Contact Lenses

Contact lenses, whether soft or gas permeable, can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and/or astigmatism. About 20% of Americans who need corrective lenses opt to wear contact lenses.

The two main types of contact lenses are soft and gas permeable. Soft lenses, the more popular type of lens, are made from gel-like, water-containing plastics; they are a little larger in diameter than your iris, the colored part of your eye. Gas permeable lenses, also known as RGP or oxygen permeable lenses, are made from rigid, waterless plastics and are especially suited to correct presbyopia (aging eyes) and high levels of astigmatism. These lenses are usually slightly smaller than the iris. During your eye exam, you and your eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will determine the best form of contact lens for your particular eyes and lifestyle.

Specific Type of Contact Lenses

• Bifocal contact lenses provide clear vision at varying distances
• Colored contact lenses can make your blue eyes bluer or change your eye color from hazel to green
• Custom contact lenses may correct your vision with a comfortable fit even when other lenses cannot
• Disposable contact lenses let you dispense with tedious cleaning protocols
• Extended-Wear contact lenses let you nap or even sleep overnight while wearing your lenses; a practice not recommended with other lenses
• Gas permeable lenses, also known as RGP or oxygen permeable lenses allow the ultimate in crisp vision
• Monovision lenses are when you wear one lens for far vision and the other for near vision. Some people adapt to this while others do not.
• Orthokeratology lenses are worn each night while sleeping. These special lenses enable some people who are near sighted to go without any corrective eyewear during the day
• Prosthetic contact lenses hide disfigurements of your eyes
• Silicone hydrogel contacts allow more oxygen to get to your eyes, making them for comfortable for prolonged wear
• Special-Effect contact lenses add panache to any costume, letting you become a werewolf or lioness
• Toric contact lenses improve your vision if you have astigmatism

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