Types of Contact Lenses - Which One Suits You?

Today, there are many different types of contact lenses that consumers can choose from.

Whether they suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, contact lenses can be an option they can live with.

Today, there are even contact lenses for those with presbyopia, or the inability of the eye to focus as well due to age.

Contact lenses are either soft or rigid gas permeable.

Soft Contact Lenses

Made of a soft polymer material and water, soft contact lenses are the most popular. The water content allows oxygen to pass through the lens to your cornea. Sometimes these lenses also offer UV protection.

Soft lenses are usually more comfortable than the rigid variety. Soft contacts can also absorb pollutants that will irritate your eye, such as soap. They are more fragile and may tear easily.

When choosing types of contact lenses, it is important to know that soft lenses come in disposable and extended wear options.

Disposables are meant for wearing according to a certain replacement schedule.

Extended wear lenses can be worn day and night for up to one week or even up to 30 days at a time without removal and then replaced with a fresh pair.

Colored Lenses

• If they have a visibility tint, this is just enough color to allow you to see the lens if you drop it. It does not affect your eye color.
• Enhancement tint has just enough color to enhance the natural color of your eyes.
• A color tint can actually change the color of your eyes. Light filtering tint is chosen by athletes to help them see better while competing. It mutes some colors while enhancing others.

Read more about cosmetic contact lenses here.

Rigid Gas Permeable Hard Contact Lenses

These types of contact lenses are harder than soft contacts. Unlike the old hard contacts, the new polymer lenses allow oxygen to permeate to your eye surface for optimal eye health.

They are very durable and offer clearer vision than soft lenses. They do take longer to adapt to, however, and must be worn every day to maintain your comfort. Some of these lenses can be used for extended wear.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses treat presbyopia, which is age-related. Like bifocal glasses, part of the lens is made for the near vision and part for the far vision.

Contacts can also treat this problem by using monovision lenses. One eye will have the prescription lens for distance vision, and the other eye will have the prescription lens for near vision.

Toric Contact Lenses

Toric lenses are made specifically to treat astigmatism. They can come in either rigid or soft lenses, and will have two prescriptions included; one for either nearsightedness or farsightedness, and one for the astigmatism. This lens is specially made to remain stable in the eye during blinking.

When buying contact lenses, it is good to research the various types that are available and make a decision based upon what you desire, what your eye care needs are and your lifestyle.

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