

Biofinity products come first. Country of origin: USA - with a representative office in the UK. The set contains 3 pairs of medical products.

This model is designed for flexible operation. That is, they can be worn both for 1 day and without taking them off for several days as needed. The maximum period of continuous operation is 7 days.

The product is made of silicone hydrogel. Lenses of this brand are used to correct farsightedness and myopia. This medical device can be used without additional moisturizing. Biofinity lenses are distinguished by a high coefficient of breathability.

The disadvantage of products of this brand is their high cost. So the kit will cost on average from 2.5 to 3 thousand rubles.

Brand Maxima 55 UV

Maxima 55 UV lenses have an acceptable price-quality ratio. The cost of the set is from 750 rubles. Country of origin: Great Britain.

Specifications:

• correction of myopia and farsightedness;
• eye protection from ultraviolet radiation;
• minimum thickness;
• smooth surface;
• high breathability;
• The products are painted, which makes it possible to easily detect lenses in a container with a solution.

Lenses of this brand are stored only in a specialized solution.

Cooper Vision Biomedics

The best long-term wear contact lenses
Biomedics brand equipment is a long-term wear device. The service life is 1 month, but only in the daily cycle. This product is not intended for 24/7 use.

They are made from Ocufilcon D and are of the hydrogel type. Moisture content is 55%. The manufacturer claims that its product protects the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, but strongly advises the use of sunglasses. Cooper lenses are considered the thinnest long-wear optical products.

According to experts - although the annotation indicates a one-month warranty period of use - it is better not to use lenses of this brand for more than 14 days.

Air Optix Aqua products

Products from the Swiss concern Alcon are positioned as lenses with maximum breathability. The equipment of this brand is intended for sensitive eyes.

According to the manufacturer, the oxygen permeability of Air Optix Aqua is 5 times higher than that of products of the same class from other manufacturers.

The equipment of this brand is treated with a special composition that prevents its contamination with protein and fatty fractions. The product is intended for flexible use, but nighttime wear may cause minor discomfort.

The cost of medical equipment from this manufacturer ranges from 1300 to 1500 rubles.

How to care?

It is important to choose a suitable solution for storing “records”. Remember that optics additionally need to be cleaned and disinfected. Follow these simple recommendations to avoid complications with your vision, and to make wearing eyepieces a pleasure:

• From the first week, use enzyme cleansing solutions. To prepare them, dilute one tablet in a glass of water. Enzymes break down protein molecules that accumulate on the surface of the lenses. Carry out a similar cleansing every seven days;
• If your eyes are dry, purchase moisturizing drops that mimic human tears;
• If swelling or redness occurs, contact your ophthalmologist immediately;
• Even if you did not use the optics every day, after the expiration date, recycle it;
• Wash off your makeup after removing the “plates” to prevent product particles from getting onto the surface.

Following simple rules will relieve eye health problems.

Color contact lenses

Manufacturers offer consumers color optics that can be worn for a long time. There are several types of products:

• Tinted. Slightly corrects the natural shade of the iris;
• Cosmetic. Dramatically change eye color;
• Decorative. Suitable for lovers of shocking, they give the organ of vision an original shape or shade.

When purchasing colored lenses, do not forget that they slightly distort the resulting image, since color rendition is limited.

You can purchase products only in specialized stores after a preliminary visit to an ophthalmologist. The rules of care do not differ from the usual recommendations.

AIR OPTIX AQUA

These are silicone hydrogel contact lenses with a scheduled replacement of 1 month for daily wear and 7 days for continuous wear. Manufacturer: Alcon.

AIR OPTIX AQUA are characterized by optimal mobility on the eyeball, which ensures good quality of vision even with frequent blinking and rapid centralization of the lens.

The material from which CLs are made is characterized by high oxygen permeability; they are completely sufficient to prevent the development of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the cornea. And the material also has the ability to retain water molecules inside, so the lens does not dry out, and wearing remains comfortable for a long time.

The surface of the product is plasma treated, which provides a very smooth surface, good wettability with tear fluid and resistance to lipid and protein deposits.

Main characteristics of AIR OPTIX AQUA:

Thus, this lens model is suitable for everyone who wants to try contact vision correction, and the high degree of oxygen permeability allows you to wear contact lenses continuously.