Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are available for many middle aged people who have sight problems beyond the standard vision conditions that possess many young individuals. There is no doubt that today's generation of forty and above Americans love to be more active than their parents used to be and so eyeglasses are often a hindrance to this high powered active lifestyle. But the aging process never changes and for many of the over forty crowd, presbyopia begins to raise its ugly head. This word means old age, and describes basically the need for bifocal lens eyeglasses that so many have worn for decades. The condition is caused, most experts think, by loss of tone in the muscles that surround the eye and cause it to become misshapen enough to cause the poor ability to focus on objects close up. While bifocal lenses have been the curative for this problem for decades, there has become a stigma for the type that clearly define the bottom lenses used for reading. So stigmatized were these defined bifocals with older age that modern lenses that simply melted the two together became fashionable, but yet that was not enough for those seeking eternal youth.

The term multifocal contact lenses is really a phrase that means all contact lenses that have more than one power of vision aid. These differing power lenses fall into two categories: alternating vision and simultaneous vision. The alternating lenses work just like regular bifocal eyeglasses; that is to say, when the eye looks up one can see objects far away clearly, and when the gaze is focused downward objects close at hand can also be viewed clearly. The simultaneous types of multifocal contact lenses combine both near and far correcting abilities throughout the correcting lens. Instead of the eye moving up and down switching from prescription to prescription, the visual system of the person employing the lens must actually learn how to select the correct power of the combined lens.

The alternating types of multifocal contact lenses are technically called translating and they are only available in hard contacts, although they are gas permeable. They are in direct contrast to soft contacts, but they are not made with hard plastic, but rather silicon. They are markedly smaller than soft contacts and are removed nightly. They are a far cry from the contacts of the 60's and 70's that were made from Plexiglas, but they still take some getting used to, one of the decidedly strong reasons many prefer softer contacts. The gas permeable type of lens does offer sharper vision than the soft type and when one blinks there is not often the need to refocus nearly as much as with the softer type. While non translating contacts actually rotate on the eye, the gas permeable lens with two different power zones remain in place, thanks to an area of unequal thickness in the lens called a prism ballast. This allows the multifocal contact lenses to remain in a position where gazing up or down for vision correction is still possible.

The simultaneous type of lens is available in both the gas permeable type and in the much softer and larger lens. You can think of simultaneous lenses as two prescriptions put in a blender and mixed together and the user's eye must be trained to tell the two apart, and may take several weeks of wearing before the training is complete. These multifocal contact lenses seek to correct particular odd points on the eye provide a natural vision experience. They are best used for intermediate range projects such as working with computers all day long. Many people do not understand how Christians can put so much faith in things that cannot be seen or touched. Moses too, endured formidable suffering in order to obey God, but Moses had spiritual sight that others did not. "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27)

The kind of multifocal contact lenses that you choose will depend on what kind of activities you do on a regular basis. If one is involved in sports or in another activity where instant focus after one blinks is required, it may be more advisable to think about gas permeable lenses. If the wearer candidate wants instant comfort gratification then softer contacts with the simultaneous options will be the better choice. Of course both kinds can be colored to match your eyes or you can change colors to be more exotic. Will the vision you have with your contacts be as good as with bifocal eyeglasses? Probably not, so it's important to carve out realistic expectations before investing in them.

Much of the success with wearing multifocal contact lenses will be the fit of them on your eyes at the outset. That means that your choice of examiner will be very important. There are licensed examiners at most optical stores, but many of them may not possess the kind of experience at measuring and fitting that others do. Ask around and get the names of ophthalmologists and optometrists that friends have used, and go to the ones that have good reputations. Your money for the actual contacts may be refunded in some cases if the experiment in wearing them doesn't work out, but the fees for the examination probably will not be refundable. Wearing contacts isn't for everybody, so don't get discouraged if the attempt doesn't pan out as hoped.

