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Posts Tagged ‘contacts’

Some History About Contact Lenses

July 7th, 2009
by Jaxon St. James

If you’ve been wearing glasses for a number of years, like me, then you may be wondering if contact lenses are right for you? There are a number of advantages to wearing contact lenses over eyeglasses and you may find that you like them better. Take a few minutes to read some good information about contact lenses and how to get them for yourself.

A Little History

Early contacts amazingly date back into the 19th century. At that time, they were made of brown glass and were not easy to wear. They were, however, helpful to people that could not wear eyeglasses. Contact lens technology improved in the 1940s and 1950 when they were able to make them from plastic instead. These were made out of a plastic material called polymethyl methacrylte and worked well. The only problem was that they did not allow oxygen to easily pass through them. Since then, the plastic material has improved and is now rigid gas permeable, allowing oxygen to get to your corneas. This is necessary because your corneas get the oxygen they need from the air, not your bloodstream.

Technology in contact lenses continues to improve as we’re seeing new kinds of lenses being made for people that have astigmatism or for people that need bifocals.

Why Do People Wear Contacts?

Most people’s primary reasons for wearing contacts is for cosmetic purposes, but there are also other reasons:

* Unlike glasses, the lens moves with your eye so there is no image distortion.

* Eyeglass frames can annoyingly block your side vision.

* Glasses can often steam up when you go from a cold to warm temperature room.

* Sometimes contact lenses are the only solution for people who need vastly different lenses for each eye.

* The protection of contacts can often help someone with an injured cornea.

How Do You Go About Getting Contact Lenses?

To find out if you can wear contacts, you should go see your eye care professional and get a consultation. You can’t go and order contacts with just a prescription for glasses. It’s a different kind of prescription. When you get your exam, you’ll find it’s pretty simple and does not take very long. You’ll just do some vision testing including the test for Glaucoma, which is an important test to get. It’s just a tiny puff of air that goes into your eye.

About the Author:

Jaxon St. James Beauty , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lasik Surgery In The Big Cities

June 5th, 2009
by Art Norman

If you live in the US and want to have Lasik eye surgery, is it cheaper if you go have it done in Canada? If you are on a budget, you might be trying to find where to get it done for as little as possible and yet have a reliable doctor. People have gone to Canada for this reason to have the procedure done.

Lets say you are considering Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery and you have heard that it was cheaper somewhere else. In the past couple of years the Canadian dollar has overtaken the US dollar so on that basis alone, Lasik in Canada has gotten more expensive. When you add in the travel expenses and lodging it becomes clear that going to Canada to have the Lasik procedure done is not a good financial decision. Also, as the technology gets better and the procedure has become refined, the price of Lasik has gone down in the US as well.

If you are looking for places in the U.S to get laser eye surgery, your best bet is probably by word of mouth. There are usually lots of laser doctors in the major cities and that makes it difficult to choose the doctor that might be the right one for you. If you have any friends who have experience with laser eye surgery you should ask them about their experiences and what doctors they used. If you can get a lot of feedback on some of the Lasik surgeons, you will be better able to pick the one that others have felt the most comfortable with.

Lasik eye surgery has become very safe and yet it still is a nerve racking experience for many people. This is because it deals with the eyes which are so important to our way of life. Lasik eye surgery is a choice people make and so it is smart to take your time and pick a doctor that you feel comfortable with. It makes no sense to have it done by someone like or feel right about. Asking your friends about the doctors they used will help steer you in the right direction in making a good choice.

Your eyesight is obviously a very important part of your life and you should not risk it in any way. If you don’t like the first doctor you go to, there are surely many more in whatever city you live in so keep on looking till you find the one you like.

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Art Norman Health , , , , ,

Lasik Doctors Should Not Make You Feel Nervous

May 29th, 2009
by Art Norman

If you live in the US and want to have Lasik eye surgery, is it cheaper if you go have it done in Canada? If you are on a budget, you might be trying to find where to get it done for as little as possible and yet have a reliable doctor. People have gone to Canada for this reason to have the procedure done.

