Contact lenses have been revolutionising the eye care industry since their innovation. Going beyond their ability to correct refractive errors, these tiny optical devices have become a lifestyle accessory, offering freedom and convenience like never before. From seeing the world more clearly to enhancing individual style and enjoying newfound confidence by switching from glasses to lenses, contact lenses are truly transforming the way we see the world – literally and metaphorically.
The evolution of contact lenses
The 1800s saw the invention of contact lenses that were made of glass. However, they would cover the whole eye and were uncomfortable to wear for longer periods.
The 1930s replaced glass contact lenses with rigid plastic lenses, which were smaller and only covered the cornea. However, they were rigid, allowing less oxygen permeability and causing discomfort.
The 1960s marked the innovation of soft hydrogel lenses that revolutionised the contact lens industry. These contacts were made of water-containing polymers and offered higher oxygen permeability and more comfort.
In the 1990s, silicone hydrogel lenses were introduced to the world, allowing more oxygen to pass to the eyes and providing greater comfort. No wonder these contact lenses have since become a norm in the eye care world, thanks to their comfort, flexibility and convenience.
Innovations in the contact lenses domain
As the contact lens industry has seen significant growth over the years, some of the most celebrated innovations include:
Daily disposable contact lenses – Daily disposables are meant to be worn once and discarded by the end of the day. They save the hassle of cleaning and storing the lenses in a contact lens solution every night, making them more hygienic than two-weeklies or monthlies.
Toric contact lenses – Specially designed to correct astigmatism, toric contact lenses are known for their unique shape. They create different focusing powers in horizontal and vertical directions, providing a clear and stable vision at all angles.
Multifocal contact lenses – Also known as varifocal lenses, multifocal contact lenses are worn to correct presbyopia. They are the combination of two or more prescriptions so that the wearer can have clear vision at all distances.
Coloured contact lenses – Coloured contact lenses came into being to change or enhance the colour of the eyes. Available in many colour options, from natural tones to bright hues, they can be used for both cosmetic purpose and vision correction.
UV-blocking contact lenses – UV-blocking contact lenses are created to shield the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. With a special coating on their surface, these lenses block UVA and UVB light from entering the eyes.
Benefits of contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses comes with a lot of benefits, such as:
Freedom – Contact lenses offer the aesthetic freedom from wearing glasses. Unlike frames, they don’t dominate the face and can be worn practically everywhere, from work to leisure. Lenses provide clear vision without altering the appearance. They provide confidence to first-time wearers to look their best.
Convenience – Contact lenses are convenient as they don’t slip off the nose, fog up or bounce during movement. Compared to glasses, they are lightweight and don’t need to sit on the face all the time. They are certainly an ideal choice for those with active lifestyles, athletes or outdoorsy individuals. Additionally, they provide an unobstructed, wider field of vision, ensuring visual acuity.
Health – As the contact lens industry is evolving, contact lenses are manufactured, giving eye health paramount importance. The superior technology and advanced material ensure they are breathable and keep eyes hydrated throughout the wear. They even address the issue of dryness in the eyes without compromising on their safety and well-being.
Comfort & ease – Comfort is another key benefit offered by contact lenses. The material used in silicone hydrogel contact lenses makes them comfortable to wear for longer durations. Moreover, life becomes easier with lenses, for once they are inserted, they don’t need to be cleaned now and then like glasses.
Future Trends
With the ‘smart lenses’ coming into the picture, the future of contact lenses looks very promising. The integration of technology with eyewear has opened doors for lenses offering augmented reality experiences, health monitoring, and even the diagnosis of diseases like diabetes in the time to come. These innovations are set to take the eyewear industry to a completely different level.
Feel Good Contacts is a reputed online retailer that stocks contact lenses from renowned brands at affordable prices.