Contact Lenses For Hyperopia: Can They Be Worn And Which Ones Are Better?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Contact lenses for hyperopia: can they be worn and which ones are better?

Hyperopia, or simply farsightedness, is a violation of visual functions in which a person has difficulty looking at nearby objects, while distant objects are seen quite clearly. However, this statement is completely true only for those people who are faced with age-related deterioration in near vision. If a person has already had refractive errors during his life, then after 40 years he will most likely have poor vision at any distance. According to statistics, about half of retirees suffer from myopia and hyperopia at the same time.

Young people with hyperopia think about wearing contact lenses for obvious reasons: firstly, these devices do not spoil the image, on the contrary, they can make their appearance brighter due to a change in eye color. Secondly, the lenses do not need to be removed and put on during the day. Thirdly, modern designs are distinguished by excellent hygienic properties, gas permeability, and complete comfort in use. However, contact lenses also have obvious disadvantages: the need for thorough care and regular replacement at a relatively high cost. So which one to prefer - glasses or lenses?

Content:

• Can lenses be worn for hyperopia?
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Lenses
• What kind of contact lenses are there for hyperopia?
• Contact lens fitting rules
• How do I use contact lenses?
• Lenses for hyperopia
• Toric lenses for hyperopia and astigmatism
• Night lenses for hyperopia: pros and cons

People often wonder: can you wear lenses instead of glasses? Which of these methods of optical vision correction is better? Are there contact lenses specifically for hyperopia that can deal with multiple problems at once and provide clear visualization in all conditions? At what age is it allowed to wear contact lenses, and how to choose the best option? Finally, how can you properly use your lenses to avoid discomfort and complications? We will consider all these nuances in detail below. In addition, you will learn about contact lenses for correcting hyperopic astigmatism and special night lenses used in orthokeratology.

Can lenses be worn for hyperopia?

With the help of contact lenses, even a high degree of hyperopia (+6 D and more) can be corrected, so the answer to the question posed is quite obvious - you can. But the fact is that it is necessary to treat the selection of these optical devices with all responsibility, because wearing inappropriate lenses is fraught with a further drop in near vision acuity, the development of asthenopia (rapid eye fatigue, a feeling of sand poured in them, headaches), as well as complications (cataracts, glaucoma, inflammatory eye diseases).

Farsightedness refers to refractive errors and is expressed in the fact that light rays passing through the optical media of the eye are focused not on the surface of the retina, as provided by nature, but on a conditional plane behind, sometimes far beyond the eyeball. If the deviation from the norm is insignificant (within 3-5 diopters), it can be compensated by accommodation (change in the curvature of the lens). But with age, this mechanism is depleted, then there is a need for surgical, laser or optical correction of vision.

Farsightedness contact lenses have positive dioptric values because they are designed to work in place of a worn out lens or an insufficiently convex cornea, moving the focus of light rays onto the retina. This is possible due to the collecting optical design.

It should be understood that wearing contact lenses is not a method of treating hyperopia, age-related or congenital, but if these products are used correctly, it is possible to relieve eye strain and slow down the wear of the visual apparatus. Modern MCL (soft contact lenses) are very comfortable and safe, so they are allowed to be worn not only by adults, but even by children over 8 years old. In addition, there are special lenses for correcting myopia and hyperopia at the same time, which is especially important in the case of presbyopia (“senile vision”).

Video: how to choose the right lenses and can they replace glasses:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

Lenses are better than glasses, if only because they cope with their main task much better. They not only provide high clarity of vision, but also maintain good lateral vision without causing distortion or narrowing the field of view.

There are other obvious benefits of contact lenses for hyperopia:

• They do not need to be carried in a case, wiped, removed and put on during the day;
• They are very effective and can correct even severe hyperopia;
• They can be considered comfortable and completely safe when used correctly, because the soft structure is not capable of injuring the eyes;
• They are absolutely invisible, do not spoil the appearance and can even improve it if you prefer the color version;
• They can be left on during active sports, thereby maintaining the clarity of vision even in extreme conditions;
• They do not glare or fog up, unlike glasses.