For an example lets assume you are considering lasik in Portland and you have heard that it was cheaper in Canada. Canada is about a 4 hour drive from Portland so it might be worthwhile to have it done there. However, In the past three years or so the Canadian dollar has gained on the US dollar so Lasik in Canada has gotten more expensive. After you factor in all the travel expenses becomes clear that going to Canada tfor Lasik surgery is probably not worth the drive. Also, as the technology gets better and the procedure has become refined, the price of Lasik has gone down in the US as well.

Your best to find a good laser surgeon is by word of mouth. There are so many laser doctors in the major cities which makes it hard to make a decision on which doctor to go with. If you have friends who have had the procedure done, you could ask them to recommend a Lasik doctor to you. The more feedback you have about a variety of laser eye doctors will better enable you to pick the one that others have felt the most comfortable with.

Lasik eye surgery is very safe now but it continues to be a nerve racking experience for many people. This makes picking the right laser surgeon with the right “bedside manner” for you very important. Since Lasik eye surgery is a voluntary choice, you might as well get a doctor you feel comfortable with. It makes no sense to have it done by someone you dont have confidence in and feel right about. By asking your friends about the doctors they used, you will have more information to go off of that might help you make a choice.

Obviously, your eyesight is a very important part of the quality of your life and you should not risk it in any way. If you don’t like the first doctor you go to or the first handful, you should keep looking till you find the right one for you. There are surely many more in whatever city you live in so keep on looking till you find the one you like.

About the Author:

Art Norman Health , , , , ,

Eye Diseases

May 16th, 2009
by Serafinozani Herder

If you are thinking about getting a Lasik eye surgery, do your home work. There are websites that will give you a lot of data. Get information online by doing searches like “Optical Express”, “My Eye Doctor”, and “Dr Vision”.

Overall, 80 per centum of individuals after therapy can have exact (twenty/twenty or more superior) vision without utilizing glasses or contact lenses, and 98 per centum of subjects can see well enough without glasses or contacts to pass the driver’s permit vision quiz (twenty/forty or more superior). More precise outcomes are accomplished while utilizing the more current wave front technology. If the vision after the primary therapy is not as superlative as craved, a second therapy (known as an enhancement) might normally be acted.

Intraocular lenses are small plastic lenses injected inside the eye, behind the cornea. These lenses curve the incoming light rays and will fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Intraocular lenses work like contact lenses, with the exception of that they are inside the eye and are everlasting.

The laser section of the surgery is alike for PRK and Lasik subjects. The physician informs you to fib still, to concentrate on the flashing light, and to unwind. Crisscross suspicion with nervousness, with enthusiasm and with doubt

Wave front technology allows physicians to measure and treat these discreet glitches, which are known as higher request aberrations. Wave front technology has noticeably improved the quality of vision that is accomplished with laser vision modification. Often, a subject can see more superior after laser vision alteration, without some glasses or contacts, than they might before the therapy with glasses or contact lenses.

Various lasers produce light of variant wavelengths. Some lasers produce light that is noticeable to the human being eye. Other lasers produce light that is undetectable, like ultraviolet or infrared light.

All economical arrangements should be frankly conversed. Often the price could be paid by credit card, or your physician might have a funding plan. Take heed of costs that are unusually high or low. The costs for this method are not moderated in some way. Abnormally low costs raise queries of premium, and abnormally high costs might not be rationalized.

The second number in the calculation refers to the dimension of the tiniest letters the subject could see. Dimension twenty letters are the tiniest letters that most individuals with “exact” vision might see at the normal 20 foot quizzing distance. Dimension 40 letters are two times as large, and dimension 200 letters are 10 times as gigantic. Therefore, a subject with 20/40 vision, while quizzed at twenty hoofs, could see down to the dimension 40 letters, although can’t see letters tinier than that.

Everyone mends in a different manner, and the variances might noticeably influence your outcome. This is one of the rationales why it is so vital to pick your physician cautiously. Despite the precision of the laser, it is still the physician who uses the laser and then manages your mending reply later on. Be certain you comprehend your postoperative directions, so that you can do everything you could to help with your outcome.

