tHE VARIOUS TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES

Different Types of Contact Lenses

Nowadays, a customer looking to try out contact lenses is faced with an almost limitless range of variations to choose from. There is no conclusive answer as to which type is better, since this depends entirely on the wearer’s lifestyle and personal preferences. However, there are a few things to consider as you make your decision.

First, it’s important to know that all contact lenses can only be worn for a finite amount of time. Whether it is one day, as with all Daily Disposable contact lenses, or over a year, as with some RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contact lenses, all products currently on the market have to be replaced within a certain time frame, and with the exception of Daily Disposables, all will involve a degree or maintenance and care. As a rule, the longer lasting the product, the more maintenance required.

Second, the material used to make contact lenses is usually loosely categorized into Soft and Hard (there are also hybrid versions incorporating the qualities of both). Soft contact lenses are by far the most commonly used. They are pliable, and need to be constantly hydrated. They can easily be put in and removed, and are generally considered to be more comfortable than lenses comprised of hard materials. Furthermore, since they are not worn for an extended period of time, there is less risk of infection. Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses are part of this category.

Daily Contact Lenses

As the name suggests, Daily Disposable contacts can only be used once, so you don’t have the hassle of having to clean and disinfect your lenses, since you just start a new day with a new pair. Daily Disposables are also a great option if you only wear contact lenses for certain activities, for example sports, or evenings out. Since they are only used once, Daily Disposable contact lenses are considered to be the safest type of contact lens, since there is no risk of the bacterial build-up on the surface of the lens that can lead to infection in the case of longer term contact lens types. However, you have to take care to replace them every day.

Monthly Contact Lenses

Weekly/Bi-weekly and Monthly contact lenses can also be comprised of soft lens material. They are designed to be worn throughout the day, and taken out at night. They need to be kept in solution in order to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of infection. Extended wear contact lenses are a relatively recent invention, and, as their name suggests, they can be worn for an extended period of time, even during the night. This innovation has been made possible by silicone hydrogel technology, which allows increased permeability to the cornea, thereby reducing the health risks that usually occurred as a result of wearing contact lenses for longer than the prescribed period of time.

Hard Contact Lenses

Hard contact lenses are more of a specialty lens, used by people with more complex vision problems: stigmatism, irregular corneas and so forth. They are more difficult to fit, and have the potential to cause discomfort, but hard lenses are much more durable: they can last for years if they are taken care of correctly. So when you choose your contact lenses you have to decide between the comfort and convenience offered by soft lenses or the durability and longevity of hard contact lenses.

Check out the whole range of contact lenses on our website, and find what's best for you!