Breathable 24/7 contact lenses now cheaper

If you've ever been labeled a lola because you wore glasses, you'd probably want to get the next best option: contact lenses. Unfortunately for astigmatic me, the optometrist I consulted years ago advised against wearing contacts because my heavy work schedule would not be suitable to such a lifestyle. He explained that traditional contact lenses may not be ideal for the workaholic set who toil long hours because contacts can only be worn eight to ten hours max. After this prolonged period, you'll have to take them off and clean them using different solutions. If you accidentally sleep in them, you might experience major redness, if not serious trouble, with your eyes. It seemed contact lenses are only appropriate for those who work relatively short hours and have enough discipline for the clockwork maintenance that lens-wearing requires.

That is, until the invention of silicon hydrogel contact lenses. Dubbed the 24/7 contact lenses, this innovative line of contact lenses offers an extra benefit: they are safe to wear for longer hours, even up to six days straight. These lenses are marketed by several companies abroad, but in the Philippines, the only distributor of silicon hydrogel contact lenses is the global company CIBA Vision. Branded as O2 Optix, the company’s product has a seal of approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration indicating its safety for extended wear. Optometrist Dr. Jeanette Romualdez, CIBA Vision's professional service consultant in the Southeast Asian Region, said the inclusion of silicone is a big breakthrough for contact lenses in terms of added comfort, convenience, and health benefits. Traditional soft lenses are water-based but tend to dehydrate the eyes. Hydrogel allows the water to be absorbed by the lenses but it also allows less oxygen to pass through, leading to redness and irritation. This is why they can only be worn for 8 to 10 hours. On the other hand, silicone hydrogel contact lenses allow your eyes to breathe easier. The added silicone allows oxygen to pass through, five times more than the typical lenses. This prevents dryness and ensures that your eyes will stay comfortable even if you wear the lenses for longer hours, even days. As an added convenience, Dr. Romualdez said O2 Optix can be worn continuously for up to six days even without cleaning, as the lenses' plasma surface treatments can resist deposits and keep the lenses clean. Though continuous developments are being studied, silicone hydrogel contact lenses are not only used to correct refractive errors but also for therapeutic purposes. Dr. Romualdez said some surgeons use the breathable lenses instead of eye bandage for patients undergoing corneal surgery. For those with astigmatism, there's O2 Optix Air which is available for up to 225 astigmatic power. But there’s a catch: at P1,850 for a box of O2 Optix containing three pairs of contact lenses, the recurring cost for lens replacement is prohibitive for most people. After all, eye glasses only require a one-time cost and can be used for several years. To make the product more affordable and introduce its benefits to a wider range of users, CIBA Vision re-launched O2 Optix recently with a “buy two, get two" promo. The lenses were first introduced to the country in 2007, but affordability is obviously an issue for many people. After all, doctors still advise wearers to clean them on a daily basis and replace the contacts every month with a new pair to prevent eye irritation. For those who want a more comfortable and more convenient, not to mention prettier, way to correct their vision, however, silicone hydrogel lenses are a good option. Aside from clearer vision, you'll most likely look years younger. – YA, GMANews.TV O2 Optix is available in all leading optical shops. The limited promotion of "buy 2 boxes, get 2 boxes free" runs from July 1 to September 30, 2010.