Contact lenses offer flexible and comfortable vision correction, allowing you to live freely without glasses. With various types available—from soft to specialty lenses—there's a perfect fit for everyone. Explore your options today through practices listed with Specialty Vision!
Contact lenses are a popular and effective way to correct vision, offering clear sight without the constraints of glasses. With advances in lens technology, nearly everyone can find a comfortable, safe, and healthy solution that fits their lifestyle and eye needs. Understanding your options will help you feel confident in choosing the right lenses for your long-term eye health and comfort.
Contact lenses are made from different materials that influence comfort, breathability, and durability. A professional fitting ensures you get the right material for your specific eye health, daily activities, and personal preference.
Made from flexible, water-containing plastics called hydrogels, soft lenses conform to the surface of your eye and feel comfortable right away. They are the most popular type of lens because they allow oxygen to reach the cornea, reducing dryness. Ideal for active lifestyles, they move with your eye and rarely fall out during sports or other activities.
RGP lenses are made from a firm, durable plastic that allows more oxygen to pass through to the eye than traditional soft lenses. They provide exceptionally sharp, crisp vision and are an excellent choice for correcting high astigmatism or conditions like keratoconus. While they require a brief adaptation period, their durability and resistance to deposit buildup make them a cost-effective option over time.
These advanced soft lenses combine the comfort of hydrogels with the high oxygen permeability of silicone. They allow up to five times more oxygen to reach your cornea compared to regular soft lenses, which helps keep your eyes white and healthy. This makes them a great option for people who experience dryness or wear their lenses for long hours.
These specialty lenses are designed for situations where standard lenses may not work.
The schedule for wearing and replacing your lenses impacts convenience, eye safety, and cost. Choosing the right schedule helps prevent infections and keeps your vision sharp while fitting your budget and lifestyle.
Daily disposables are designed for a single use and are thrown away at the end of the day. This makes them the most convenient and hygienic option, as there is no cleaning or storage required. They are an ideal choice for people with allergies, busy schedules, or for those who wear contacts only occasionally.
These lenses are worn daily and replaced every one to four weeks, offering a great balance of cost and convenience. They must be removed, cleaned, and stored properly each night using a disinfecting solution. With good maintenance, they provide comfortable and safe vision for regular wearers.
Extended wear lenses are made from highly breathable materials approved for continuous wear, even overnight, for up to seven days or in some cases 30 days. This can be convenient for shift workers or those with unpredictable schedules. However, sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections, so not everyone is a candidate and close monitoring by your eye doctor is essential.
Specialty lenses provide tailored solutions for specific vision issues, complex prescriptions, or eye conditions that standard lenses cannot adequately address.
Toric lenses have a special shape to correct astigmatism, a condition where an irregular curve in the eye causes blurry vision at all distances. They are designed with weighted areas to keep them from rotating on the eye, ensuring your vision remains stable and clear. A precise fitting is essential to get the best results.
Multifocal lenses help people with presbyopia, the common age-related loss of near vision. They contain multiple prescription zones—much like progressive eyeglass lenses—to provide clear sight at all distances, from near to far. This allows you to reduce or eliminate your dependency on reading glasses.
Colored lenses can enhance or completely change your natural eye color, and are available with or without vision correction. Even if you don't need vision correction, colored lenses are considered medical devices and require a proper fitting and prescription from an eye doctor. Never buy lenses from an unlicensed source, as poorly fitting lenses can cause serious eye damage.
Also known as corneal reshaping lenses, Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas permeable lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, they gently and temporarily reshape your cornea to correct nearsightedness. The lenses are removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. They are also a leading option for controlling myopia (nearsightedness) progression in children.
Proper care is essential for safe and comfortable contact lens wear. Following good hygiene habits is the single most important way to prevent eye infections and other complications.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Use only the cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor, and gently rub the lens with solution to remove deposits, even if using a "no-rub" formula. Always store your lenses in a clean case with fresh solution, and replace your lens case at least every three months.
Never use tap water, distilled water, saliva, or homemade saline to clean or store your lenses, as these can contain harmful microorganisms. Do not swim, shower, or use a hot tub while wearing contacts. Never put lenses in your mouth to wet them, and don't ignore discomfort—if your eyes are red or irritated, remove your lenses immediately.
Take your lenses out immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If symptoms persist after removing your lenses, contact your eye doctor.
Your journey to successful contact lens wear begins with a professional fitting and training. Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for a smooth transition and the best possible experience.
A contact lens fitting is different from a regular eye exam. Your eye doctor will take specific measurements of your cornea's curve and size to find lenses that fit properly. They will also evaluate your tear film and discuss your lifestyle needs to determine the best lens type for you. The fitting includes training on how to safely insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
It's normal to be aware of the lenses in your eyes for the first few days. Your vision might fluctuate slightly as you get used to them, and your eyes may produce more tears than usual. Most people adapt quickly and can wear their lenses comfortably all day within a week or two. Be patient and follow your doctor's recommended wearing schedule.
The total cost of contact lenses includes the initial fitting fee, the lenses themselves, cleaning solutions, and your annual eye exam. Many vision insurance plans offer an allowance that can be applied toward contact lens fittings and materials. Our staff can help you understand your benefits and find any available rebates to make your lenses more affordable.
Ready to find the perfect contact lenses for your vision needs? Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision today for personalized recommendations and expert guidance.
The best contact lens choice comes from a professional eye exam tailored to your individual needs. With proper care, good habits, and regular check-ups with your eye doctor, contact lenses can safely enhance your vision and your life for many years to come.
Ready to find the perfect contact lenses for your vision needs? Contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision today for personalized recommendations and expert guidance.
Find out about the different types of contact lenses available including soft, RGP, and specialty lenses to suit your vision needs.
