Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to wear eyeglasses full time and for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle without impairing performance. That’s because contacts naturally move with you, which is one main advantage to wearing them. Like eyeglasses, contact lenses help to correct refractive errors and perform this function by adding or subtracting focusing power to the eye’s cornea and lens. For people with vision problems, contacts remain an effective, almost invisible tool. The thin lens is designed to fit over your cornea (the clear front of your eye) to correct vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Even if you have presbyopia, need bifocals or have dry eyes you can wear contact lenses.

There are two general categories of contact lenses, soft and RGP (rigid gas permeable). For anyone considering wearing contact lenses for the very first time, make sure you get a contact lens exam. Typically a routine eye exam does not include a contact lens fitting, and therefore you will not be given a contact lens prescription at the end of a routine eye exam. The first choice when considering contact lenses is which lens will best suit your needs and lifestyle. With in mind, we offer some more insight on contact lenses.

Types of Contact Lenses

Contacts lens materials range from soft to hard, and there are specialized ones that range from tinted UV protected to hybrid lenses. For those who like to stay active, soft contact lenses are the more favorable type. That’s because these lenses are very thin and pliable and conform to the front surface of the eye. Contacts can enhance sports performance in many ways, such as providing a wider field of view than eyeglasses. Hard contacts are traditionally more breathable than soft contacts.

People sometimes mistakenly infer that a soft contact lens will be comfortable and an RGP contact lens will not. However, both soft and hard lenses (RGP lenses) provide long-term comfort. The main difference between the two types of material, is the initial comfort. While soft contact lenses provide instant comfort, RGP lenses require a brief adaptation period. This is not due to the material, but instead the size of the lens. Think of it like getting a new pair of shoes, once you break them in, RGP lenses are just as comfortable as soft contacts. Many types of contact lenses are available. The type of contacts you use depends on your particular situation. 

Disposable Contact Lenses

Designed to be worn for a short time, disposable contacts are great for people with allergies and those who are concerned about getting eye infections from the build-up of bacteria and dirt under the lens. Disposable contacts require minimal cleaning and disinfection before being discarded. The more frequently you replace your lenses, the healthier and more comfortable your eyes can be. For this reason daily disposable contacts are recommended. Because this type of lens is disposed of daily there is no day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits, and thus no lens cleaning is required.

Colored Contact Lenses

From subtle to bold or anywhere in between, colored contacts will allow you to create a whole new look. The contact lens color that will suit you best depends on many things, such as your hair color and skin tone. But, ultimately, it depends on the kind of look you want to achieve. It’s a fun little accessory one can use depending on their mood. You can get them as daily wear, extended wear, and toric lenses. 

Move Freely With Contact Lenses

Whatever your vision challenge is, it can most likely be met with an array of specialty contacts customized for your individual vision needs. Contacts will allow you to do all the things you love without the hassle of worrying about your glasses. Today there are more comfortable and healthy contact lens choices than ever before. Contact at (805) 522-7007 today to book an eye exam, or learn more about your options.