For optimal vision, if an individual does not wish to wear glasses full time, contact lenses are a popular solution.
If someone is considering getting brand new contact lenses or changing an existing subscription, they may feel a little overwhelmed by the different types of lenses out there.
This guide is set to inform readers everything they need to know about the different types of contact lenses.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are the most popular type of contact lenses. They are made of soft, flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea.
Soft lenses should be changed regularly (depending on whether they are daily or monthly) and, like any contact lens, should be put in and taken out with clean hands to avoid problems such as pink eye in one eye.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable contact lenses are only worn for one day. When wearers change them, they throw them out.
Daily disposable lenses are best for people who only wear contacts occasionally, such as for social events or special occasions.
Replacement Schedule Lenses
If individuals want one pair of contacts to last a week, a month, or even six months, they’ll be looking for Replacement Schedule Contact Lenses.
The most common type of replacement schedule lenses is monthly lenses, which are changed roughly every 30 days.
These lenses are more durable than daily lenses but it is even more important that wearers keep them clean and well looked after.
Extended Wear Lenses
Daily and replacement schedule contact lenses cannot be worn overnight, but Extended Wear Lenses can. These lenses can last anywhere from a week to a month and are usually soft lenses.
Whether or not wearers can tolerate extended wear lenses is down to an individual’s eye doctor, who will be able to tell if the eyes are suited to overnight contact lens wear.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Whilst soft lenses are made of flexible plastic, RGP contact lenses are rigid. This makes them easier to handle, longer-lasting, and they often offer better vision than soft lenses.
That said, they are not as comfortable as soft lenses and may take longer to adjust to.
Ortho-K Lenses
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, lenses are a special type of RPG lens that is worn overnight only. Ortho-K lenses temporarily shape the curve of the cornea to give those with myopia (short-sightedness) temporary vision.
Ortho-K lenses are great for people who do sports, especially swimming, as wearers don’t have to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.
They do, however, require around 8 hours every night to shape the cornea and sometimes wear off later in the evening the following day.
Which type of contact lenses is most suitable?
For those who are still deciding what type of contact lenses to wear, there are a few factors to consider:
● How often the contacts will be worn
● How easily they can fit the wearing and changing of lenses into their schedule
● What their eye doctor recommends
Readers can explore these factors in more detail below.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Contact Lenses
When a person contemplates wearing contact lenses, they may want to consider multiple lifestyle factors before making their final decision. It’s these factors that can guide them into making an informed decision, one that makes them feel comfortable whilst wearing contacts and relaxed, knowing that their vision is clear and healthy.
Someone who neglects these considerations may find themselves struggling to adapt to lenses, potentially wasting time and money in the process. Here are some of the lifestyle factors individuals should consider before deciding to wear contact lenses.
Lifestyle
Someone with an active lifestyle will certainly benefit from the convenience of wearing contact lenses, especially if they play sports and would benefit from full peripheral vision.
Anyone who has a sedentary lifestyle, or someone who perhaps works on a laptop for most of the day, may prefer to wear their glasses to experience better comfort during working hours.
Maintenance
Contact lenses require the wearer to regularly maintain their chosen lenses. An individual who perhaps doesn’t have the time to clean and store their contact lenses correctly could experience eye-related complications further down the line.
However, if the wearer were to choose daily disposable lenses, then the requirements of maintenance are much lower, which may suit certain individual lifestyles.
Pre-Existing Eye Conditions
Certain eye conditions can limit the type of contact lenses available. For example, some eye conditions may not be suitable for RGP contacts, and soft contacts may be preferable instead.
Anyone who is considering contacts should speak with an expert and discuss any personal eye conditions first. This information will help to make an informed decision.
Having a chat with an eye doctor will help to decide the best contact lens, but with this guide, contact lens wearers have an overview of the different types of contact lenses out there!