If you prefer not to wear eyeglasses at all times but require vision correction, contact lenses are a great option. Below, we’ll go over the main types of contact lenses you may encounter, including the pros, cons, and intended users for each one.
MAIN TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES
HARD LENSES
Hard contact lenses are not prescribed or used very often today, but they were the first type of contact lens to hit to the market and be widely used by those with impaired vision throughout the 50s and 60s, and into the 70s and 80s. Hard lenses initially became available in 1945 and were first made of hard glass. Later, they were made of
plexiglass.
SOFT LENSES
Soft lenses are the most common type of contact lens. These are made of thin, flexible materials and have a high water content (usually between 40 and 80 percent water) for proper hydration. Within this category, there are several different subtypes of lenses:
Daily Wear Lenses: Maximum wear-time for most daily wear lenses is 18 hours. Disposable soft lenses are usually meant for several-day wear or several-week wear (with each day of wear being 18 or fewer hours).
Dailies: Daily soft lenses are generally worn for 18 or fewer hours and then disposed of.
Extended Wear Lenses: These lenses can be worn during the night. While some patients prefer them because of their convenience, keep in mind there are some health concerns to worry about with these contacts, including chronic dry eye and a heightened risk of ulcerative keratitis.
OTHER LENSES
There are several other sub-categories of lenses as well. For example, toric lenses are used for those with astigmatism. They are cylindrical and use gravity to rotate the lens and correct a warped cornea. There are also bifocal and multifocal lenses for those with presbyopia who need two or more separate vision corrections. And finally, there are spherical contacts, which help those with presbyopia, hyperopia, and myopia.
INTERESTED IN CONTACT LENSES?
At Powers Eye Center, we would be happy to evaluate your vision to determine whether contact lenses are right for you. To book your appointment today, give us a call or use our online form to schedule your evaluation and fitting.