Are There Any Differences in Oxygen Flow Between Regular and Coloured Contact Lenses?
So when you’re purchasing contact lenses, one of the biggest things to consider is how oxygen-permeable they are. While the rest of your body has a blood supply, your cornea does not and must receive oxygen from the air in order to remain healthy. If it doesn’t receive enough oxygen, you may feel uncomfortable, dry, or even start to develop some problems with your eyes. While standard contact lenses and colored contact lenses both correct your vision, there is some debate with whether colored lenses allow as much oxygen in as the clear ones do.
How Contact Lenses Permit Oxygen to Penetrate the Eyes
Contact lenses are constructed of unique materials that allow oxygen to penetrate to the cornea. The two most common ones you will find are hydrogel and silicone hydrogel.
Hydrogel Lenses: They preserve the wetness of the eye but are less oxygen penetrable.
Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: These lenses allow much higher levels of oxygen to pass into the eye, reducing dryness and irritation.
So, there’s this thing called Dk, which is how a lens allows oxygen to pass through. The more Dk, the more oxygen flow, and that’s really crucial to making your eyes comfortable and healthy.
Do Coloured Contact Lenses Limit Oxygen Flow?
So, one of the major concerns with colored contact lenses is whether the coloring interferes with the amount of oxygen that passes through. They have this additional layer of color to change the color of your eyes, which could make them slightly thicker than normal lenses. That additional layer could reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea.
However, today’s colored contact lenses are produced using the newest technology that employs breathable materials. The majority of high-end brands now produce coloured contact lenses using silicone hydrogel, which provides maximum oxygen flow.
However, modern coloured contact lenses are designed with advanced technology that incorporates breathable materials. Many premium brands now offer coloured contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel, which significantly improves oxygen transmission.
Regular Vs Colored Contacts: An Overview of Oxygen Transfer
Lens Composition
For this reason, standard lenses are made from highly permeable oxygen materials, like silicone hydrogel, because they allow easy passage of oxygen.
Colored contacts used to be made with hydrogel, but newer ones also have silicone hydrogel.
Lens Width
Ordinarily, contact lenses are also a lot thinner so that oxygen can reach the eye more easily.
Due to having an extra layer of pigment, colored lenses are also thicker, which may lower the oxygen permeability.
Oxygen Transmission Velocity
Silicone high-grade hydrogel contact lenses have better oxygen passage.
Old style colored contact lenses have less oxygen transmission, but the new types that can be called “breathable” have improved greatly.
Dangers of Struggling to Breathe with Contact Lenses
If enough oxygen is not supplied to the eye, then people may have the following experiences with contact lenses:
Eyes will be itchy and sore because oxygen is not reaching the eyes optimally.
Corneal Edema: Not getting oxygen for some time can make the eyeballs swollen and red, if not anaesthetised properly.
Inflammation and redness: Lowered oxygen levels may increase inflammation and redness of the eyeballs.
Higher risk of infection: An insufficient level of oxygen increases the chances of the eye becoming infected as it weakens the defence of the cornea.
To minimize these risks, it is essential to choose contact lenses with high oxygen permeability and follow proper lens care routines.
How to Choose the Best Contact Lenses to Deliver More Oxygen
When choosing contact lenses, keep the following in mind to maximize oxygen transmission:
Select Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: They allow for much higher oxygen flow to your eyes compared to standard hydrogel lenses.
Wear Daily Contact Lenses: Single-use contact lenses for a day prevent the risk of buildup and allow new oxygen exchange on a daily basis.
Choose breathable colored contact lenses: High-quality colored contacts that are made of breathable material provide you with style and comfort in one.
Consult an Eye Care Professional: Your optometrist can prescribe the most suitable contact lenses for your eye health and lifestyle.
Buying Contact Lenses Online
Purchasing contact lenses online is really convenient and can save you some money while receiving high-quality lenses right to your doorstep. You have a massive selection to pick from, such as daily lenses and colored lenses, so you’ll be sure to receive whatever you’re looking for. Just be sure to purchase from a legitimate vendor who offers genuine, certified products. Look for lenses that are made with breathable materials that allow your eyes to receive sufficient oxygen so you feel healthy and comfortable. Check out [Client Website] to view a really awesome selection of contact lenses at affordable prices, and they have reasonable shipping options as well!
Learn More About Oxygen Flow with Contact Lens Safety Issues by Industry Experts
As an optician, Tina Patel has provided an expert opinion on contact lenses selection as follows: “Most users of colored contact lenses are concerned about insufficient oxygen flow to the eye. Fortunately, current colored contact lenses are made with modern technology and are able to provide reasonable aesthetic value and adequate oxygen flow to the eyes. Always go with high-oxygen permeable materials and contact your optometrist for the ideal match.
Conclusion: Are Coloured Contact Lenses Safe for Long-Term Use?
Both regular and coloured contact lenses can provide adequate oxygen flow when made with breathable materials. However, it is crucial to choose high-quality lenses, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods.
For optimal eye health, consider daily contact lenses or silicone hydrogel options that ensure maximum oxygen transmission. Whether you need contact lenses for vision correction or coloured contact lenses for a stylish look, always prioritize comfort and safety.
