The Types Of Contact Lenses Choose Suitable for You

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Although contact lenses are beneficial for vision, they are not all the same. While your eye care professional will help you find the most suitable option for your needs, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of lenses available. Contact lenses can be categorized based on their wearing schedule, intended use, material, and transparency.

Materials

Contact lenses can primarily be distinguished by the materials from which they are made. They can be grouped into two principal categories: soft and rigid (hard). Soft lenses allow a certain level of gas permeability and can be further classified according to their water content. Soft lenses are available with either low moisture content or high moisture content; the former contains less than 50 percent moisture, while the latter has more than 50 percent. Conversely, rigid or hard lenses are made from a sturdier material and are also considered gas permeable.

Wearing schedules

Hard contact lenses may last several months or even years before requiring replacement. In contrast, soft lenses have specific replacement schedules. Certain varieties must be taken out every two weeks, on a monthly basis, or even daily. Advanced options like Night and Day lenses are designed for extended wear, allowing them to be used continuously day and night. Nevertheless, even these lenses require regular cleaning to remove protein build-up.

Contact lens designs

Contact lenses are categorized into three design types: toric, spherical, and multifocal. Toric lenses are intended for individuals with astigmatism, spherical lenses correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, and multifocal lenses address presbyopia. Each design serves a unique function, so it is advisable to consult with your optician before making a purchase.

Many different purposes

As you may be aware, contact lenses serve a variety of purposes. They can be classified as optical, therapeutic, cosmetic, or decorative. Optical lenses, the most widely used, correct vision issues and other refractive errors. Therapeutic lenses typically consist of soft materials that protect the cornea and can also deliver specific medications to treat corneal diseases and disorders.

Decorative contact lenses are essentially color contacts designed to create various visual effects, such as vibrant colors or unique patterns like cat's eyes. Cosmetic lenses, however, aim to alter the overall appearance of the eyes, with many being crafted to enhance the natural eye color.

The type for you 

Given the variety of contact lenses available on the market, it is advisable to speak with your optician to determine which ones are most suitable for you. If you do not suffer from astigmatism, it is best to avoid choosing toric lenses. Lack of knowledge about contact lenses could potentially lead to harming your eyesight rather than improving it. Contact lenses are made to correct your vision and can also offer protection to your eyes; hence, selecting them carefully is essential.

By choosing your contact lenses wisely, you can find the most appropriate option for your eyes. During your fitting appointment, your optician will provide recommendations and explain how to care for your new lenses. This approach ensures that even if you are inexperienced with contacts, you will be aware of the dos and don'ts. With the correct type of lenses suited for your eyes, you will discover that vision can open up a whole new and exciting experience.

The Type of Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses  

Soft contact lenses consist of pliable, soft plastics that facilitate oxygen flow to the cornea. These lenses are generally simpler to get used to and tend to be more comfortable in comparison to rigid gas permeable lenses. Recent advancements in soft lens materials now include silicone-hydrogels, which enhance oxygen delivery to the eyes while the lenses are in use.  

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses  

Rigid gas permeable lenses, often abbreviated as RGPs, are sturdier and better at preventing deposit buildup, typically offering sharper and clearer vision. Over time, they tend to be a more cost-effective choice since they endure longer than soft contact lenses. They are easier to manage and are less prone to tearing. On the downside, they may feel less comfortable initially compared to soft contacts, and adapting to RGPs might require a few weeks, whereas soft contacts usually take only days.  

Extended Wear Contact Lenses  

Lenses designed for extended wear can be worn overnight or continuously for periods ranging from one to six nights or even up to 30 days. These lenses are predominantly soft contact lenses made from flexible plastics that enable oxygen to reach the cornea. A limited selection of rigid gas permeable lenses have been crafted and authorized for overnight usage. The duration you can wear them continuously is contingent upon the type of lens and your eye care expert’s assessment of your capacity for overnight use. It is essential for your eyes to have a break from lenses for at least one night after each planned removal.  

Disposable (Replacement Schedule) Contact Lenses  

Most individuals who wear soft contact lenses receive prescriptions for a type of frequent change schedule. According to the FDA, "disposable" refers to lenses meant for one-time use and then thrown away. In a legitimate daily wear disposable schedule, a fresh pair of lenses is utilized every day.  

Certain soft contact lenses may be termed "disposable" by retailers, yet they are intended for frequent or scheduled replacement. For extended wear lenses, they can be worn continuously throughout the designated wear duration (for instance, from 7 to 30 days) before being discarded. When you take out your lenses, ensure you clean and disinfect them thoroughly prior to reinserting them.