There are a wide variety of contact lenses available, but to purchase any of them, you will need a prescription from an eye doctor or optician. If you want to learn more about the types of contact lenses before buying one, then read this post.
Types of Contact Lenses
1. Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are comprised of plastics that are soft and flexible, thus the name. They are designed to let oxygen reach the cornea via the lens. Often soft lenses are made of silicone-hydrogels, which allow for increased oxygen flow to the eye even when the lenses are being worn.
Soft contact lenses are extremely easy to wear. They provide a more pleasant wearing experience compared to rigid gas permeable lenses. The best thing is that these lenses are suitable for anyone who would like to wear contact lenses.
Soft lenses are the most comfortable lenses to wear for extended periods. They are also the best form of contact lenses to use if you do not need to adhere to any particular wearing schedule and only want to put them in your eyes on occasion. Usually, these lenses are used by patients with refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
2. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Rigid Gas Permeable or RGP contact lenses are generally distinct, more robust, and resistant to the accumulation of deposits.
They can be handled with less difficulty and are less likely to tear. On the other hand, they do not initially provide the same level of comfort as soft contacts. Also, it may take a few weeks to get comfortable with RGPs.
RGPs have a longer lifespan than others since the material that they are made of is more resilient, making it less likely that the lenses would rip. More often than not, eye specialists recommend RGPs to patients who have irregular astigmatism because these lenses can correct the condition.
They are also considered best for patients who suffer eye diseases such as keratoconus (also known as the conical cornea), in which the cornea of the eye bulges outward into a cone-shaped protrude.
Pro tip: When you take out your contact lenses, you should give them a thorough cleaning and disinfection before putting them back in.
3. Extended Wear Contact Lenses
Extended-wear contact lenses, as the name says, can be worn continuously or for an extended period. Their use time can range from one to six nights or even up to thirty days. The majority of the time, extended-wear contact lenses are soft contact lenses.
They are made of bendable plastics that allow oxygen to reach the cornea despite their protection. You can wear these lenses at night time also.
The length of time that a lens can be worn continuously is determined by the sort of lens it is as well as your eye care professional's assessment of your tolerance for overnight usage. Contact lens intolerance can be developed in some patients and they are advised to seek medical help immediately.
Note: You must avoid wearing lenses for at least one night after each scheduled removal to give your eyes some break.
4. Disposable (Replacement Schedule) Contact Lenses
Last but not least, there are disposable contact lenses. As the name says, disposable contact lenses, also known as replacement schedules, are replaced or disposed off more frequently than any other type of lens.
More often than not, people who wear soft contact lenses are instructed to replace them more frequently than recommended.
The best thing about disposable lenses is that they are convenient to use. These lenses do not require any maintenance, like cleaning or disinfecting. Moreover, these lenses are convenient for traveling since they allow you to simply stock up on contact lenses that will last the entire trip.
5. Toric contact lenses
Patients who need cylindrical correction are typically prescribed toric lenses to correct their vision. These lenses are used to correct a variety of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Toric contact lenses have an extraordinarily high level of breathability, making them suitable for long wear without risk.
The focusing and refractive capabilities of toric lenses change depending on whether the lens is held in a vertical or horizontal configuration.
Conclusion
So, these are the top 5 types of contact lenses. It is recommended that you must first visit your eye specialist before buying contact lenses for yourself or your loved ones. Doctors or eye specialists are the right people to contact before making any choice. They can help you make the right choice.
Also, it is crucial to invest in high-quality contact lenses. If you're looking for a reputable laser eye centre in Delhi, then contact Plan My Lasik. We have a team of experts who can help you with the right treatment for your eye-related illnesses.