The eye is one of the most sensitive body parts found on the human body. A tiny speck of sand can irritate it for hours. It must constantly stay moist. The sun’s hazardous ultra violet rays can damage it. Stray objects flying around can end the eye’s functionality. It is an object of beauty for some with its bright colors and framed by long, thick eyelashes.
In some cultures the symbol of the eye is regarded as “all seeing”. Perched atop a pyramid and framed by a luminescent glow, the eye is found on the back of a dollar bill. Some people believe that the eye is the window to the soul. But when the eye’s health begins to fade, it needs help in order to see things more clearly. Some people choose glasses while others like the freedom and mobility of contact lenses.
There are horror movies in which the hapless victim is held down while something bears ominously towards his awaiting eye. History books are filled with chronicles of devious torture devices aimed at the eye. Contact lenses are far different. They do take a bit of time and patience putting them in for the first time but after a few practice runs, they are unnoticeable.
After the initial eye exam, which is different for contact lens wearers, the technician will try to find a pair of contacts suitable for that person. There are many options now ranging from hard lenses, soft lenses and disposable lenses. Depending on the eye’s need and the wearer’s lifestyle, a lens will be chosen.
Disposable lenses are the most popular choice simply due to the upkeep involved. Within the disposable lens category you can chose daily disposable, weekly disposable or even monthly. They also come in a wide variety of colors that make them very popular with some people.
One thing that has recently developed is a contact lens designed for people who have a problem with their contacts drying out. A few contact lens manufacturers have a product on the market that ensures that this aspect is greatly lessened. For those individuals who do not use these, they often have to put lens re wetting drops in their eyes to soothe any dryness, discomfort or irritation.
U.S. Contact Lens Statistics
How many people wear contact lenses:
•Approximately 32 million people in the United States wear contact lenses.
•This is about 12 percent of the total population.
Type of contact lenses are people wearing:
•An estimated 87 percent of U.S. contact lens wearers wear soft lenses.
•Only about 13 percent wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses.
Soft Contact Lens Wear:
•Over 80 are spherical design lenses – correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. 13 percent are toric lenses.
•5 percent are Bifocal lenses.
Eye Topics
Contacts are similar to a good pair of shoes in that it takes time, effort and patience to find the right ones. Contacts come in such a variety of shades, shapes and comfort level. It takes a bit of patience to find the pair that best works for your particular eye. But, once a pair is found, they can free up your life from the hassle of carting around glasses.
Toni Grundstrom is a freelance writer. With over 18 years in writing I have provided informative articles on subjects that are of interest to me. To receive additional information on eye health go to So All May See