Laser vision adjustment is not known to cause cataracts and doesn’t influence the removal of cataracts. Nevertheless, if you know you can need cataract surgery in the near future, there is no need to go through laser vision modification; your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism might be corrected as a part of the cataract implant surgery.

If you are considering Lasik, take the time to become well informed. Do a search with a phrase like “After Laser Eye Surgery”. Do a search with “Od Eye Care” to get even more sites to gather information from.

About the Author:

Serafinozani Herder Personal Development , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vision Surgery

May 15th, 2009
by Transvaalia Celso

Lasik surgery is very common these days. Still, if you are considering it, study up. We recommend that you do a research online. Different searches will yield different websites; uses keywords like “Tlc Eye Care”, “Lasik Dallas” or “Ophthalmologists”.

Luckily, there is much less variance in the mending sequence of the eye than in numerous other parts of the body. Most individuals display a unsurprising mending sequence. As the eye mends throughout the first few weeks or months, there is a tiny propensity for the eye to revert toward its primary state: nearsighted eyes can relapse extremely gently back toward nearsightedness and farsighted eyes can relapse barely back toward farsightedness. Physicians take this propensity into account, and can develop a tiny over alteration originally. Consequently, most subjects will notice that their vision hones throughout the first few weeks or months of the mending period.

The other ordinary rendition of laser vision adjustment is known as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) or Progressed Surface Therapy. With tiny variances it is additionally known as epiLasik and Lasek. In PRK, the laser effort is applied to the surface of the cornea, so no creation of a flap is demanded. PRK is actually “Lasik without a flap.”

The majority of PRK subjects opt to have both eyes handled on the identical night. This is possibly the simplest way if you are willing to take 5 to 7 nights off from most scanning and driving exercises.

Orthokeratology is an choice for subjects with soft or extremely gentle nearsightedness who might be eager to allow contact lenses well although favor not to wear them in civic and don’t desire to have laser vision alteration therapy. Individuals in particular careers, like cops, firemen, or flight attendants, might use orthokeratology to pass their vision quiz necessities.

If both eyes are handled on the identical night, then the mending for both eyes can happen at the identical time. You cannot have to go through 2 split apart mending intervals. Nonetheless, your eyesight can be restricted in both eyes at the identical time as they simultaneously mend.

For those of you approaching or in this age group, you and your physician should choose how best repair your eyesight while you create presbyopia. This decision should be made despite how you opt to correct your refractive mistake either surgically or with glasses or contact lenses. Individuals who have already started to use bifocals, trifocals, or magnified glasses comprehend this, however individuals who have not yet crossed this entrance or who easily expel their glasses while they scan typically find this bewildering.

Physicians have used corneal flaps in eye surgery as long as the 1970s. Lasik is a amalgamation of this flap technology and the excimer laser technology, and this was first attained by an ophthalmologist from Crete, Loannis Pallikaris, M.D. The first trials and errors combining corneal flaps and laser therapy, in 1989, were worked on blind volunteers. By 1991, Dr. Pallikaris started to execute Lasik on noticing eyes. Lasik was first acted in the USA in 1991 on an investigational structure.

Albeit this is hypothetically probable to lose your eyesight, to the best of our experience it has on no account occurred. The most possible method of vision loss is an infection, so it is vital to use antibiotic eye drops and to follow your physician’s directions after the method. Even in this enormously remote probability, the vision might typically be repaired by a replicate laser method or by other surgery, like a corneal transplant.

Some subjects exhibit a mending sequence known as regression, in which the eyes revert back a better portion than is typical. These individuals might have phenomenal vision throughout the early mending period, which then relapses into an under adjustment. Luckily, under modifications are extremely effortlessly progressed with a second therapy.

Remember, do some researches before you make a decision. Search a phrase like “Optician” and learn what you can. It might be wise to do more than one search. Also try “Types Of Eye Surgery”.

