Millions of people wear colored contact lenses every day. Yet very few of them know much about these lenses. In order to use them properly, it is important to learn about colored contact lenses. Failure to do so can result in irritation or damage to the eyes. This is a high price to pay for a cosmetic change when taking a few minutes to research your colored contact lens can make all the difference.
Contact lenses have been used for over 120 years. Leonardo Da Vinci is credited with conceptualizing the first contact lens in 1508. German glass blower F.E. Muller created the first one in 1887. A year later, German physiologist Adolf Eugene Fick improved on it. But the lenses were large and uncomfortable and could not be worn for more than a few hours at a time. In 1949 the first corneal contact lens that could be comfortably worn for 16 hours were created. Otto Wichterle a Czech chemist developed a soft contact lens which was approved for use in the United States in 1971 and soon afterwords the color contact was born.
Color contacts can be broken down into four basic groups. There is color changing, color enhancing, Toric and theatrical lenses. Color changing lenses are opaque lenses that completely change the color of the eyes. Color enhancing lenses are translucent and deepen or brighten the shade of eye color the wearer already has. Toric Lenses are clear lenses used by people with astigmatism. Theatrical lenses are opaque and completely change the look of the eyes. Using theatrical lenses can make the eyes appear to be from another species or another planet.
There have been several important advances in contact lenses in the last 50 years. William Feinbloom used polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) also called Plexiglas, but it did not allow oxygen to the cornea. This was later improved with the invention of oxygen permeable rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. In 1999 extended wear lenses were introduced. They allowed wearers to keep the contact lenses in for 6 to 30 days.
Can You Get Colored Contacts Without a Prescription
Those looking for colored contacts without prescription need to know that colored contact lenses are classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical device and they recommend you use them only with a prescription from a medical professional. This is because improper use of colored contact can lead to problems with the eyes. About 5 percent of color contact users develop eye problems each year. Some suffer from infections of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, ulcers, bacterial stagnation, corneal infections and tear film instability to name a few. Over time, color contact wearers can develop decreased corneal thickness and increased corneal curvature.
Most eye diseases associated with color contact lens can be prevented if you learn about color contact lenses and how to properly handle, clean and store them. Do not wear them over night. Never share color contacts. Wash hands before touching them. Clean and disinfect lenses every time you wear them. Clean or replace lens cases regularly. If you do these things all will be well.
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