What kind of contact lenses should i get

Because they are permeable to oxygen, GP lenses can be fit closer to the eye than PMMA lenses, making them more comfortable than conventional hard lenses. Since their introduction in , gas permeable contact lenses have essentially replaced nonporous PMMA contact lenses.

GP contacts often provide sharper vision than soft and silicone hydrogel contacts — especially if you have astigmatism.

It usually takes some time for your eyes to adjust to gas permeable lenses when you first start wearing them, but after this initial adaptation period, most people find GP lenses are as comfortable as hydrogel lenses.

Hybrid contact lenses are designed to provide wearing comfort that rivals soft or silicone hydrogel lenses, combined with the crystal-clear optics of gas permeable lenses. Hybrid lenses have a rigid gas permeable central zone, surrounded by a "skirt" of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material. Despite these features, only a small percentage of people in the U. PMMA lenses are made from a transparent rigid plastic material called polymethyl methacrylate PMMA , which also is used as a substitute for glass in shatterproof windows and is sold under the trademarks Lucite, Perspex and Plexiglas.

PMMA lenses have excellent optics, but they do not transmit oxygen to the eye and can be difficult to adapt to. These now old-fashioned "hard contacts" have virtually been replaced by GP lenses and are rarely prescribed today. In , 64 percent of contact lenses prescribed in the U.

Until , everyone who wore contact lenses removed and cleaned them nightly. The introduction of " extended wear " enabled wearers to sleep in their contacts. Now, two types of lenses are classified by wearing time:. Extended wear — can be worn overnight, usually for seven days consecutively without removal. Even with proper care, contact lenses especially soft contacts should be replaced frequently to prevent the build-up of lens deposits and contamination that increase the risk of eye infections.

Soft lenses have these general classifications, based on how frequently they should be discarded:. Lens Replacement Frequency. Gas permeable contact lenses are more resistant to lens deposits and don't need to be discarded as frequently as soft lenses. Often, GP lenses can last a year or longer before they need to be replaced.

The most frequently prescribed contact lens replacement schedule in the U. Soft contact lenses both standard hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses are available in a variety of designs, depending on their intended purpose:. Soft contact lens designs. Spherical contact lenses have the same lens power throughout the entire optical part of the lens to correct myopia nearsightedness or hyperopia farsightedness. Toric soft contact lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Multifocal contact lenses including bifocal contacts contain different power zones for near and far vision to correct presbyopia as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Lenses also available to wear from one to 30 days. Soft daily-wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.

The prescription shows that the contact lenses were fit by a qualified eye care professional. There are several problems potentially associated with wearing decorative i.

If they are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate lens care instructions, fitting, and follow-up care, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision. There are numerous reports detailing infections resulting in significant vision loss in individuals using cosmetic contact lenses obtained from improper sources without medical supervision. Not at this time; however, prototype contact lenses for sustained drug release are being investigated and may be available in the near future.

Every doctor of optometry individually determines his or her fees for services. There are a number of factors that may go into determining the initial cost of contact lenses, and these may include the professional services necessary to provide the best lens selection and a good start toward safe, successful wear.

If you are considering contacts, be aware that some of the services and materials that might be included in the initial cost are:. If you already wear lenses and need replacements, or if you want a spare pair, the total cost might include the actual cost of the lenses plus the fee the doctor might charge for his or her professional time. Again, every doctor of optometry individually determines his or her fees, and there is no formula or standard fee for contacts or professional services.

It is certainly important to check out costs when considering contacts, but cost is just one factor in making your decision. All types of lenses are not the same.

It is important for you to get the lenses that are healthiest for you and the professional services and follow-up care to help you wear your lenses successfully. Visual Acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision. Safe contact lenses use provides an effective form of vision correction. Contact lenses prescribed by a licensed doctor of optometry are worn safely and comfortably by millions of people worldwide and have a long history of providing wearers with a safe and effective form of vision correction.

Your environment can heavily impact your contact lenses and eyes. Learn more about about your environment's effect on your contact lenses. Forgot username or password? You do not have access to this content. Join the AOA today! Vision and Vision Correction. There are many types of contact lenses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To determine what type of lens you need, visit your eye doctor. He or she will direct you to the lenses that can help you see the best.

Not all contact lenses are clear. Some come with colors, either to help you locate your lenses more easily or to provide an effect. Colored lenses can help enhance or transform the color of your eyes. Some can even change the look of naturally dark eyes. Colored lenses can also provide special effects, such as cat eyes.

While these are great for Halloween or theatrical performances, you'll still need a fitting and prescription. While choosing contact lenses, you will find that prices vary based on many factors.

Lens type, brand, length of wear and effects will all come with different costs. It's good to get an idea of contact lens costs before you get started. Prepare yourself by researching lenses and calculating what they would cost you to wear. Take into consideration how many days you can wear a pair of lenses. Some prices will be higher because of brand names. If you need budget-friendly options, talk to your doctor to find less expensive brands. Always see your doctor before buying contacts.

Although you can wear them just for fun, contact lenses are medical devices and need prescriptions. Overnight Ortho-K lenses are commonly prescribed to be worn while sleeping for at least eight hours each night. They are removed upon awakening and not worn during the day. Some people can go all day without their glasses or contact lenses. Others will find that their vision correction will wear off during the day.

The vision correction effect is temporary. If Ortho-K is discontinued, the corneas will return to their original curvature and the eye to its original amount of nearsightedness.

Ortho-K lenses must continue to be worn every night or on some other prescribed maintenance schedule in order to maintain the treatment effect. Your eye care professional will determine the best maintenance schedule for you.