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Transvaalia Celso Personal Development , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eye Surgery

May 13th, 2009
by Gianelli Oberth

If you think you want Lasik surgery, then learn all you can about it. You can find a wealth of information online. A quick search with terms like “After Eye Surgery”, “Laser Eye Clinics”, and “Blade Free Lasik” should get you lots of good information.

Throughout the method, you can be solicited to check out a flickering light. This can help to sustain appropriate alignment of the eye throughout the method. Nonetheless, you cannot be eager to see some details of the therapy. Subjects fret in reference to this an incredible deal, and their doubt is unessential. Eyes move naturally constantly, so the laser has a constructed in eye tracker which follows the eyes as they move. Additionally, the physician could instantly halt the method at some time and resume while the subject is set.

Both eyes might be totally modified for transparent distance vision. The subject can need to wear magnified glasses (intensifying glasses) for excellent close vision, typically beginning down the road between the ages of forty and fifty. This may be referred to as the typical circumstance, since most individuals start to need magnified glasses at in regards to that age.

Corneal rings are tiny pieces of plastic that are ingrained in the corner of the cornea. The arc conditioned rings make the medial section of the cornea flatter, reducing the portion of nearsightedness. Corneal rings are accessible to treat only low portions of nearsightedness and can’t be used for farsightedness, astigmatism, or bigger portions of nearsightedness.

It typically takes few weeks for extremely excellent vision to return after PRK, albeit tiny changes are occasionally undetectable to the subject can proceed to happen for numerous months more. After full stabilization, the outcomes can be everlasting. Changes in your eyesight might still happen after the stabilization period, however these changes possibly have nothing to do with PRK and could have happened even without the therapy.

The second number in the calculation refers to the dimension of the tiniest letters the subject could see. Dimension twenty letters are the tiniest letters that most individuals with “exact” vision might see at the normal 20 foot quizzing distance. Dimension 40 letters are two times as large, and dimension 200 letters are 10 times as gigantic. Therefore, a subject with 20/40 vision, while quizzed at twenty hoofs, could see down to the dimension 40 letters, although can’t see letters tinier than that.

The excimer laser used in laser vision adjustment uses argon and fluorine gases to produce a beam of undetectable, ultraviolet light. The laser light is then concentrated by a succession of lenses, jumped off a succession of mirrors, and mixed to build a more even beam sequence. Excimer lasers are extremely difficult instruments that might expense hundreds of thousands of dollars. Regardless of the price, excimer lasers have discovered a wide assortment of uses in industry, varying from glass etching to the sterilization of wines. The excimer laser could exactly expel tissue without inducing scarring, which makes it superlative for reshaping the cornea.

of the obscure is what most subjects can feel. The physician can chat you through the therapy, clarifying to you precisely what could occur at each level. You may hear the laser make a succession of loud clicking sounds, analogous to a worm zapper, and catch a whiff of something that smells like singed hair. You should feel no pang, and less than thirty seconds later, the laser halts firing.

Be cautious additionally of smooth ads. A excellent ad means nothing more than the hospital has a excellent promoting firm. It doesn’t mean that the physician is right for you. Be cautious in reference to referrals from other eye physicians.

Radial keratotomy was the first surgery to be widely used repair nearsightedness and, contrary to most individuals’s grasping, doesn’t engage the use of a laser. RK was created in the Soviet Union in 1973 and was first acted in the USA in 1978. Over 1,000,000 individuals around the planet have been handled with R.K. In radial keratotomy, a succession of incisions is made in the cornea, inducing the medial cornea to flatten.

You simply must know as much as you can before jumping into Lasik surgery. If you type “Eye Care” into a search engine you should get some good sites to learn things. Another search with “Optometric Doctor” might be good also.

About the Author:

Gianelli Oberth Personal Development , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lasik Eye Centers

May 12th, 2009
by Pikelner Oaxaca

Lasik surgery is very common these days. Still, if you are considering it, study up. You can find a wealth of information online. Many different search terms will get you information; try “Prk Lasik”, “Laser Eye Surgery Recovery”, and “Lasik Eye Surgeons”.

