Since 1887 when E. Saemisch, professor at the University of Bonn, commissioned a glass craftsman, F. Müller, to make a protective glass for the eye of a patient without an eyelid, the use and development of contact lenses, 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, among them: hard and soft, with prescription and without prescription (therapeutic -patch- and cosmetic -tinted-), those that allow gases (oxygen) to pass through and are impermeable to them, for hourly use and those for daily use, daily and weekly replacement, monthly, semester, annually ... a universe of brands, sizes, graduations, colors, duration ... And each one has its specific indication, which must be dictated by qualified professionals, why Not all contact lenses are suitable for everyone, nor is everyone able to wear contact lenses.
That is why all those who wish to use contact lenses must pass a complete ophthalmological examination that includes assessment of the quantity and quality of the tear, the blinking, corneal sensitivity, allergic base phenomena and many other factors that can influence the choice of the right contact lens and its tolerance.
It should be made clear that if you decide to start wearing contact lenses you should be aware that Although it entails an improvement of aesthetic type and quality of vision, it implies a series of risks and responsibilities. The latter refer to the good use that the new carrier must make, using them for the appropriate time and carrying out the care and cleaning indicated by his ophthalmologist. Regarding the risks, it should be kept in mind that despite good use there is always the possibility of complications, which include among others the appearance of contact lens intolerance due to low corneal oxygenation, the appearance of allergic phenomena or the presence of infectious keratitis , either because of the bacteria called Pseudomona or by a protozoan called Acanthamoeba responsible for many corneal transplants and almost always related to a defective cleaning of the lenses and that would urgently need experienced professionals for their detection and early treatment.
In summary, contact lenses are currently a good option for those who want more comfort and quality of vision, but must be correctly indicated, thoroughly disinfected and preserved; and periodically evaluated their carriers by ophthalmologists familiar with their adaptation. All this will result in the improvement of eye health of the bearer and in the satisfaction of the professional.
Dr. Javier Rodríguez Martín
Medical director. - CLÍNICA NIVARIA.
Specialist in Ophthalmology.- University Hospital of the Canary Islands.