When you need help seeing better, often prescription glasses and or contact lenses will be needed. Some people prefer glasses while others like contacts. Many people like to have both as certain situations call for one or the other. When using contacts, your eye doctor will prescribe a certain type of contact lens. There are many different types of contact lenses, each having its own design and purpose. Today, Eyewear Candy Optical RX will share the different types of contact lenses and their uses.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are made of a hydrophilic (“water-loving”) material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. The design of soft contacts makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They come in different varieties such as:
• Daily Wear: These lenses are worn during the day and are taken out at night. These contact lenses do require cleaning and disinfecting regularly.
• Extended Wear: These lenses can be worn throughout the day and night for several days or weeks without taking them out. However, they do require careful cleaning and a follow-up appointment with an eye care professional to avoid potential problems.
• Disposable: These lenses are worn for a certain period such as one day, one week, or one month before they are discarded and replaced with a fresh pair.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Also known as “hard” or just “gas permeable” lenses. These lenses are made of a durable, rigid material that allows oxygen to pass through. Rigid gas permeable lenses provide clear, crisp vision and are often prescribed for people with high astigmatisms or other complex vision problems. They also tend to last longer than soft lenses and are replaced less often.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine the best features of both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses. These lenses have a rigid center that provides amazing clear vision and a soft outer ring for better comfort. Hybrid lenses are often prescribed for people with irregular corneas or other vision problems.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and are designed to rest on the sclera (white part) of the eye rather than the cornea. These contact lenses are used to correct an abnormality in the cornea, such as keratoconus, or to improve vision in people with severe dry eye syndrome. Scleral lenses provide a more stable fit than traditional lenses and can be more comfortable to wear.

Orthokeratology Lenses

Also known as “ortho-k” or “corneal reshaping” lenses, these are another type of rigid gas permeable lens that is worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This can correct nearsightedness or myopia and eliminate the need for glasses or contacts during the day. Ortho-k lenses need to be worn every night to maintain the corneal reshaping effect.

Decorative Contact Lenses

These lenses are designed for cosmetic purposes and can enhance or change the natural color of the eyes. They can feature special effects or patterns. However, they should only be worn with a prescription from an eye care professional to ensure a proper fit and to avoid potential eye problems.

Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & More in Delray Beach, FL (Just Minutes Away from Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point, Golf & Boynton Beach, Florida)

These are the many different types of contact lenses. If you find you need new prescription eyeglasses, contacts and great frames, call Eyewear Candy Optical RX today.