The first excimer laser therapy was acted in 1985 by Dr. Theo Seiler of Germany. Dr. Seiler used the laser to make an incision in the cornea, just like the incisions made in radial keratotomy (RK). Animal quizzes swiftly verified that the excimer laser might more optimally reshape the cornea by expelling a slim layer of tissue from the cornea’s surface, a method known as picture refractive keratectomy (PRK).

In this high tech industry, the trial and mistake procedure of refraction appears rather ancient. Actually, lasers could be used to execute refractions, however the laser measurements are less helpful than the which is more superior, one or 2 procedure. The rationale for this is relatively fascinating. Lasers are extremely precise in calculating the eye itself, although what is more vital is how you understand what you are noticing. Hence, a method which engages the subject contrasting and granting advice is really more effective than a purely mechanical calculation of the eyeball.

Nearsighted individuals see near objects more transparently than objects further away. In nearsightedness (additionally known as myopia), light rays from remote objects are concentrated not onto the retina although in front of the retina. Nearsightedness occurs since the cornea and the diamond like lens together have too much concentrating electricity for the magnitude of the eye. If the cornea and the diamond like lens had less combined concentrating voltage, or if the eye were smaller, then the light rays could be concentrated exactly onto the retina.

Ectasia (additionally known as keractectasia) is the circumstance in which the firmness of the cornea is not satisfactory. In subjects with ectasia, the condition of the cornea and the vision can change over time. Laser therapy can’t be used to progress the vision, since removal of corneal tissue could only farther diminish the cornea.

You can be carried into the laser room and solicited to fib down. A patch can be placed over the eye not having the method. Anesthetic eye drops can be placed in the eye. No injections or IVs are required.

Throughout the course of your pre sterile assessment, your physician can act quizzes on your eyes to evaluate your suitability for laser vision adjustment. These quizzes contain corneal topography, lowlight pupil dimension, corneal width, refraction, and wave front.

Cautiously check the credentials of the surgeon. See if the physician is board accredited in ophthalmology and make certain that you regard the physician’s learning, teaching, and experience. Has the physician just commenced acting surgery to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, or has the physician been doing so for numerous years?

In regards to 20 seconds before the therapy, a nurse can administer a amalgamation of anti-inflammatory and anesthetic drops into the subject’s eyes. Both PRK and Lasik are acted with local anesthetic eye drops. No other prescription inserted, intravenous or orals required, albeit physicians often give subjects Xanax or Valium to quiet their nerves. Melanie took a Valium when squatting in the delaying room. Her legs felt a little shaky as she strolled into the laser therapy room.

Numerous vital improvements in the methods swiftly happened, conclude in progressed outcomes. Therapy sectors were made bigger to progress day vision. Trackers initially created to help shoot down incoming missiles were adjusted to laser eye therapy, permitting the photon light to follow the eye as it quickly moves. Progressed diagnostic methods allow physicians to more precisely split apart those who might safely and successfully go through the therapy and those who are not proper candidates. Laser produces from the US, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan have proceeded to present advancements to make the experience simpler and the outcomes even more superior.

Make sure you are well educated before you make a decision. You should be able to find some good websites by using “Best Optometrist” as a search phrase. If your first search is weak try “Eye Optometrist” also.

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Pikelner Oaxaca Personal Development , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Measure Eyeglasses

March 25th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

The problem of having to figure out how to accurately measure for eyeglasses on your own is a relatively new one. When someone needed glasses in the past, their only option was to visit the eye doctors or opticians office for an exam and then once the exam was complete they would be professionally fitted for the frames of their choice. Today ordering eyeglasses can be done over the internet with no visit to the optician required, but in order to ensure that your new glasses will fit and cause you no problems youve got to know how to measure for the frame accurately.

Its highly advisable, especially if this is your first pair of glasses, to visit an optician to ensure that you dont have any other vision problems that may require attention beyond just getting corrective lenses – and even if you dont want to buy your new glasses through the optician, they can accurately measure you and give you the appropriate information so you can order frames that will fit you properly.