Myopia Eye Correction

Treatment for myopia eye correction is available with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. Myopia is nearsightedness; the most common vision diagnosed. Nearly one-third of the population experiences this vision condition. And even more spectacular is the fact that almost 40% of the population will develop nearsightedness at some time in the future. Objects at a distance are difficult for nearsighted people to see. However, things that are up-close tasks like reading or sewing are quite easy to see. A prescription for corrective lenses that redirect light rays to the retina can be the solution for myopia eye correction. This condition is manifested when the eyeball is not round. In fact, it is slightly longer from front to back. The resulting light rays, that are supposed to point directly at the retina, actually point in front of the retina. This focusing anomaly is spawned from an overpowered eye. Basically, the amount of optical power produced is too intense for the length of the eyeball. This super power brings light rays, that are coming from a distance, into focus before they reach the intended destination; the retina. Therefore, things in the distance become blurry.

Vision clarity depends upon how light rays focus on the retina. Myopia eye correction may be able to help this condition. For example, when using a camera, the light focuses on the film which is at the back of a camera. If the light goes anywhere else, the film will not be exposed properly and therefore, there will be no picture taken. The same is true for the way light hits a person's retina. The retina is like the film of a camera. The light must hit the retina in the just the right spot to produce a clear picture. When the light is off target, then there is blurriness. Old wives tales tell us that myopia is caused by using your eyes too much. This has not born out in statistical data. Ophthalmologist call this a refractive error. There are many types of refractive errors; myopia being one type. The others are called hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. This is what doctors refer to as farsightedness. Affecting about 25% of people, farsightedness allows people to see very far away. Yet these same people find difficulty in focusing on things that are nearby. Myopia eye correction is accomplished by a prescription for a lens that has been calculated to weaken the eye. When this happens a person can see more clearly in the distance. This solution can come in the form of both glasses or contact lenses.

Astigmatism is a very different type of eye condition. It affects the cornea, not the retina. Whereas, presbyopia happens to everyone. Even people who have never experienced a vision problem before, suddenly start having blurred vision during close-up work or reading. Presbyopia causes people to hold newspapers, magazines, and books at arm's length so that they can get clear focus on the material. Ophthalmologists generally agree that presbyopia stems from increased rigidity of the natural lens inside a person's eyes. Similar to a used elastic band, the lens responsiveness is worn out. Actually the proteins and muscle fibers around the eye seem to change. These changes cause the lens to stop functioning as it once did. Myopia eye correction cannot help in these cases.

Heredity is the usual deciding factor as to whether a person has myopia or not. When a child complains about not being able to see something in the distance, it's a good time to have their eyes examined. As children, the condition develops and continues to advance over time. Usually the condition worsens in people of advanced age. There is actually a term for it: myopic creep. Nearly 2% of the population is plagued by a more severe form of myopia; termed pathologic. Also referred to as degenerative, the condition is normally apparent by age 12. In children who have extremely elongated eyeballs, the eyeball continues to stretch with age with a progressive and potentially severe loss of vision. Myopia is not a disease; however. There is just a shape difference in their eyeball. For people aver the age of 40, myopia can be a real advantage. While others may be getting glasses for reading, they can read perfectly well without them. This means that myopia eye correction would actually bring a disadvantage. "But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt." (Ezekiel 20:9)

Myopia eye correction could be the solution for this malady. One type of correction available is an injectable photosensitive drug called Visudyne. The injection taken along with a laser treatment helps to stabilize and even improve this eye condition. Additionally, there is often an abnormal growth of new blood vessels underneath the macula. When coupled with leakage in the back of the eye it is called "Wet" macular degeneration. This affects a person's fine focus ability; making myopia eye correction necessary. There are several options to choose from to correct this condition. Glasses comes in all shapes and sizes. Contact lenses, on the other hand, can come in different lens shades. And then, there is a surgical and treatment option. Whether a person decides on a more permanent solution or to use artificial lenses, seeing is important. Whatever works for the person, is the treatment that should be chosen.

