Contact lenses are an option for many people who need vision correction but do not wish to wear glasses. Typically, eye care professionals will provide patients with a copy of the prescription required to purchase lenses through retail vendors, online, by phone or through the mail. Understanding the different types of lenses available will help with determining the best fit.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are durable and resist the buildup of deposits over time. They are made of a plastic that is slightly flexible and allows air to flow through to the eyes. They are comfortable, have a short period of adaptation, have a long life and come in tints and bifocals. According to the American Optometrics Association, they tend to shift more easily than other contacts. Also, dirt may get under the lenses.
Soft Lenses
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), soft contact lenses are made of a flexible plastic that allows air to pass to the eye. Some people may find these more comfortable than rigid lenses. Soft lenses require a very short period of time for the eyes to adjust. It is important to note that these lenses will not be appropriate for all vision problems. They acquire buildup easily and require regular follow-up appointments. Tinted lenses and bifocals are available.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear contact lenses are made of soft plastic and may be worn continuously from six to 30 days, depending on the lenses. According to the FDA, the eyes should have a resting period of at least one night after each removal of the lenses. These lenses are not appropriate for all vision problems. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary for care. Also, extended wear contact lenses have and increased risk of complications, such as eye infections.
Disposable Contact Lenses
The FDA defines disposable contact lenses as lenses that are used once and thrown away. However, some daily wear lenses can be used for a period of time longer than one day, such as two weeks, a month or three months. At night they are taken out before going to bed, cleaned and disinfected. The American Optometric Association lists these lenses as being good for eye health. They should be handled with care to prevent damage to the lenses.
Decorative Contact Lenses
Decorative contact lenses are used to change the appearance of a person's eyes. They are also known as non-corrective lenses. People may use decorative contacts to temporarily change their eye color or give their eyes an effect, such as flames, black-out, white-out or cat's eyes. These contact lenses carry the same risks as other types of contacts, including eye infections. The FDA warns that it can be dangerous to purchase contact lenses without a prescription.
