Contact lenses are often preferred by people who have a vision problem and want to correct it without wearing eyeglasses or undergoing laser surgery. Contact lenses save you from the hassles of wearing heavy glasses at a stretch. There are so many types of lenses out there, and you have to choose the one that best suits your purpose and preferences. Types of lenses vary upon the types of materials they are made of or the duration they can be worn.
How Contact Lenses Vary In Terms Of Material:
Depending on the type of material the contact lenses are made up of, they are categorized as follows:
Soft lenses: These lenses are made up of hydrogels which are gel-like plastics that contain water inside. They are very flexible and thin and quickly adapt to the front part of your eye. That is why they the most common types of lenses preferred by lens users. Hydrogels also provide oxygen to the eyes to make wearing them even easier.
Hard lenses: These lenses are often made up of hard plastic that firmly hold their shape without restricting the flow of oxygen to the eye. Also known as RGP or rigid gas-permeable lenses, they are often prescribed to patients with keratoconus or astigmatism. They provide sharper vision as compared to soft lenses. However, these contact lenses are harder to wear and to adapt to.
Hybrid lenses: These lenses are a mixture of soft and hard lenses. They have RGP plastic in the center and silicone hydrogels on the edges. They are designed to deliver extreme comfort to the user while wearing along with crystal clear vision. However, these are expensive than its counterparts, because of which they are not so popular in the market.
How Contact Lenses Vary In Terms Of Duration They Can Be Worn:
There are differences in the time durations until which you can wear certain lenses. Depending on that, they are categorized as follows:
Daily disposables: These contact lenses can be worn for a day and thrown away by night. You don’t need any lens solution to wear or wash them, and you don’t need to take extensive care for them or for their hygiene. If you are too lazy to clean and maintain your lenses,, these ones are for you. These are particularly good for the people who don’t wear lenses regularly, but only occasionally. Athletes prefer them because they can wear them easily while on the field. They are also preferred by those who have allergies to substances that may get accumulated on the lenses.
2-weekly disposables: These contact lenses can be worn every day for 2 weeks and then can be disposed of. You need to clean them daily and store them overnight. For this, a compatible lens solution would be required. These lenses are good for people who don’t have much time to spare to care about their lenses. These turn out to be cheaper than daily disposables.
Monthly disposables: These are similar to 2-weekly disposables, but they can be worn for one month. They are good for those who want to wear them 5-6 times a week and then throw them after a month.
Extended wear lenses: Made up of silicone hydrogels, they provide sufficient oxygen to your eyes and stay exceptionally comfortable and breathable. You can continuously wear them for as long as one month without removing them even during nights or while taking a shower.
Even with proper care, contact lenses should be replaced periodically to prevent the lens deposits from building up. The deposits can lead to contamination and eventually eye-infections. Before you take the plunge, visit an eye specialist to know whether you will need a lens or which one will be suitable for you.
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