New Laser Eye Surgery

New laser eye surgery is very popular form of vision correction and is a viable option for more and more of the population. Glasses and contact lenses are still commonly used and probably always will be. Advances in surgical procedures and products have taken significant strides the past decade. However, new laser eye surgery procedures are not the cure-all for vision problems. God sends help in so many ways. And the Bible makes reference to the human eye and sight numerous times. Proper vision not only helps people clearly see their physical spiritual world more clearly. God reveals through sight and vision. "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." (2 Corinthians 12: 1-7)

Although new laser eye surgery procedures have grown in popularity since about 1995, there are several risks involved and some people are exclude from using them for a variety of reasons. Today, there are about a dozen possible surgical procedures used to correct vision problems, but two are more commonly used than the others: Photorefractive Keratotomy (RK) and Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). Of the two procedures, LASIK is the more commonly performed procedure. According to online sources, the two new laser eye surgery techniques basically produce the same results. However, because of the differences in how the outcome is produced LASIK has more possible risks of complications. Both of the procedures involve reshaping the surface of eye to produce clearer vision. Back in the 1980s, a technique called Radial Keratotomy was developed and commonly used. Radial Keratotomy involved a surgeon making an incision to flatten the surface of the eye. RK was mainly used to correct nearsightedness. However, the procedure often produced negative side effects such as fluctuating vision, glare, and night vision problems. Now, the procedure is rarely used. That's because new eye surgery techniques have been developed and approved for use.

According to a surgery website, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was being used in other countries at about the same time RK was being performed in the United States. Photorefractive Keratectomy uses laser light energy to remove tissue directly from the surface of the eye. This procedure alters the curvature of the cornea. In 1995 the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of PRK in the United States. PRK has been upstaged by LASIK for several reasons. But PRK has some advantages over the new laser eye surgery. Since nerves appear to regenerate faster with PRK, there is less risk of some complications developing. The main differences between the two procedures are that Keratectomy is a surface procedure and LASIK involves creating a small thin surgical flap. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon lifts the surface flap and then uses a laser to reshape the eye. Once this is done, the flap is replaced. Unfortunately, there are two possible risks with creating a flap. First, the flap could be damaged or detach completely. Second, improper healing of the flap could distort the cornea. However, there are other complications that could arise during and after eye surgery.

Research all the new laser eye surgery procedures and consult a surgeon for more specific details. Apparently, LASIK's main advantage is that there is little discomfort following the procedure. Also, unlike PRK, the patient's vision clears within hours instead of days. During the past decade, several forms of LASIK have been developed: LASEK, EPI-LASIK, Blade-free LASIK and Wavefront LASIK. Generally, the main difference is how the flap is created. And there are several other types of corrective procedures being used. For example, Conductive Keratoplasty uses a probe and heat radio waves to steepen the cornea. This procedure is useful for people who are farsighted. Implantable Lenses are similar to contact lenses but are surgically implanted to correct nearsightedness. Refractive Lens Exchange is similar to cataract surgery and helps eliminate farsightedness. Cataract surgery is useful for correcting both nearsightedness and farsightedness. All the procedures have a common goal: allow people to see better and live more productive lives.

Although new laser eye surgery procedures have grown in popularity, they are not right for everybody. Consult with a surgeon to find out which procedure, if any, is the best one. In most circumstances, people under the age of 18 are rarely considered for laser vision surgery procedures because their eyes are still changing. Certain health conditions and diseases could preclude a person from some types of vision correction procedures, too. Most laser procedures are performed quickly and without pain. During the laser vision procedure, the eye is anesthetized using drops and there is often no discomfort during the surgery, which normally takes 15 to 45 seconds to perform. Apparently, few side effects are experienced following laser surgery. Sources indicate that the most common are a halo effect and glare around lights. However, most people usually return to normal activities within a few days of undergoing a new laser eye surgery procedure.

