Why have contact lenses rather than laser surgery? You have undoubtedly seen the adverts saying how safe and effective laser surgery is. However, this is marketing. In practice I have seen several cases of corneal trauma after refractive surgery. These might account for a small proportion of those so treated, but the effects are irreversible, and compromise good vision. Contact lenses may not be perfect (which is why I strongly advocate at least annual checks on your contact lenses. The problems I encounter with contact lenses are largely reversible, and in the worst case scenarios merely necessitate a discontinuation of wear. The latest generation of contact lenses are Silicon Hydrogel lenses. These may be worn up to 30 days continuously i.e.. Sleep in them and everything!
The most frequently used lenses these days are frequent replacement soft lenses. These are available in toric (for astigmatism) and tinted forms, and it is generally considered that these lenses offer the safest and most convenient form of contact lens wear.
In selecting an optician to fit your contact lenses and provide aftercare, I would suggest asking your friends and relations about the service different opticians provide. Do they offer completely free / no obligation trials? Do they offer a range of lenses or are they restricted to "own brand" or one manufacturers lenses? Do they offer an advantageous "with solutions" package? Do they offer free additional/ replacement lenses in cases of loss or breakage?
If you do not opt for Daily Disposable lenses, you will need to use contact lens solutions. These largely fall into two categories - the multipurpose solutions, and the Hydrogen Peroxide based systems. I much prefer to put my patients on to the Peroxide solutions, as these are safer than the multipurpose solutions, and run considerably less risk of solution allergy reactions. The latest generation of multipurpose solutions are a considerable improvement over those we were using ten years ago, but many of the same criticisms apply. Silicon Hydrogel lenses seem much less sensitive in this regard.
Contact lenses suit people's lifestyles. With so many more of us getting out to wilderness areas, or engaged in sports, contact lenses offer that essence of freedom we are searching for. There is nothing worse at the end of a rainy days walking than to go into a bar and not be able to see because your specs are steamed up! Find a good optician and build a relationship with him or her. We are only human after all!
