Contact Lens Types

Contact lenses come in many variations, but two basic contact lens types presently exist: the soft contact lens and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP). Of these two types of contact lenses, the soft is more comfortable because it is made of flexible plastic materials, such as silicone-hydrogel, that facilitate the entrance of oxygen into the cornea. This type of contact lens is easily adjustable and leaves users feeling as if they aren’t even wearing contact lenses. The other contact lens type, the Rigid Gas Permeable, is naturally heavier and requires more time than does the soft lenses for wearers to adjust to it. Because it is stiffer and durable, this type of contact lens is tough to tear and is less likely to attract dirt or other kinds of deposits that could cause irritation or vision blockage. As a result, they last longer than soft contact lenses.

Yet different types of contact lens exist, such as toric, bifocal, and multi-focal. These are designed to correct aberrant vision. For example, all types of toric contact lenses accommodate those individuals who are inflicted by Astigmatism. These contact lenses make refractive light easier to enter the eyes so that images are clearer and more well-defined. Every type of bifocal lens—and this includes multi-focal lenses—is especially constructed to make vision easier for both nearsighted and farsighted individuals. Because all types of bifocal contact lenses are comprised of a spherical lens and a cylindrical lens, images both close up and at a distance can be seen easily, without blurriness or distortion. Each of these is a different type of contact lens, but they are similar in that they are corrective and promote healthy vision.

Extended contact lenses and disposable (or replacement schedule) contact lenses are unique in that the types of contact lenses that revolve around duration of use. The former variation, extended, accommodates anywhere from one day to a week or two weeks to even a month (30 days). Extended are usually soft and can sometimes be worn during sleep, if the user’s eyes are able to tolerate that. Like the extended, disposable contact lenses are soft and carry a replacement cycle of one day, two weeks, or a month. These, by definition (as determined by the FDA) are used once and thrown away. Still, disposables are required to be cleaned and disinfected even upon removal from the eyes.

Many contact lenses, types, and styles, such as decorative contact lenses require a valid prescription from a licensed eye care professional before purchased. Those individuals considering on buying any type or types of contact lenses now available are advised to first get an eye exam and a valid prescription, and then purchase contact lenses from either a professional or a vendor requiring a valid prescription, and then have a follow-up exam after the contact lenses are removed after the first use.

A plethora of contact lenses are available for a variety of purposes, but seriousness and safety are to be maintained at all times while handling them to prevent injury to the eye. Healthy vision is everything!