Many types of contact lenses are available. The type of contacts you use depends on your particular situation. Your eye doctor will be able to help you choose from the following types of lenses.
Rigid or "hard" contacts were the first lenses; they were developed in the1960's. Rigid lenses are the least comfortable type of contacts and are not really used anymore. However, some people still prefer them for their durability and lower cost.
These lenses are also known as "RGPs". They are newer rigid or "hard" lenses made of plastics combined with other materials, which allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. For this reason, theyare called "gas permeable."
These lenses are made of plastic materials that incorporate water. The water makes them soft and flexible, as well as allowing oxygen to reach the cornea. More than 75% of contact lens wearers in the United States use soft lenses.
There are contact lenses that correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and one-size does not fit all.The contact lens fit is to determine what contact lens would work best for your prescription and the shape of your eye. Every person’s eye is shaped differently, so it is very important that the physician place a contact lens on the eye and check to see that it fits correctly on the eye. Our team can also recommend new options that are available in soft and rigid lenses for presbyopia.
When comparing the price of contact lenses, it's important to consider what services are included. Does the fitting include a thorough eye examination and follow-up? Can you exchange lenses during the initial fitting, and is insurance for lost lenses available? If you need treatment for an eye condition not directly related to the contact lenses, such as inflamed eyelids or dry eyes, there may be additional charges. If you are interested in a contact lens fit with our office, please call the closest location and speak with a patient representative.
Rigid gas-permeable lenses and soft extended-wear contacts are the most likely to have protein build-up and causes lens-related allergies. Protein build-up results in discomfort, blurring and intolerance to the lenses. Daily-wear lenses should never be worn as extended-wear lenses. Misuse can lead to temporary and even permanent damage to the cornea. People who wear any type of lens overnight have a greater chance of developing infections of the cornea. These infections are often due to poor cleaning and lens care. Improper over wearing of contact lenses can result in intolerance, leading to the inability to wear contact lenses.
Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses, but there are some exceptions. Some of the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are: frequent eye infections, severe allergies, dry eye (improper tear film), a work environment that is very dusty or dirty and inability to handle and care for the lenses properly.
Whether or not contact lenses are a good choice for you depends on: