Exploring the Different Types of Contact Lenses

Today’s contact lens wearers have a variety of options, which is both incredible and perplexing. Knowing which contact lens type is best for you requires familiarity with the various available options. First, consider your lifestyle and vision requirements as you read about the variety of available contact lenses. Then, schedule a contact lens examination with your eye specialist to ensure that you receive the most suitable contact lenses.

Hard Contact Lenses

Since the 1970s, numerous improvements have been made to rigid contact lenses to create healthier lenses for the eyes. The modifications produced “rigid gas permeable” lenses that are slightly more flexible and permit oxygen to pass through to the cornea. However, they are still considered hard contact lenses because they maintain their shape on the eye. In addition to healthy oxygen flow, rigid gas-permeable contacts, also known as GP or RGP lenses, have many advantages. For example, RGP lenses have aided in slowing the progression of myopia in young and adult lens wearers. In general, the benefits of GP rigid contact lenses outweigh their drawbacks.

RGP lenses are preferred by those who wish to reduce the risk of eye infections, as well as those who are dissatisfied with flexible contact lenses.

Soft Contact Lenses

In general, soft contact lenses are more pleasant to wear. Soft contact lenses are more stable and simpler to adjust to than hard contact lenses. The flexible plastic is combined with water to permit oxygen to reach the cornea through the contact lens. This increases comfort and preserves the health of the eyes. Soft contact lenses can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), distorted vision (astigmatism), and presbyopia.

The disadvantages of soft contact lenses include a higher infection rate and less durability than gas-permeable contacts. They may also be more expensive than rigid contact lenses because they may need to be replaced more frequently.

Disposable Contact Lenses

Disposable contact lenses are ideal for people with allergies and those who are concerned about developing eye infections due to the accumulation of bacteria and grime underneath the lens. Before being disposed of, disposable contact lenses require minimal cleaning and disinfection. There are non-disposable, monthly or weekly disposable, and daily disposable soft contact lenses on the market today.

Daily Use & Extended Use

There are also soft contact lenses available for extended and daily wear. Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn during the day and removed at night for cleansing and disinfection. Daily wear contact lenses can be utilised until their expiration date.

Extended-wear soft contact lenses can be worn during sleep, but they must be removed weekly for cleansing and disinfection. Even with lenses designed for extended wear, overnight use may pose a risk of eye infection; therefore, care should be taken.