Non Prescription Contact Lenses

While obtaining non prescription contact lenses is possible, it may not be in the best interests of the consumer's visual health. Anyone who has less than perfect vision is going to be dependent on glasses or contacts to some degree. As with any other area of health, consulting with a medical professional and receiving regular care is wise. Seeking out ways to purchase contacts online without a prescription may mean that the patient is ignoring their vision for the sake of saving money. Most web sites that originate in the United States so not permit the sale of non prescription contact lenses. There are, however, a number of European and British sites the will allow visitors to order contacts without prescriptions. The danger of ignoring regular vision checks and continuing to order lenses from an old prescription is plain. Older prescriptions may not offer the needed amount of correction as time passes and the patient's vision changes.

It is also important to consistently visit an eye care professional in order to detect other health issues in a timely manner. Why take chances with something as important as healthy vision? If the motive for ordering contacts without prescriptions is one of economy, the consumer should keep in mind that they may end up paying a higher price in the long run. The costs of contacts on many of these nonprescription sites can be quite high. Additionally, the medical costs that are associated with an eye infection or other vision related medical conditions can be extremely costly. The many safety issues that can be associated with selling non prescription contact lenses has made many vendors hesitant to offer these products without qualified medical oversight. Even contacts that do not include any kind of visual correction will require prescriptions that measure the size as well as other properties of the individual's eyes.

Many consumers wish to order non prescription contact lenses for cosmetic purposes. If the desire is to artificially change the color of the eyes through contacts, it is possible to purchase these lenses without prescription. This may not be a good idea, however. It is important to keep in mind that the eyes are very sensitive. Inserting unregulated contacts can lead to serious vision problems. For this reason, these products should be obtained with the guidance a qualified medical professional. Poor quality contacts can be uncomfortable for the user. Color contacts may also contain paints that are toxic in nature. While it can be exciting and glamorous to be able to change the appearance of the eyes, using non prescription contact lenses that are not safe can be a major mistake. But under the supervision of a qualified doctor, contacts in a variety of colors can be fun and flattering. Colored contacts will generally fall into one of two categories, enhancement or opaque. For individuals with eyes that are light in color, enhancement contacts can be used to add a little spark and interest to the natural color. If a complete change of color is desires, opaque contacts are needed. The darker the natural eye color, the harder it can be to change the color while still allowing the patient to see properly.

For some customers, contacts are not needed for everyday life. There may, however, be special occasions that call for cosmetic contacts that offer special effects. In these cases, non prescription contact lenses may work well for extremely short term use. These lenses may be available in a wide variety of styles and features. Whether the consumer is interested in a cat eye effect, or something a little frightening for a costume party or theater production, such products are widely available. Called plano lenses, these contacts may also feature a glow in the dark factor, swirls, flames, flowers, spirals, flags, hearts, stars, and alien effects. Used as a fashion accessory, these products can be fun and creative. The user should always keep visual health in mind, however. If the non prescription contact lenses are causing pain or are uncomfortable, they should be removed before the eye is damaged. No special effect is worth causing serious damage to the eyes. This is particularly true if the special effect contacts are only meant to provide a short term alteration. Keeping the eyes healthy has to be the top priority. The Bible tells believers to turn to God for mercy and to hope in Him. "Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee." (Psalm 33:22)

The first step in obtaining non prescription contact lenses is to schedule a visit to an eye care professional. This is true for those who need visual correction and for those who don't. A professional in this field can measure the curve of the eye as well as the diameter of the lens that will be needed. If possible, the consumer can save money by asking the physician to make these measurements during an ordinary visual check up. Even without a corrective medical prescription, these measurements will be needed before most vendors will fill an order for cosmetic contacts. With these measurements in hand, the next step is to shop around for the best price. It may also be wise to double check with an optometrist before making a purchase. This professional can advise the individual on the overall quality of the products that a particular company might offer. With care and professional advice, it is possible to find attractive contacts at reasonable prices.

Non Prescription Colored Contact Lenses

Wearing non prescription colored contact lenses can be fun, exotic, and may be more common than you think. As far back as 1508, contact lenses were an abstract construct in at least one person's mind. Of all people to have this idea was the infamous Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci detailed descriptions and drawings of how a person could alter the power of the cornea by submersion of the eye into a bowl of water. His idea, of course was at least 300 years ahead of its time. In the 1820's, an English astronomer, named Sir John Herschel, proposed techniques for grinding and fitting a lens to conform precisely to the surface of the eye. In order to do this most accurately, Herschel suggested that, first, a cast should be made of the eye so that the final product would conform exactly to the person's eyeball. In 1888, a physiologist in Zurich, by the name of A. E. Fick, put Herschel's original idea to the test by developing a pair of lenses for himself. Because he used glass, the lenses were extremely heavy for the eyes. He was only able to wear them for a total of 2 hours because of their weight and the fact that oxygen could not get to the eye. Nevertheless, non prescription colored contact lenses would not have been possible without those first stages of contact lens development.

There were many false starts and do overs throughout the next century. Even with all of the research and activities going, until the 1930's, the only type of lens that was readily available was the glass-blown scleral lens; not quite the right material for non prescription colored contact lenses. Various chemists and eye specialists became aggressive in the pursuit of a more appropriate material for use in the development of contacts. Experimental lenses were made with numerous materials. It wasn't until 1938 that a new material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was determined to be a much better material because of its low density. Though this material wasn't perfect, it worked fairly well. In 1949, corneal lenses took the place of the original scleral type. This lens was more akin to the type and size of lens that is used in non prescription colored contact lenses. Because of this advancement, mass appeal developed through the 1960s. The contact lens became even more intricate with improved manufacturing technology; giving rise to silicone hydrogels. This new lens technology had extreme oxygen permeability. The level of comfort experienced by wearers of the silicon hydrogels, was unmatched.

After such a major breakthrough, contacts became all the rage. The price of contacts fell considerably. Those people who would have never considered trying them, began to question their doctors. Also, this advancement in technology, catapulted a new industry of non prescription colored contact lenses. People who would have never considered putting something in their eyes to enhance their beauty or change their appearance, began to gobble up multiple pairs, in various shades. It is estimated that a full 2 percent of the population (approximately 125 million people) actually wear contacts. Of that amount, nearly 38 million of the wearers are in the U.S. Contacts are less affected by weather and generally do not steam up when a person goes from one temperature extreme to another. They also provide a clearer field of vision in that there are no arms that hold the lens to your face; to block your peripheral sphere. Lots of people, who need corrective lenses, choose to wear contacts so as not to alter personal appearance or because of the fact that they are more practical than glasses. But, there is also a large percentage that choose to wear non prescription colored contact lenses for purely cosmetic reasons. These people want to alter their appearance.

"Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth." (Isaiah 43:9) They are used, like make-up is used, to enhance one's appearance. The available colors go from regular eye colors to extreme colors and shapes; most appropriately worn on Halloween. Some people use colored contacts to color coordinate with their apparel. Others use these contacts as part of a make-over. Because non prescription colored contact lenses tend to be opaque, the natural color of a person's eyes, doesn't really matter. Light blue eyes can be turned into pools of aqua. Dark chocolate eyes can become brilliant turquoise. Hazel eyes can be made jade.

Since 1999, the silicone hydrogel has become the standard in contact lens technology. These lenses are far more comfortable. Yet this comfort comes with a price. The actual cost of a lens is less per lens, but they must be replaced much more often than the rigid lens. Some companies produce contacts that are called daily wear. You wear those lens for one day and throw them away. There are others that are meant to be used for a full week at a time; and up to two weeks max. Whether a person is wearing them for corrective or cosmetic purposes, all contact lenses are medical devices. They are to be worn under a doctors care. This is also true for non prescription colored contact lenses; as well. A person is apportioned only one set of eyes. It is the most valuable of all our senses. People can have fun and make them exotic; if they wish.