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All About Contact Lenses

There are many types, and even sizes, of contact lenses to choose from today. There are rigid gas permeable contact lenses (including larger “scleral” lenses) and soft contact lenses, daily disposable and monthly(including extended wear) disposable contact lenses, and a number of other variations for just about anyone with any need. The type of contact lens you wear depends on your personal needs and taste. There are also great contact lens options for those with keratoconus or other types of eye conditions that traditionally have ruled out contact lens wear in the past. Choosing the right type of contact lenses for you can be difficult, so being informed about your various options is extremely important. Below, Dr. Convertino of iCare Solutions in Fort Myers, Florida outlines some general information about common contact lens options.

 

 

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

  • Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses have been linked to a slowing of the development of nearsightedness in both childhood and adult contact lens wearers.
  • These lenses are known to give sharper vision than soft contact lenses, and provide better oxygen flow and hydration to the eyes. This reduces dryness and the occurrence of contact lens related eye infection.
  • For those with eye conditions that cause the cornea to become misshapen, such as in keratoconus, rigid gas permeable lenses are an excellent option, since they do an excellent job of providing a proper dome-shaped surface through which light can be focused correctly to the back of the eye.

 

 

Soft Contact Lenses

  • Soft Contact Lenses generally stay in place better than rigid gas permeable lenses.
  • These lenses are generally considered to be more comfortable from the first wear and are much easier to adjust to than rigid gas permeable lenses.
  • They also allow for more contact lens options such as daily disposable or extended wear contact lenses:
    • Daily disposable contact lenses are easier to take care of than other types of contact lenses that are worn for longer periods of time, since there is no need to store them or clean them. You simply throw away your contacts at the end of each day, and put in a brand new pair at the beginning of the next day. This is better for eye health, since there is never time for your contact lenses to collect harmful bacteria and calcium deposits that can cause infection and other eye conditions.
    • Monthly contact lenses require a bit more upkeep but are generally more durable and are in some cases more comfortable than daily disposable contacts. They are also much less expensive than daily disposables.

 

Specialty Contact Lenses

  • Those who choose rigid gas permeable lenses, but are having difficulty with comfort, should speak to their doctor about scleral lenses, which are created slightly larger than traditional lenses, and vault over the cornea in order to rest comfortably on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.
  • Those with presbyopia, and have traditionally had to rely on bi- or tri-focals to see effectively, now have both soft and rigid gas permeable multi-focal contact lenses to choose from. These lenses come in a number of different designs. Speak to your eye doctor to see which designs is best for you.

 

For more information, and to see if contact lenses are right for you, contact Dr. Convertino today.

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