Types of Contact Lenses
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow
oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft contact lenses may be
easier to adjust to and are more comfortable than rigid gas permeable
lenses. Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydrogels to
provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs) are more durable and resistant
to deposit buildup, and generally give a clearer, crisper vision.
They tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens since they
last longer than soft contact lenses. They are easier to handle
and less likely to tear. However, they are not as comfortable initially
as soft contacts and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing
RGPs, compared to several days for soft contacts.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses
Extended wear contact lenses are available for overnight or continuous
wear ranging from one to six nights or up to 30 days. Extended wear
contact lenses are usually soft contact lenses. They are made of
flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea.
There are also a very few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed
and approved for overnight wear. Length of continuous wear depends
on lens type and your eye care professional’s evaluation of
your tolerance for overnight wear. It’s important for the
eyes to have a rest without lenses for at least one night following
each scheduled removal.
Disposable (Replacement Schedule) Contact Lenses
The majority of soft contact lens wearers are prescribed some type
of frequent replacement schedule. “Disposable,” as defined
by the FDA, means used once and discarded. With a true daily wear
disposable schedule, a brand new pair of lenses is used each day.
Some soft contact lenses are referred to as “disposable”
by contact lens sellers, but actually, they are for frequent/planned
replacement. With extended wear lenses, the lenses may be worn continuously
for the prescribed wearing period (for example, 7 days to 30 days)
and then thrown away. When you remove your lenses, make sure to
clean and disinfect them properly before reinserting.
Contact Lenses
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Lens Department
The Contact Lens Eye Exam & Fitting Contact Lens Fees
Types of Contact Lenses
Contact Lens Options for Patients Over Forty
Contact Lens Prescription
Contact Lens Risks
Everyday Eye Care
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