Contents
Lenses, glasses, and laser surgery offer different methods of correction, and the choice depends on the patient’s comfort level.
Advantages of glasses
- Easy to clean and use;
- Protect the eyes from outside influences;
- Reduced risk of infection;
- Stylish accessory;
- A versatile solution to a variety of vision problems;
- More cost effective in the long run.
Benefits of lenses
- Comfortable for active lifestyles and sports;
- Non-scratching when properly fitted and used;
- Color changing and stylish options are available;
- Unlike eyeglasses, lenses are thin, making them more comfortable, especially for those with high degrees of nearsightedness, such as -9 or -10. Glasses, on the other hand, can be heavy, causing pressure and headaches. Thin lenses are now available even for high degrees, such as up to -16.
Features of lens use
1. The need for eye rest
Despite all their benefits, lenses require certain rules of use, such as removing many types of lenses overnight to allow the eye to rest. Manufacturer warranties do not exclude the need for adequate oxygen access to the cornea.
If contact lenses are used properly, taken out at night (if your lens model requires it), given the opportunity to rest occasionally, such as when you don’t have to go to work, and put on at 10 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., this is enough to keep the eye functioning well.
2. Follow the rules of use and hygiene
Next, they need to be handled properly, especially if they are not daily disposable lenses that you take off and throw away, but longer term lenses – two weeks, a month or more. That means they need to be properly rinsed in solution to flush out protein deposits. And also watch for inflammatory processes, because if you have a viral infection, lenses are not recommended because of the potential for corneal complications.
So, if you keep all these things in mind, lenses are pretty safe and comfortable. There are patients who simply cannot wear lenses because of their psychological state. Eyeglasses are also a good option for them. There are those who prefer to wear glasses because it adds style. So some people wear lenses and also wear glasses to look stylish. Many people like the way they look with glasses.
However, is it true that there are no nerve endings in the mucous membrane of the eye and that you cannot feel anything in the eye? Yes, there are no nerve endings in the pupil. However, there are sensitive areas on the cornea itself, which is why contact lenses can be difficult to wear if used incorrectly. The cornea covers the eye and is sensitive, so it is important to wear lenses correctly.
Your optician can usually advise you on how to use lenses correctly. Lenses have a certain amount of curvature, and the optician takes this into account when writing a prescription. Lenses can be used not only to correct vision, but also to change its color. However, colored lenses, for example, have a pattern that provides a visible area through the pupil, and this is taken into account when choosing them. Therefore, it is not always convenient to use these lenses in varying degrees of light.
When the evening comes and the pupil dilates, light hits the area of this pigment and visibility is reduced. This is certainly not the safest option, so colored lenses should be used with caution. It is also better to visit a specialist and pick up the lenses individually. However, wearing them all the time is not always convenient, there are also fancy lenses with different patterns, such as white eyes, but they may not be very practical, more for themed events and stage.
Laser correction is an aesthetic procedure that can reduce the need for glasses or lenses, but it does not solve all problems related to the length of the eye or blood supply problems. The patient has a choice and the decision depends on his preferences and needs.
Laser correction is a technology with many advantages, but also with a number of contraindications. It is absolutely effective if all conditions are met, but it has its limitations. For example, the age of the patient plays an important role: the eye can continue to grow until the age of 21, and if surgery is performed before the growth is complete, changes in vision may return.
Many people believe that laser correction can be performed from the age of 18, but doctors often recommend waiting until the age of 21 to ensure that the results are stable.
This is important to keep in mind when recommending the procedure, especially if the patient’s vision has not yet stabilized. Contraindications are related to a variety of factors and require a more detailed examination to discuss. It is important to remember that the conditions for successful laser correction must be strictly adhered to.
Final decision
When it comes to making the final choice between contact lenses, glasses and laser vision correction, each patient’s individual preferences and needs must be considered. The decision will depend on several key factors:
- Comfort: Some people prefer the simplicity and comfort of glasses, especially if their activities are low-impact and they don’t have specific anatomical issues that complicate lens selection.
- Active lifestyle: For people who lead active lifestyles, play sports, or have difficulty fitting frames, contact lenses may be a more comfortable option.
- Style and fashion: Eyeglasses can be a stylish accessory in addition to a means of vision correction. Some people enjoy choosing different frames to express their style.
- Economic considerations: With the cost of lenses, solutions, and regular replacement, eyeglasses may be a more economical option in the long run.
- Individual vision needs: People with different vision problems, such as astigmatism or presbyopia, may find that eyeglasses are better suited to their needs.
- Laser vision correction: For those looking for a longer-term solution, laser vision correction may offer the opportunity to be free of glasses or contact lenses. However, this requires careful consideration of contraindications, age restrictions, and each patient’s specific visual system.
Ultimately, the decision is made in consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The professional will help consider all aspects and make recommendations so that each patient can make an informed choice based on their individual needs and preferences.