The disadvantages of MCL include the following points:

• Quite a long period of adaptation. Moreover, some people, especially very young and elderly patients, refuse to wear contact lenses with farsightedness, because they cannot get used to the sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
• The relatively high cost, combined with the need for frequent replacement, which can make this type of optical vision correction simply unaffordable for some categories of citizens;
• The need for very careful observance of the rules of hygiene, storage and care of products;
• The likelihood of developing complications (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis), especially in case of neglect of the above rules.

Contraindications to wearing contact lenses for hyperopia and any other visual defects are as follows:

• Infectious and inflammatory eye diseases;
• Pathology of the lacrimal glands and a violation of the composition of the lacrimal fluid;
• Dry eye syndrome or vice versa, increased tearing;
• Bronchial asthma, allergies, vasomotor rhinitis;
• Injuries, functional and degenerative-dystrophic changes in the eyes (glaucoma, cataracts, dislocation and subluxation of the lens, severe squint, drooping or incomplete closure of the eyelids (lagophthalmos).

Video from the program "It's great to live!" Glasses or lenses?

What kind of contact lenses are there for hyperopia?

Many people are interested in what to look for when choosing such products? After all, after being examined by an ophthalmologist, you will only know about what power of refraction in diopters they should have, as well as about which lens design is best suited for correcting your visual impairment. But besides these aspects, there are others that directly affect the convenience, quality and cost of products. Let's consider the most important criteria for choosing MCL in more detail.

Materials and characteristics

Currently, the most widely used hydrogel and silicone hydrogel MCLs. The second option is preferable because it is characterized by maximum safety and comfort. Several years ago, contact lenses made of a water-gradient material appeared on the shelves of optical salons, which surpass their old counterparts in all basic parameters, but are much more expensive.

When choosing lenses for hyperopia, it is necessary to take into account characteristics such as oxygen permeability, water content, radius of curvature, tensile strength, optical power, design and purpose.

In addition to soft products, there are also hard contact lenses (LCD). They are made from polymethyl methacrylate and organosilicon polymer, but they are used extremely rarely - only about 10% of visual impairments are corrected using LCL. We will discuss this in more detail below when we discuss night lenses and orthokeratology techniques.

Mode and duration of wearing

As for the service life of MCL, according to this criterion, they are all divided into four categories:

• One-day;
• Fortnightly;
• Monthly;
• Quarterly.

We emphasize that we are not talking about continuous wear. Even a product intended for long-term use (3 months) is usually worn only during the day, and at night it is removed and stored in a special solution. In any case, after the expiration date, the lenses must be disposed of, as they lose their functionality and may even harm the eyes.

The MKL operating mode is as follows:

• Day - we described it above;
• Flexible - allows continuous stay in the same lenses for 2-3 days;
• Prolonged - the product can be left on for a whole week or more.

Even if the manufacturer assures of the complete safety of long-term wearing of their MCLs, ophthalmologists still strongly recommend removing contact lenses at night and giving your eyes a rest at least during sleep.

Practice shows that people who regularly use products with prolonged operation are more likely to develop inflammatory complications, and sometimes even a rapid deterioration in visual acuity is observed. So think, is it worth it to risk your health so much because of laziness? In any case, keep in mind that only silicone-hydrogel MCLs, that is, products of the "latest generations", are suitable for long-term wear.

Video: complications of wearing contact lenses:

Contact lens fitting rules

If you are farsighted, only a qualified doctor can determine which lenses are needed. He will also give good advice on the type and mode of use of such products. Self-purchase of MCL without prior consultation with an ophthalmologist is almost certainly a waste of funds, and sometimes the cause of complications.

