Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a popular and convenient alternative to traditional glasses. They sit directly on the eye, providing clear vision without any frame or obstruction. They come in various types, each suited for different lifestyles and vision needs. 

Soft Contact Lenses

The most common type of contact lenses is soft ones. They fit your eye precisely thanks to their flexible, soft plastic material. Soft contacts are simple to fit and comfortable to wear. They come in different types, including daily disposable, weekly disposable, monthly disposable, and extended wear. 

Daily disposable lenses are ideal for single-day use, to be discarded at the end of the day. Weekly and monthly disposables are usable for several days or weeks before requiring replacement. You can use extended-wear lenses overnight, but they require regular cleaning and disinfection to avoid eye infections.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, made of a hard, durable plastic material, allow oxygen to reach the eye. They provide excellent vision correction and suit people with astigmatism and other complex vision problems. RGP lenses are less comfortable than soft lenses but last longer and are easier to maintain.

Toric Lenses

For those with astigmatism, whose unevenly shaped corneas result in blurred vision, toric contact lenses are ideal. They are available in soft and RGP materials and can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness.

Multifocal Lenses

Presbyopia, which affects adults over 40 and decreases close-up vision, can improve with multifocal lenses. Multifocal lenses have different power zones that allow wearers to see clearly at all distances. They are available in both soft and RGP materials.

Colored Contact Lenses

The purpose of colored contact lenses is to alter the eye's appearance. They come in both prescription and nonprescription types. Colored lenses come in various shades and patterns, from subtle enhancement to dramatic color changes.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine the features of soft and RGP lenses. They have a soft outer layer for comfort and an RGP center for clear vision correction. They are appropriate for persons with keratoconus, astigmatism, and other complex vision issues.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable lenses that cover the entire cornea and part of the sclera. They suit people with irregular corneas, including those with severe dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, and corneal transplants. Scleral lenses provide excellent vision correction and comfort.

Orthokeratology Lenses

Orthokeratology contact lenses, or ortho-k lenses, are for overnight wear and to reshape the cornea while you sleep. They reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day by temporarily correcting myopia. Ortho-k lenses are suitable for kids and adults with mild to moderate myopia. They can provide clear vision for up to a few days.

Conclusion 

Are you considering switching to contact lenses? If so, talk to your eye doctor about the best contact lens type for your eyes. Choosing the best contacts for your eyes is crucial for clear vision and overall eye health.

For more on contact lenses, visit Ridgeview Eye Care at our Olathe, Kansas, office. Call or text (913) 270-8598 to schedule an appointment today.