Show MIMEINNIENEMIEW 1 THE MIRACLE of CONTACT LENSES More than one million Americans every year join the ever growing number of contact lens wearers estimated to be about six million Contact lenses are worn for therapeutic reasons—to correct visual troubles not readily alleviated by eye re e for cosmetic glassis—and look and feel better But with millions of moderns counting their contact lenses as among the choicest of blessings many remain in a fog of mystery and indecision about the little plastic miracles Most questions arise from use: "They're right next to the eye" or expense: "I hear or they're pretty costly" been "Have they development: perfected yet?" even clear-eye- d ttA ' A contact lens resting on a finger (Photo courtesy of the American Optometric Association) - 1t What are contact lenses? ! 1 They are tiny plastic lenses worn beneath the eye lids which can I 1 replace spectacle lenses and frames Ground of clear or tinted optical plastic to exactly fit the eye of an tolerances of inch are required 0 tl 1 1 And not every patient can wear contact lenses Examination and consultation with an optometric practitioner must come prior to contact e ry als Shown is a demonstration of contact lens insertion techniques which are a part of the services provided by the optometrist (Photo courtesy of the American Optometric Association) s - —Isciogkrt Ai -- - f q 7 s$:1 - - ' ‘ ' 7 ' 4 - li ' arse:erlaa' "''1 47fie 1 bi 11141Vm : i - v71)10 v ''1 Z t ttl 46'26 4711114 A ' -- : ' ' 'á ' t iott 1 is eye damage reported to contact directly lenses In the few known instances most problems resulted from carelessness in proper hygienic care of the lenses and failure of the patient to see his optometrist regularly tic t - "Brand name" or "discount price" advertising of contact lenses should be viewed with suspicion These firms are business corporations which often rely on volume selling for their existence Professional ethics of optometrists demanded of optometrists belonging to the American Optometric Association assure the public of competent eye care Optometrists avail themselves of the latest in contact lens materials as well as research data on modern techniques They prescribe the best for a patient's needs bound by no business pressures to sell a particular product "How much do contact lenccs cost?" '''' all 41 Seldom 1 A e Contrary to popular belief they do not rest on the eyeball There is a thin layer of tears between the contact lens and the eye This prevents injuring the delicate tissue of the eye Frequent checkups are advised during the fitting period and periodically thereafter Contact lens wearers arc not permitted to take their lenses home until they've been worn in the office under optometric supervision until they are able to apply and remove the lenses and understand the rules of cleanliness and care attributable Fr T:- "Could contact lenses injure my eyes?" Illa14‘4(41114c Costs vary generally between $175 and 3300—with the higher charge for special lenses such as bifocals Total fee usually includes the initial examination wearing care period instructions follow-ufor a specified period and the laboratory cost of the lenses It is important to note that prescription changes are usually less frequent aftcr contact lenses are worn than with conventional CN C glasses p ' ' 1 IN1 - : - Contact Lens on eye (Wesley—Jessen Photo) 110 Mb |