What Type Of Contact Lens Is Right For You?
There are many types of contacts available. While this is great for consumers, it can also be overwhelming for first time contact wearers to know where to start. The following are some different options available and the benefits of each.
Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
GP lenses transmit oxygen and are made of rigid, durable plastic. Although they are rigid, they are not what used to be called "hard contact lenses." Because oxygen can be transmitted through the lens, the user does not have to rely on tears to make it under the contact with each blink. These lenses often tend to provide sharper vision than soft contact lenses. These are also a good option if you have astigmatism.
Bifocal Contact Lenses
These lenses are designed for people who suffer from presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition that usually starts to occur around age 40 and causes blurred vision to objects that are up close. This type of contact lens comes both in soft and gas permeable form.
Soft Contact Lenses
One of the benefits of soft contact lenses is comfort. People generally feel comfortable wearing these lenses right away, whereas other lenses may take a few weeks for the wearer to get used to. This is also a good lens for people who only want to wear contacts occasionally, like to play sports. They don't have to be worn every day, whereas GP lenses usually need to be worn every day to maintain comfort.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses combine the benefit of gas permeable and soft contacts. The center is made of rigid gas permeable plastic which helps to make the vision more clear, while the outside is made of silicone hydrogel material, which provides the comfort of soft contact lenses.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
These are lenses that you can just throw away after each use. This means that you don't have to mess with cleaning solutions. This can be a good option for people who suffer from eye allergies, because irritants won't be able to stay on the lens.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses
These are lenses that you can actually sleep in. These are great for people who have a hard time remembering to take them out each night or like to vacation, since not carrying solution makes your luggage lighter. However, not everyone has eyes that can handle continuous wear, so daily contacts might be a better fit.
It is always a good idea to talk to your optometrist about the contact option that is right for your eyes. Talk to a centre like Campbell River Optometry Centre contacts to learn more.