Getting tired of your glasses or just want the option to go without them? It may be time to talk to your optometrist about fitting you for some contact lenses. Contact lenses are corrective lenses that you wear by placing it directly on the surface of your eye. They’re safe and healthy when used and cared for properly. They don’t fog up, get rained on, or limit your peripheral vision like glasses do. There are a variety of contact lenses available now and each has its own benefits.
First there are Rigid gas-permeable contacts (RGP), which are often simply referred to as “hard contacts”. They’re easy to care for and durable, so they last pretty long. The disadvantages of RGPs are the adaptation time (you need to wear them consistently to stay adapted), debris can easily get under the lenses, and they may slip off of your eyes easier than other types.
There are also soft lenses. They’re made of a more flexible plastic, and are more comfortable than RGPs. You can get them in a variety of tints, and they have a short adaptation time. Soft lenses do not last as long as RGPs and must be replaced.
Extended wear contacts are available in both hard and soft forms. Extended wear lenses are for people that may be forgetful in taking out their lenses at night, or just don’t want to. They can usually be worn up to a week without removal. You may need to use a rewetting solution regularly, since sleeping in contacts can cause your eyes to be dry. You can also get extended-wear disposable contacts, which are worn for up to a week then discarded. The main benefit of those is the minimal maintenance they require.
Finally there are planned replacement lenses, which are soft lenses that are on a planned replacement schedule whether it is daily, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly. They are relatively easy to care for and they’re good for eye health.
Wearing contacts lenses is easy, but it does require a little more work than simply putting on a pair of glasses. They require a special prescription and fitting by your optometrist, and you have to be sure you adhere to the care instructions for cleaning, storing, and disposal.
If you have questions or want to try wearing contacts schedule an appointment with your optometrist. They can help you decide which type of contacts is best for you.
For more information on eyeglasses and vision please visit our website: Simon Eye Associates