Millions of people wear contact lenses. For many people, contacts are better than glasses for correcting refractive vision problems. Though generally comfortable and safe, contacts are not for everyone. Contact lenses cannot correct all problems.
There are more options today for choosing contacts than ever before. Rigid and soft options are available for extended wear, disposable wear, planned replacement, bifocal, and toric lenses.
RIGID GAS PERMEABLE LENSES have replaced the standard hard lenses and give better vision than soft lenses. They are the easiest to care for, durable, and are a low risk for causing infections.
DAILY WEAR SOFT LENSES are larger in size and easier to adjust to than rigid gas permeable lenses. These are hard to dislodge which makes them good for sports. Replacement is needed once a year.
EXTENDED WEAR LENSES are worn up to 7 days without cleaning or removal. There is an increased risk for infection when wearing these lenses. Replacement is needed once a year and they are available in rigid gas permeable or soft lenses.
DISPOSABLE SOFT LENSES may be worn up to 14 days when removed every night. Deposit buildup is minimal.
PLANNED REPLACEMENT SOFT LENSES are replaced every two weeks, monthly, or quarterly. Vision is not as sharp with these as with rigid gas permeable lenses.
BIFOCAL LENSES provide several vision choices. Monovision (one lens for distance, one for near) is the simplest one and is available in rigid gas permeable or soft lenses.
TORIC LENSES correct astigmatism problems and are available in rigid gas permeable or soft lenses.
No matter how good the fit, at times it can be difficult to wear contact lenses. Your eyes can become uncomfortable in very dry weather, around tobacco smoke, aerosol sprays, or other allergens. Some women have eye discomfort during pregnancy, menstruation, or when taking birth control pills.
Article #4519
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