You’ve probably seen videos on the internet about contact lenses that can see through playing cards. It seems like they’re a great way to cheat in poker, but do they actually work? Here’s some information to help you decide if they are worth the cost.
The most common reason for using contact lenses is to correct vision problems. Modern contacts do that by refracting and focusing light on the surface of your eyes, where it is most visible to your brain. They are also more comfortable than glasses.
There are many different kinds of contact lenses to fit a variety of eye conditions and needs. They range from daily disposables to monthly options that allow you to change your lens each day, and they can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as enhancing or changing the color of your eyes.
If you have any questions about what type of contact lens you need, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a contact lens that is specifically made for your eyes’ unique needs.
Some people have trouble seeing up close or have a large cornea (the transparent, dome-shaped area of the eye). These people can benefit from bifocal or monovision contacts that combine one prescription for distance vision with another to allow you to see clearly near. These types of lenses can take a few tries to get used to, but they are generally very effective for those who wear them regularly.
You can find a wide selection of bifocal and multifocal contact lenses from your eye care provider. Some are available at the same time you buy your glasses, which is convenient and saves you a trip to the store.
These lenses also come in a number of strengths or “diopters,” so you can choose the right fit for your eyes. Each strength corresponds to a different vision problem, such as farsightedness or nearsightedness and astigmatism. These strengths are indicated by plus or minus signs followed by numbers on the box or by your doctor’s prescription.
If you have astigmatism, a toric contact lens is usually recommended for you. These lenses have a heavier bottom portion to correct your astigmatism, allowing you to see clearly.
The best way to determine if you need a toric lens is to visit your eye doctor for an eye exam. The doctor can measure your cornea and prescribe the correct toric contact lens for your eye.
It’s important to note that this method can also be used for a person with mild astigmatism, but it is a bit more complicated and requires that you have a doctor do the measurement. If you do have a small amount of astigmatism, you can also get soft contact lenses that can be used for bifocals and multifocals.
You’ll need a contact lens fitting, just as you do with eyeglasses. Your doctor will use a special measuring tool to make sure your prescription is accurate before he or she fits you with contact lenses.