The most Important Information

When measuring for eyeglasses, the most important piece of information to have is the “PD”, or the distance between the wearers pupils. This measurement is crucial in the proper fit of glasses because even if it is off by a few millimeters the wearer can suffer some ill effects. If the center of the lens does not sit almost directly over the pupil then the vision correction properties of the prescription will be far below optimal and the wearer may suffer from headaches and eyestrain.

Its possible to take this measurement on your own if you cant, for one reason or another have your glasses professionally fitted. You can look into a mirror while holding a ruler directly beneath your eyes – the measurement is recorded in millimeters, so be sure that the ruler that you use measures in millimeters unless you want to perform the conversion. Measure the distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other while looking directly ahead. Its advisable to repeat the measurement several times to ensure that it is accurate.

If you know your prescription and have an accurate measurement of your “PD”, its possible to get a good fitting pair of glasses without having to take the trip to an optician.

Getting Professional Help

If there is any question at all in your mind about the accuracy of your “PD” measurement or whether or not your prescription may have changed its imperative that you visit an optician – glasses that you order on the internet may not be returnable or may come with a sizeable restocking fee, so not knowing the appropriate information could have you wasting a substantial amount of money.

Going to an eye care professional for a glasses fitting also has a few other advantages beyond the accurate measurement and general check up. At the optician you can touch, hold and try on frames, dozens of them if you so choose, before making any final decisions. Sure youll be able to see pictures form all angles on the internet, but you wont truly know how the glasses you are ordering will feel or look until youve already paid for them and they are sitting on your face – and at that point it may be too late. Even if you dont have someone to take with you to help you decide on new frames, that is what opticians do for a living – they will be glad to recommend certain frames that will flatter your face and go well with your particular features. When sopping online, youve got nothing but pictures to help you.

Measuring yourself for glasses isnt impossible, in fact it isnt even all that difficult but be sure that you take your time and record the information accurately, because even a simple mistake could have you wearing a pair of glasses that will do you more harm than good – when in doubt, visit an optician for help.

About the Author:

Amy Nutt Beauty , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are Prescription Glasses Covered by Insurance?

March 4th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

Many people wonder if the cost of their prescription glasses is covered by their insurance plan. The answer is that it varies tremendously from plan to plan. Before you pay out of your own pocket for prescription glasses, take a look at your plan to determine whether or not you have vision coverage.

What Most Insurance Plans Cover

Most medical insurance plans cover losses of vision and finances due to eye injury or disease. In other words, if your eye is damaged in a car accident and you require the services of an eye doctor, it will be covered. Most medical insurance plans do not cover typical “wellness” care for your eyes, such as prescription glasses and routine eye exams, unless the plan has a vision insurance policy attached to it.

Adding Vision Insurance

If you are part of a group insurance plan, you may have the option to add vision insurance to your policy. This is usually considered a value-added benefit that is attached to a traditional health insurance structure. Whether you have indemnity health insurance, an HMO, or a PPO, you may have the opportunity to add vision insurance. By adding this coverage, you will be able to access a network of eye care providers and specialists, as well as coverage and discounts on your routine eye care. This usually includes the cost of prescription glasses.

Paying for Vision Insurance

Adding a vision benefits package to your health insurance adds an annual premium amount. You may also have a deductible that you have to meet before the insurance will cover your eye care. Typically, the premium will be an amount up to $144 a year, and the maximum deductible is typically under $40. Each plan is different, so be sure to read the fine print, but you will pay more for this coverage if you pay for your own health insurance. Some companies provide this as part of their overall healthcare benefits, so read your policy to see if you are covered.

In general, those with vision insurance will receive:

- A yearly eye exam – Eyeglass lenses and frames – Contacts – LASIK discounts

Some providers will put limits on their coverage, such as only allowing the insured to get new glasses or contacts every other year. They also may put a limit on the amount they will pay for frames, which means you will pay a little out of your pocket if you want designer frames.

