Since 1887, when E. Saemisch, a professor at the University of Bonn, commissioned a glass craftsman, F. Müller, to make a protective lens for the eye of a patient without an eyelid, the use and development of contact lenses has not ceased, although the "boom" of this type of correction came in 1971 with the manufacture of soft contact lenses that today have been perfected to the point of being manufactured for daily use.
Currently, there are many types of contact lenses, including: hard and soft, with and without prescription (therapeutic -patches- and cosmetic -tinted-), those that allow gases (oxygen) to pass through and those that are impermeable to them, those for hourly wear and those for daily wear, daily and weekly replacement, monthly, semi-annually, annually…a universe of brands, sizes, prescriptions, colors, duration…And each one has its specific indication, which must be dictated by qualified professionals, because not all contact lenses are suitable for everyone, nor is everyone suitable for wearing contact lenses.
That is why all those who wish to use contact lenses must undergo a complete ophthalmological examination that includes assessment of the quantity and quality of tears, blinking, corneal sensitivity, underlying allergic phenomena and many other factors that may influence the choice of the appropriate contact lens and its tolerance.
It's important to understand that if you decide to start using contact lenses, you should be aware that while they offer aesthetic improvements and enhance vision quality, they also involve a number of risks and responsibilities . These responsibilities refer to the proper use the new wearer must make of them, wearing them for the appropriate amount of time and following the care and cleaning instructions provided by their ophthalmologist. Regarding risks, it's crucial to remember that even with proper use, complications are always possible. These include, among others, contact lens intolerance due to poor corneal oxygenation, allergic reactions, or infectious keratitis caused by either the bacteria Pseudomonas or the protozoan Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba is responsible for many corneal transplants and is almost always linked to improper lens cleaning. It requires the urgent attention of experienced professionals for early detection and treatment.
In summary, contact lenses are currently a good option for those seeking greater comfort and improved vision, but they must be correctly prescribed, thoroughly disinfected and stored, and their wearers must be regularly evaluated by ophthalmologists familiar with their fitting. All of this will contribute to improved eye health for the wearer and greater satisfaction for the professional.
Dr. Javier Rodríguez Martín
Medical Director – NIVARIA CLINIC
Specialist in Ophthalmology - University Hospital of the Canary Islands.