The Lowdown on Big Eye 14.5 mm Diameter Contact Lenses

The Lowdown on 14.5 mm Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have come a long way since their inception in the late 1800s. What started as a rigid glass shell that fit over the eye has transformed into soft, flexible lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. As technology improved, so did the variety of contact lens options available. Today, contact lens wearers can choose from lenses of different materials, designs, and—of course—diameters to find their perfect fit.

What Does the 14.5 mm Measurement Mean?

The 14.5 mm measurement refers to the overall diameter of the contact lens. This larger-than-average diameter is often referred to as a “big eye” contact lens. The average human eye measures between 11.5 mm and 12.5 mm in diameter. A 14.5 mm contact lens has a wider circumference that extends closer to the outer edges of the cornea.

Why Choose a 14.5 mm Diameter Contact Lens?

Wearing a big eye contact lens offers several potential benefits:

• Increased comfort - The wider base provides more coverage over the surface of the eye for better stability and less awareness of the lens.
• Improved vision - The expanded parameters allow more corrective area across the cornea to optimize vision sharpness.
• Enhanced cosmetics - By extending to the sclera, 14.5 mm lenses make the eyes appear slightly larger and more defined.

Ideal Candidates for 14.5 mm Contact Lenses

If you have any of the following traits, you may be a good fit for big eye contact lenses:

• Large corneas
• Widely spaced eyes
• Pupils positioned far from the nasal edge
• Difficulty centering smaller lenses over the pupil
• Interest in subtle eye enhancement

Selecting the Best 14.5 mm Lens

With so many varieties of 14.5 mm contact lenses out there, how do you choose what’s right for you? Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for big eye contact lenses:

Lens Material

14.5 mm lenses come in rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft lens materials. RGP lenses hold their shape well and offer crisp, stable vision correction. However, some find them less comfortable. Soft lenses move with the eye, feel weightless, and are easier to insert and remove.

Base Curve

The base curve number indicates the amount of curvature built into the lens. Lenses with a steep base curve have more of an arch, while flat base curves sit closer to the eye. The right base curve ensures the lens aligns properly with your eye’s shape for a flush fit.

Uses

Big eye lenses can be used for vision correction, cosmetic enhancement, or specialty applications:

• Corrective - Improved parameters correct a wider range of prescription needs.
• Cosmetic - Subtly enlarged, defined eyes.
• Specialty - Therapeutic lenses aid corneal healing or eye conditions.

Brands

Leading contact lens manufacturers like Bausch + Lomb, Alcon, CooperVision, and more offer 14.5 mm lens options. An eye doctor can recommend reputable brands based on your eyes' unique needs and characteristics.

Caring for Your 14.5 mm Lenses

Caring for big eye contact lenses is similar to caring for standard lenses, but their larger size makes a few extra considerations helpful:

• Use a lubricating solution to wet lenses before insertion and removal.
• Rinse lenses thoroughly after removal using both sides of the lens.
• Disinfect lenses overnight in fresh hydrogen peroxide solution.
• Store lenses in a new contact lens case every 1-3 months.

Be diligent about proper lens hygiene and replacement schedules for a comfortable, safe contact lens wearing experience.

The Takeaway

With their wide 14.5 mm diameter, big eye contact lenses offer expanded coverage and eye enhancement possibilities compared to standard lenses. Work with your eye doctor to determine if this specialty lens is right for your eyes and lifestyle needs. Proper insertion methods, wearing schedules, and cleaning techniques allow you to enjoy big eye lenses safely and comfortably.

FAQs

What's the difference between a 14.5mm lens and a normal lens?

A 14.5 mm lens has a larger diameter that extends farther toward the outer edges of the eye's surface. This expanded coverage area allows for more vision correction and subtle cosmetic eye enlargement compared to a standard 11.5-12.5 mm lens.

Can you sleep in 14.5 mm contact lenses?

No, it is not typically recommended to sleep in any soft contact lenses, including 14.5 mm lenses. Doing so increases the risk of eye infection, irritation, and disrupted oxygen flow. Give your eyes a break while you rest by removing contact lenses before bed.

Are 14.5 mm lenses comfortable?

Properly fitted 14.5 mm lenses can be very comfortable because their broad surface area distributes evenly across more of the eye. Choose the right lens material, base curve, and brand for your eyes for optimized comfort in a large diameter contact.

Who should wear 14.5mm contact lenses?

Those with wide set eyes, large corneas, pupils set far from the nose-side edge of the iris, difficulty centering smaller lenses, vision conditions needing more corrective real estate, and interest in subtle eye enlargement effects are often good candidates for 14.5 mm big eye contact lens wear.