The youngsters mostly go for the colored ones which can reflect their lifestyle and fad choice, while disposable lenses work great for those who are constantly on the go. These eyewear varieties offer protection to the most delicate organ of your body, so you should be very wise when choosing a pair for yourself. It's also important to have insight into what exactly contact lenses are and how they work.

Contact lenses are like miniature discs, which stick to the cornea of the eye following the same rule that makes water stick to glass. It is the surface tension between the eye and the lens that causes them to remain tightly fixed in their places. The coating of tear on the cornea also helps them to maintain their position throughout.

Choosing the Right Lenses

The right eye lenses are extremely necessary as only they will be able to give overall protection to your eyes. You can try out the following trick to know whether your contact lens is right for your eyes or not. Hold up the lens on your fingertip and look at it from the side. In this position, if it forms a “U”, it is certainly right for you. On the other hand, if it forms a slightly flared “U”, it is bound to be uncomfortable.

Lenses are as delicate as the organs they protect, so you must take proper care of them.

Here are some basic lens-care tips:

• These delicate eyewears can be damaged if they come in contact with impurities, and therefore it's absolutely necessary to keep them squeaky clean at all times. In addition, the dirt in your lens can also damage your eyes. To avoid this, do cleanse them thoroughly in the antiseptic liquid every time you wear them or take them off.

• Swapping your eye wears with friends is an absolute no-no! This goes especially for young people, who may want to exchange their colored lenses with those of their friends. This is strictly prohibited by doctors, who rightly point out that using somebody else's lens can harm your eyes.

• Before you touch your lenses, always clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Frequent exposure can harm this type of eye wear, so do not make it a habit to take out your lenses from the box when you're not using them. This is even more important if you use the colored ones. It's also necessary to have your lenses tried on in the presence of an ophthalmologist who can further advise you on which one will suit you.

• For those who use the disposable product, do check the date of expiry before you buy them, or if you're wearing them after a long period of storage. Ideally, these should never be used after the date of expiry.

• Make it a point to take off your contact lenses before you hit the bed. Wearing your contacts through the night can cause lack of oxygen in the cornea, which can ruin your eyes.

• You must immediately discard all chipped, damaged lenses as they can harm your eyes.

Contact lenses are like spectacles. And a medical prescription is important before you actually begin using them.