Do you get tired of wearing glasses every day? Did you know that an estimated 45 million Americans wear contact lenses at least some of the time?
That’s right; there are more contact lens wearers now than ever before. The question is, why types of contact lenses are available, and how do you decide which ones are best for you?
We’re here to let you know about daily vs monthly contact lenses and everything in between.
Read on to learn more about the different types of contact lenses.
Table of Contents
Soft Contact Lenses vs Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
First, let’s talk about the difference between soft and “hard” contact lenses, the technical term for which is rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
Soft lenses are made of flexible, breathable plastics. Oftentimes, soft contact lenses are considered the more adjustable option because they are easier to shift into position on the eye. Many wearers find them to be the most comfortable option.
Rigid gas permeable contacts are made of harder materials than soft lenses and provide a few benefits like resistance to buildup and a clearer view. However, because they are made of a hard material, they often require an adjustment period. Some find that they can’t comfortably adjust to rigid gas permeable contacts at all.
Extended Wear vs Disposable Contact Lenses
As the name suggests, you can wear extended wear contacts for a longer period of time. Most of the time, that includes overnight wear, meaning that you can sleep in them without worrying. That said, your eyes may not tolerate constant wear.
You can wear many kinds of disposable contact lenses for several days at a time, but you must take them out at night. You can dispose of some brands each day and others at the end of a set period of time, such as two weeks or a month.
Additional Considerations
Even if you already have a contact lens prescription, consider a trip to someone like theeyepros.com to try contact lenses before purchasing them. Things like eye shape and overall eye moisture can determine which types of contact lenses are right for you.
For example, many people with astigmatism cannot wear rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Astigmatism impacts the shape of the eye, and soft contacts can better account for this difference.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor About the Best Types of Contact Lenses for You
Contact lenses are a popular choice for people with vision impairment who want a break from glasses. If you’re interested in learning more about the types of contact lenses, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. They can perform an eye exam, record your lens prescription, and offer advice about the types of contacts that would best suit your eyes.
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