The following diagnostic procedures may be required for correct lens fit for hyperopia:

• Visometry;
• Refractometry;
• Ophthalmoscopy;
• Accommodation;
• Checking lateral vision and binocular functions of the eyes.

And here are the main criteria to consider when choosing an MCL:

• Optical power - this indicator is measured in diopters and characterizes the degree of hyperopia in a particular patient;
• Radius of curvature - the structure of the eyeballs in humans may vary, but lenses with a standard radius of 8.6 mm are suitable for most patients;
• Water content - the higher it is, the softer and more comfortable the product, however, the harder specimens provide better vision clarity;
• Oxygen permeability - the risk of complications depends on it: "breathing" MCL is safer in this regard;
• Tensile strength - directly affects the durability of each individual pair of contact lenses.

How do I use contact lenses?

Before putting MKL on your eyes, you must wash your face and wash your hands with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Any optics manufacturer must attach an instruction manual to its products, where there is a schematic representation of the order of actions that you have to perform. Follow the prompts and in a few seconds the lenses will be in place.

In the evening, before going to bed, the MCL must be carefully removed, also relying on the supplied manual, and stored in a special solution. It has a typical composition and is sold in all major optics stores. However, it is worth clarifying which drug is best for your type of MCL. Both the solution and the plastic container for storing the lenses must be replaced every 3-6 months.

If in the process of wearing contact lenses you find signs of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, bacterial damage to the upper respiratory tract - immediately remove MCL and do not resume using them until complete recovery!

Otherwise, you will very easily carry the infection into your eyes. It goes without saying about the need to contact an ophthalmologist in case of already existing symptoms of eye inflammation. In addition, you should be alerted to any manifestations of discomfort directly or indirectly associated with MCL, ranging from lacrimation to headaches. The lenses may not fit you or are no longer fit. An urgent visit to the ophthalmologist requires such situations as a sudden progressive deterioration in vision, pain and distention in the eyeballs, a sharp aggravation of asthenopic syndrome.

Lenses for hyperopia

Elderly people are most concerned with the question of whether there are lenses for correcting presbyopia and associated visual impairments, and which is better - to purchase suitable glasses for a long time or to regularly spend money on the purchase of MCL?

As for the functionality of modern contact lenses, they are in no way inferior to glasses, and in some aspects even surpass them. For example, if we are talking about astigmatism against the background of hyperopia. With such a common diagnosis among pensioners as myopia and hyperopia at the same time, MCL also cope perfectly. Let's see how they do it.

So, presbyopia is corrected with the following types of contact lenses:

Bifocal. Otherwise called variables. These are the simplest of all MCLs, designed to correct age-related vision pathologies. In such lenses there are two optical zones: the upper one for distance and the lower one for near. The disadvantages of bifocal MCLs include too abrupt transition, absence of a segment for clear visualization of medium-distant objects, as well as narrowing of the field of view. This is why many older people find it difficult to get used to wearing these devices.

Multifocal. This is an improved version of the previous MCL. In addition to the optical zones for near and far vision, there is a third, "middle" zone located between them. Adaptation to such products is usually easier, but it is also not always possible to see objects from the side well - you have to turn your head in the right direction instead of mowing your gaze. The disadvantages of multifocal MCLs, of course, also include the high cost.

Spherical. These contact lenses are used to correct age-related hyperopia using the monovision method. The doctor determines which eye of the patient sees better near, and which - in the distance. Then a lens is selected for each eye, which can provide respectively clear near and far vision. When the human nervous system adapts to different MCLs, the brain will choose by itself which eye to look in a given situation. The downside is that products of this type are not suitable for drivers, since they cannot guarantee full binocular vision.

Aspherical. In another way, they are called progressive. Manufactured strictly individually, to order. The central optical zone of these lenses allows for good near vision, and the peripheral optical zone - far. Moreover, the transition between them is smooth. This design takes into account the natural mechanism of constriction and expansion of the pupil. After all, when we look at closely spaced objects, our pupil narrows, and when we look into the distance, it expands. Aspherical MCLs are the most advanced and can provide even high-quality lateral vision. The only drawbacks are the high price and a rather long period of getting used to.

