Types of Contact Lenses and Their Uses

Contact lenses are no less than medical devices that are worn on the cornea of the eyes to correct eye problems. Lenses are great alternatives to the eyeglasses, depending on your lifestyle ad your eyes. Over millions of people use lenses today, and if you too are soon joining the gang, then this blog would be a great help for you. Read more to know different types of contact lenses and their uses along with things you should remember.

Types of Contact Lenses

1. Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are durable and are not affected by the deposit build-up. They are clear and have a crisp vision. RGP lenses are even less expensive as compared to others. Also, they are easy to maintain and does not tear that easily. They might not be comfortable in the beginning, but once you get a hold of the lenses, you would be able to accommodate yourself accordingly.

Pros:

• They offer an excellent vision.
• RGP contact lenses have a short adaption period.
• They are comfortable to wear.
• It helps to correct vision problems.
• These are easy to put in the eyes and maintain as well.
• RGP has more shelf life.
• These are available for corneal refractive therapy and myopia (short distance site) control.

Cons:

• One has to wear RGP contact lenses regularly to adapt them with the eyes.
• They might slip off from the center of the eyes.
• The lens might pull debris.
• They require regular follow-up care.

2. Daily Wear Soft Lenses

Soft contact lenses are designed with flexible and soft plastic that allows the oxygen to pass through cornea. Also, they are comfortable to wear and easily adapts with the eyes. Some of the soft lenses are also made up of the silicon- hydrogels that provide oxygen to the eyes.

Pros:

• Daily wear soft lenses have a short adaption period.
• These are more comfortable as compared to the RGP contact lenses.
• Daily wear soft lenses are available in bifocals and tints as well.
• These are also available in premium lenses that do not need to be cleaned regularly.
• These are perfect for an active lifestyle.

Cons:

• Daily wear soft lenses do not correct most of the eye problems.
• They do not offer a sharp vision.
• These are not trendy, and you might have to replace them according to the on-going fashion.

3. Extended-Wear Eye Contact Lenses

If you are the one who has to work overnight for straight for long hours, then this the contact lens that you should go for. Ideally, these are a type of soft contact lanes only. Crafted with the premium quality plastic, extended-wear eye contact lenses allow the oxygen to pass through the cornea. Though these are made from the best quality materials, it’s always good to remove them from your eyes last before hitting the sack.

Pros:

• One can wear them for more than six days.
• Some of the extended wear eye lenses are FDA approved for 30 days.

Cons:

• Extended wear eye contact lenses are not ideal for many vision problems.
• If worn for a more extended period, they might increase the complication. One has regular monitor these types of lenses and seek for professional help.
• Quite expensive.

4. Extended-Wear Disposable Contact Lenses

Most of the people who wear soft contact lenses are prescribed with frequent replacement schedule. According to the FDA, it is suggested to dispose of the lenses and do not overuse them. With an ideal regular disposable schedule, you would have to use a brand new lens every day. However, with extended wear lenses, one can wear the glasses continuously for the prescribed times then throw them. While removing these lenses, clean them and disinfectant them properly before the next use.

Pros:

• Extended-wear disposable requires less or no cleaning.
• These types of lenses reduce eye infection if worn as guided.
• These are available in bifocals and tints as well.

Cons:

• They do not make the vision as sharp as the RGP contact lens does.
• These are not ideal for correcting most of the eye problems.
• Extended wear disposable contact lenses could be difficult to handle.

5. Planned Replacement Contact Lenses

Planned replacement contact lenses are soft daily wear lenses that have to replace on the planned schedule. So you would have to through them after the designated period, which could be a few weeks or months.

Pros:

• Easy to clean.
• Planned replacement contact lenses are right for eye health.
• These are available in most of the prescriptions.

Cons:

• These do not provide sharp vision like RGP lenses.
• Planned replacement lenses are suitable for all types of vision problems.
• These are difficult to handle.

Uses of Contact Lenses

The uses of contact lenses are similar to the eyeglasses since these are also used to correct eye problems. Lenses are used to correct the following eye problems:

• Myopia – Contact lens allows you to read and see things that are at a short distance.
• Hyperopia – They also help to see the object or read things from far sight.
• Astigmatism – Contact lenses can also correct the distorted vision.
• Presbyopia – Helps to see bifocal visuals.

Things to Remember for Contact Lenses

• Contact lenses require more follow-up visits to maintain the health of the eye.
• Lenses require more time to adapt to your eyes.
• Follow the lens wearing instructions and do not wear them for too long. Also, clean them regularly.
• In case you are wearing planned replacement or disposable lenses that do follow the schedule of throwing away the lenses.
• Always use a prescribed solution to clean the lens.

FAQs

Conclusion

Contact lenses are no less than bliss for people who do not like wearing eyeglasses. These may benefit from available in different types. They need regular care, and one should follow the proper instructions while using them.