Tips for Using Vision Insurance

Before you schedule an appointment, check with your benefits information packet to see what doctors are covered. Remember, you will need to use a doctor in your network if you want to be covered. If you need to see a doctor who is not in your network, you may still be able to have your prescription glasses covered by filling your prescription elsewhere, but you will have to pay out of pocket for your exam.

When it is time for your eye exam, make sure you talk to your optometrist about your insurance. Most policies require the doctor to seek pre-authorization before they treat you if you are going to be covered. If this is necessary, have the doctor make the necessary calls before your appointment.

When you arrive for your appointment, present your vision insurance card. You will be asked to pay any deductibles or co-pays associated with the coverage you have. After your exam, the doctor or his staff will help you choose frames. If you have limits on the amount you can spend for frames, make sure you are looking at covered options.

If you are lucky enough to have prescription glasses coverage, make sure you take advantage of it as often as you are allowed. This will ensure that you have updated glasses as often as you need them, helping you see the world around you clearly.

About the Author:

Amy Nutt Health , , , , ,

Who Invented Contact Lenses?

March 4th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

Contact lenses are an incredible invention that has enriched the lives of people who need vision correction. Prior to their appearance, many individuals had to wear spectacles or glasses if they had problems with their sight. Although essential, wearing eyeglasses could be a bit cumbersome, especially if the wearer was young and/or athletic.

To that end, contact lens were something of a miracle, allowing those who would have felt tied down by glasses to be able to see while continuing to enjoy their normal activities.

Contact lenses have evolved since they were first introduced and today, even people who wear bifocals or have astigmatism can utilize these magnificent lenses. This fact is significant since spectacles were often the only method employed by ophthalmologists to strengthen vision in such cases for a number of years.

Great strides are still being made in this area everyday, but as contact lenses continue to develop, one can’t help but to look back and see how these marvelous sight aids came to be.

The History of the Lens

It is said that the father of contact lenses was Leonardo da Vinci. With his 1508 completion of the Codex of the Eye, Manual D, he seemed to discuss the alteration of the strength of the cornea by using a bowl of water. There is some debate as to whether or not these postulations had to do with vision correction or an extension of Davincis study of the human eyes functions. Whatever his motivations, one can say that his ideals could have possible sparked the imaginations of those who would follow in his exploratory footsteps.

In 1636 an inventor named Descartes came up with a completely implausible but intriguing rudimentary lens. The concept involved filling a glass tube with water and placing it over the cornea. Unlike todays contact lenses however, the clear glass protruded outwards making it impossible for the person to feasibly use them. One could argue that Descartes ideals are closer to the modern contact lens because the invention was unequivocally linked to probable vision correction.

Perhaps it was this blue print that John Herschel utilized when he extrapolated on a “mould for the cornea” in the 1845 Encyclopedia Metropolitana. His numerous theories on vision correction were not tested until a Hungarian physician name of Dr. Dallos in 1929 took up the grand cause. Dallos was the first inventor to create molds that could fit fairly comfortably over the cornea and help correct sight issues. The only problem was that the eyewear was not easily tolerated and could not be seen through easily.

In 1887 F.E Mueller created clear easy to use contact lens and his model was improved upon by another German inventor named Adolf Eugene Fick in 1888. These lenses, called scleral contacts, were large and uncomfortable, but could easily be considered the grandfather of the modern day lens.

All this prior information gave physiologists, physicians and inventors the information they needed to play with and in 1949, the lens that we use today, aka, corneal lenses, were developed. Since that time, many different types of lenses have been born, including those that are purely cosmetic in their use.

Hard and soft lenses

Today, there are many styles and manufacturers of contacts but only two true types – hard lenses, which are more durable and soft lenses – which are more comfortable to wear. Your eye doctor will most likely choose the type that best fits your needs while going over all your various lens options.

Human beings are always striving to create new and astounding ways to better our lives and the amazing inventors who contributed to the emergence of contact lenses were able to do just that.

About the Author:

Amy Nutt Beauty , , , , , , , , ,