Concentric. Otherwise, they are called circular and, in fact, are a modification of bifocal MCLs, with the only difference that the optical zones for near and far vision are concentric circles alternating 4-5 times. In this case, in the center of one lens there is an area “for near”, and in the center of the other - “for distance”, so that, as in the case of spherical MCLs, the brain itself chooses the “leading” eye, depending on the situation. These products are not easy to get used to and are not suitable for driving either.

Toric lenses for hyperopia and astigmatism

Astigmatism is a very complex refractive disorder, which is characterized by the presence of several focusing points of refracted light rays on the retina or even a focus in the form of a line, figure eight, irregular figure. Often this pathology is combined with other defects, including hyperopia. So, there are lenses for hyperopia that can correct astigmatism at the same time, and they work better than glasses, because they adhere directly to the cornea, while the glasses of the glasses are about 12 millimeters away from the eyeballs, and this distance has a bad effect on efficiency of optical correction.

Such devices are called toric contact lenses (TCL), are made of the same modern materials as conventional MCLs, and have the same advantages: convenience, safety, and clarity of visualization. They can also be both transparent and colored. Only the design differs - the TCL is spherocylindrical, that is, one lens has two optical powers at the same time. The first value is responsible for correcting astigmatism along the desired meridian, and the second for correcting the concomitant pathology of refraction, in this case, hyperopia.

Fitting toric contact lenses requires an in-depth examination by an ophthalmologist. The wearing of such products is indicated for astigmatism of 0.75 diopters and above.

Night lenses for hyperopia

This is a very special type of optical products designed for the temporary correction of visual impairment by the method of orthokeratology. Night contact lenses can be used both for myopia (myopia) and for hyperopia (farsightedness). But they are not suitable for correcting age-related refraction pathologies, since in older people the cornea is usually already thinned, there may be other contraindications.

The essence of the technique is to wear rigid gas-permeable lenses during the night's rest. Outside, they look like ordinary MCLs, and the inner surface is shaped to change its curvature under pressure on the upper layer of the cornea. If a person suffers from myopia, the night lens should flatten the cornea by pressing it in the central part. If the patient has farsightedness, then the effect is on the periphery, so that the center, on the contrary, bends outward. During the night, the cornea acquires the necessary refractive power, which is maintained throughout the next day, providing clear vision.

Night lenses must be worn for at least 8 hours. They are quite effective for myopia up to -6 diopters, hyperopia up to +3 diopters and astigmatism up to 1.5 diopters. They can be used by patients aged 10-40 years, provided there are no contraindications.

Benefits of night lenses for hyperopia:

• They do not need to be worn during the day like regular contact lenses or glasses;
• They are much less likely to provoke inflammatory reactions and complications in the form of dry eye syndrome or lacrimation;
• They are very convenient for women to use, since all restrictions associated with makeup disappear;
• They can inhibit the development of progressive myopia in children by pressing on an overly bulging cornea while it is still growing.

Special contraindications for wearing night contact lenses (in addition to those already mentioned, relevant for any type of similar products):

• Keratoconus and keratoglobus;
• Corneal astigmatism 1.75 diopters or more;
• Thinning or decreased sensitivity of the cornea.

In general, the orthokeratology technique is quite effective and safe, but it has ideological opponents. Some ophthalmologists believe that regular pressure on the cornea can lead to accelerated wear and tear, persistent curvature and the development of astigmatism. However, even if such visual impairment occurs, it is usually reversible and resolves on its own soon after not wearing night contact lenses.

In any case, remember - if you are farsighted, which lenses you should use can only be recommended by a qualified specialist based on the results of a full study of visual functions. Take care of your eyes, and be healthy!

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The author of the article: Degtyareva Marina Vitalievna, ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist