Contact lenses are a vision correction option for millions worldwide. They are placed directly on the eye’s surface, providing clear vision without needing glasses. Whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, a contact option will likely meet your specific needs.
Contact lenses come in various types, that include soft, rigid gas permeable, hybrid, and special lenses for color correction or therapeutic purposes. They provide a comfortable and convenient alternative to glasses, especially for those who prefer not to wear glasses for aesthetic reasons or lead an active lifestyle.
Types of contacts
Several lenses are available, including soft, rigid gas permeable (RGP), and daily disposable contacts. Soft contacts are flexible plastics that allow oxygen to reach the cornea and provide better comfort and crisp vision.
These lenses are the most common type worn by contact lens wearers. There are options for daily wear, extended wear, and daily disposable lenses. Extended-wear contacts can be worn every day for up to 30 days before needing to be replaced, while daily disposable contacts are meant to be worn once and then thrown away.
Hard contacts or RGP lenses last longer than soft contacts, so have a replacement schedule recommended by your eye care provider to prevent eye infections such as keratitis.
Soft contacts
Soft contacts are the most preferred type of contact lens by those who wear contacts. They are made of flexible plastics, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea, providing a more comfortable wear experience.
It is essential for those who wear contacts daily, as contacts require sufficient oxygen to prevent eye infections such as keratitis. Soft contacts are usually worn daily and replaced according to a replacement schedule ranging from daily to 30 days.
Daily disposable contacts are available for those who prefer hassle-free contacts or who need the convenience of overnight wear. Soft contacts are the most common type prescribed by eye care providers.
Most soft contact wearers opt for this type due to its comfort and clear vision. Some soft contacts are made of silicone hydrogel, allowing more oxygen to reach the cornea and reducing the risk of eye infections.
These lenses also come in disposable contacts that can be worn daily and discarded at night, eliminating the need for a cleaning and storage routine.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts are rigid and durable plastic lenses. They are designed to provide crisper vision compared to soft lenses and are known to correct vision more effectively.
RGPs allow oxygen to reach the cornea, reducing the risk of eye infection or keratitis. These medical devices have a more extended replacement schedule, typically one to six years, compared to soft lenses, usually worn for 30 days.
They are also more durable, making them more cost-effective. Rigid gas permeable lenses are recommended for individuals who have had trouble with soft contacts, as they provide a firmer fit and clear vision.
They are also suitable for individuals with vision problems such as astigmatism that soft lenses may not correct. While they may take some time to get used to, many contact wearers find the benefits of RGPs outweigh the initial adjustment period.
According to the American Optometric Association, hard contacts such as rigid gas permeable lenses are the most common type of contacts to change. They are available for daily and extended wear, with some RGP lenses designed for overnight use.
Consult your eye care professional to determine the best type of lenses for your needs and lifestyle.
Hybrid contacts
Hybrid contacts combine the benefits of RGP and soft lenses, offering wearers the best of both worlds. People who wear contacts can choose between soft and rigid lenses depending on their needs.
While traditional contacts require the cornea to receive oxygen through the surrounding air, hybrid lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, a mix of flexible plastics that allows oxygen to pass through to the eye.
This design allows for crisper vision compared to soft lenses. These lenses have a replacement schedule of 30 days, making them an excellent option for those who want the convenience of daily wear.
Scleral contacts
Scleral contacts cover more of the eye than traditional soft lenses. For those who wear contacts because they have an irregular cornea or severe keratitis, scleral lenses require a different approach.
These lenses are typically made of RGP or silicone hydrogel, which are flexible enough to allow oxygen to pass through to the eye. According to the American Optometric Association, they can be worn for one to six months, depending on the replacement schedule. Compared to traditional soft contacts, they are less likely to cause eye infections.
Orthokeratology contacts
Orthokeratology contacts are designed to be worn overnight to correct vision. Unlike traditional contacts, which require daily wear, orthokeratology lenses are specifically designed to reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing more precise and crisp vision during the day.
These lenses are made of RGP material. They should be worn every night and replaced on a one- to six-month replacement schedule. The cost of orthokeratology lenses is typically higher than daily disposable contacts. Still, they are a good option for those seeking an alternative to wearing glasses or undergoing refractive surgery.