Different Types of Contact Lenses

There are mainly two types of contact lenses – soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Since lenses are generally used for vision correction, they all require a valid prescription from an eye care practitioner or eye doctor.

Soft Contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastic that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft contact lenses are more comfortable to wear and get used to than hard contact lenses. Newer soft lens materials like silicone-hydrogels provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses are easier to handle, less likely to tear and are more cost-effective since they last longer than soft contact lenses. RGPs are more resistant to deposit and protein build-up and give a crisper vision. Their only drawback is that they are not as comfortable as soft contact lenses and make take a few days to get used to.

Within soft and rigid gas permeable lenses there are other types of lenses as well. These are extended wear and disposable contact lenses. Implanted contact leses is one of the contact leses.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are available for continuous wear ranging from one to six nights or up to 30 days. Typically soft contact lenses, these are made up of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. There are also some rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear.

Disposable Contact Lenses

Disposable contact lenses means that they are used once and then discarded. With a daily wear disposable schedule, a brand new pair of lenses is used each day. Some contact lenses have a frequent or planned replacement schedule. These can be worn for periods ranging from six days to thirty days after which they have to be disposed and replaced by a fresh pair.

There are specially designed contact lenses with ultra violet protection to help outdoor sportsmen and athletes like skiers and swimmers. Read more on Contact Lenses and UV protection for more information.

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