Exploring the Different Types of Contact Lenses. Which is the Best for You?

If you’re a contact lens wearer in Derry, NH, and surrounding areas you know the struggle of finding the right lens that ticks all your boxes. With so many options available, from daily disposables to multifocal lenses, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your needs. Learning about the various types of contact lenses can help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that sit on the surface of your eye, providing clear vision without the need for glasses. They are made from a variety of materials, including silicone hydrogel, which allows for high oxygen permeability, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials that offer durability and sharp vision. Contacts are designed to correct various vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Contact lenses are a popular choice for individuals who lead active lifestyles or those who simply prefer not to wear glasses. Whether you’re looking to improve your natural eye color with color contact lenses or seeking a multifocal solution to address presbyopia, there’s a contact lens designed just for you.

Different Types of Contact Lenses

Choosing the right type of contact lens significantly impacts both comfort and vision quality. Understanding the different options available can help you get the right contact for your individual needs and preferences.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most common type of contact lenses and are made from flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They are comfortable and easy to adapt to, making them a popular choice for new wearers.

Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are worn once and then discarded, offering the convenience of not needing a cleaning routine. They’re perfect for those with busy schedules or for occasional wear, making them an ideal choice for travel, sports, or spontaneous outings. With the added benefit of comfort and eye health, they simplify your vision care routine.

Extended Wear Lenses

Designed for longer use, extended wear lenses can be worn overnight for up to 30 days. However, they have a higher risk of infection due to reduced oxygen supply to the cornea when worn continuously, making it important to follow your optometrist’s advice to mitigate this risk.

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism, a common condition that causes blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea. These lenses have varying powers to provide clear vision at all angles.

Multifocal Lenses for Presbyopia

Multifocal lenses allow for clear vision at multiple distances, perfect for those experiencing presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses have different zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses are more durable and can provide a crisper vision. They are often recommended for people with specific vision needs, such as high astigmatism or keratoconus, because of their customizability and long lifespan.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses combine the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of RGP lenses. They are an excellent option for individuals who require the sharp vision offered by RGP lenses but desire the comfort of soft lenses.

Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses provide numerous advantages over traditional eyewear, making them a popular choice for many individuals. Their unobtrusive nature and versatility cater to a wide range of vision needs and lifestyle preferences.

Improves All-Around Vision

Contact lenses provide a natural field of view and move with your eyes, eliminating the peripheral distortion that glasses can cause. This can be especially beneficial for activities that require sharp vision.

Suitable for People with High Prescription

For those with a high prescription, contacts can provide better vision correction without the limitations and weight of thick eyeglass lenses.

Reduces the Artificial Barrier

Contacts eliminate the barriers that glasses create, allowing you to enjoy activities without the worry of frames slipping or fogging up.

Convenient

Contact lenses offer convenience, especially for sports and other physical activities. You don’t have to worry about them falling off or breaking like glasses.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Daily disposable lenses require no cleaning at all, while other types have straightforward cleaning routines that keep them safe and hygienic.

Choosing the Right Contact Lens for You

Experience the freedom and clarity that contact lenses offer. If you’re considering making the switch or trying a different type, reach out to the experts at Spindel Eye Associates for a contact lens eye exam and consultation in Derry and surrounding areas. With a range of options available, we can help you find the perfect lenses for your lifestyle and vision needs. Call 603-434-4193 to schedule your appointment today!