Learn about the working mechanism of elastomeric lenses – a type of contact lenses made of a silicone hydrogel material that allows for high oxygen permeability and moisture retention. Discover their differences from other contact lenses and types available.
How Elastomeric Lenses Work
Elastomeric lenses are a type of contact lenses made of a silicone hydrogel material. They have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique features such as high oxygen permeability, moisture retention, and flexibility. In this article, we will delve into the working mechanism of elastomeric lenses and how they differ from other types of contact lenses.
Composition of Elastomeric Lenses
Elastomeric lenses are made of a silicone hydrogel material, which is a combination of silicone and hydrogel. This material allows for high oxygen permeability, which means that the eyes can breathe better and maintain good health. The hydrogel component also helps in retaining moisture, which is crucial for contact lenses as they can easily dry out and cause discomfort.
Elastomeric lenses are also designed to be very flexible, which allows them to conform to the shape of the eye. This feature makes them more comfortable to wear, especially for people who have sensitive eyes or those who need to wear contact lenses for extended periods.
Working Mechanism of Elastomeric Lenses
The working mechanism of elastomeric lenses is quite simple. When you wear the lens, it conforms to the shape of your eye, creating a seal that prevents tears from flowing under the lens. This seal also helps to maintain a stable tear film, which is important for good vision.
Elastomeric lenses work by allowing oxygen to pass through the lens and into the eye. This is important because the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye, needs oxygen to stay healthy. The high oxygen permeability of elastomeric lenses ensures that the cornea gets enough oxygen, even when the lens is in place.
The hydrogel component of the lens also helps to keep the eye moist by absorbing and retaining moisture. This feature is crucial because the eyes need to be lubricated to prevent dryness, which can cause discomfort and even lead to infections.
Elastomeric lenses are also designed to resist deposits, which can cause discomfort and affect the clarity of vision. This is achieved through a surface treatment that prevents protein and lipid deposits from adhering to the lens.
Conclusion
Elastomeric lenses are a type of contact lenses that offer unique features such as high oxygen permeability, moisture retention, and flexibility. They work by allowing oxygen to pass through the lens, while also keeping the eye moist and preventing deposits from forming. These features make elastomeric lenses more comfortable to wear, especially for people who have sensitive eyes or those who need to wear contact lenses for extended periods.
Differences from Other Contact Lenses
Elastomeric lenses differ from other types of contact lenses, such as soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, in several ways. Firstly, they offer higher oxygen permeability than soft lenses and similar levels to RGP lenses. This means that they allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, which promotes eye health.
Secondly, elastomeric lenses are more flexible than RGP lenses, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods. RGP lenses, on the other hand, are made of a harder material and can be uncomfortable for some wearers.
Thirdly, elastomeric lenses are more resistant to deposits than soft lenses. Soft lenses tend to attract deposits, such as protein and lipids, which can cause discomfort and affect vision. Elastomeric lenses have a surface treatment that helps prevent deposits from adhering to the lens.
Types of Elastomeric Lenses
There are several types of elastomeric lenses available on the market. The most common are daily disposable and reusable lenses. Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn once and then discarded, while reusable lenses can be worn for a specific period before being replaced.
Some elastomeric lenses also come with added features, such as UV protection and blue light blocking. These features help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and blue light emitted from electronic devices.
Conclusion
Elastomeric lenses are a popular choice for contact lens wearers due to their unique features, such as high oxygen permeability, moisture retention, and flexibility. They work by allowing oxygen to pass through the lens, while also keeping the eye moist and preventing deposits from forming. They differ from other types of contact lenses, such as soft and RGP lenses, and come in various types with additional features such as UV protection and blue light blocking.
Overall, elastomeric lenses are a safe and effective option for people who need to correct their vision with contact lenses. However, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional to determine if they are the right option for you.
