Vision correction is more than just glasses or contacts (though it can also be both). Contacts aren’t a one-size-fits-all approach to vision care and navigating your options can feel overwhelming at first.
There are two main types of contacts, soft and hard contacts.
Soft lenses are made from flexible materials that conform to the shape of the eye, are easy to adapt to, and come in a range of prescriptions, wear options, and technologies.
Hard contacts are made from durable materials that hold their shape, providing clearer vision, but requiring a longer adjustment period. Their unique design makes them a great option for those who don’t find soft contacts comfortable or compatible with their ocular needs.
All About Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that sit directly on the eye’s surface over the cornea. Like glasses, these lenses help correct refractive errors by refocusing light directly on the retina, providing clear vision.
Unlike glasses, contacts are almost invisible as they sit comfortably directly on the eye’s surface. They offer a more natural field of vision as the contacts move comfortably with your eyes, with no obstructive view from eyeglass frames.
Their convenience and discreteness make them a popular option for vision correction among children and adults.
Types of Contact Lenses
Similar to how we see variety in eyeglass lenses, contact lenses also differ in their size, shape, and feel. This helps cater to personal preferences and vision needs.
There are two main types of contact lenses: soft and hard.
Soft lenses are made from soft, flexible plastics, making them a comfortable and popular choice among contact lens wearers.
On the other hand, hard contacts are made from durable materials that allow more oxygen to pass through the eye. While the benefits of hard contacts are great, they require more of an adaptation period than soft lenses.
With two options available, the key is finding a comfortable contact lens that provides sharp visual clarity and suits your lifestyle. Ultimately, the right contact lens enhances your quality of life.
A contact lens fitting with your optometrist helps confirm the right lens targets all of these factors by assessing the health of your eyes, prescription strength, and measuring your eye to find the right fit.
Regardless of the type of contact lens you wear, being meticulous in your lens care is key for maintaining good vision, comfort, and ocular health:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the lenses.
- Only clean the lenses with the recommended solution and follow the rub and rinse method.
- Store your lenses properly in a clean case filled with fresh solution and replace this container every three months.
- Always follow the prescribed wear schedule to prevent discomfort and the risk of infection.
- Always remove your contacts before sleeping or showering.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are made from flexible plastic materials that allow oxygen to easily pass through to the cornea and conform to the shape of the eye.
This unique combination of comfort, flexibility, and breathability makes them relatively easy to adapt, making them an attractive option for first-time contact lens wearers.
Their popularity and large demographic make them available in a range of prescriptions, including multifocal lenses for presbyopia and toric lenses for astigmatism. Soft contacts are available in daily disposables or extended wear options like bi-weekly or monthly replacement schedules.
The versatility of contact lens technology can offer features that include:
- Transition lenses: These adjust to changes in light conditions, darkening lenses in bright sunlight and returning to their clear default setting when light conditions are normal, protecting against UV rays.
- Blue light filtering lenses: These lenses filter out blue light emitted from digital devices to reduce eye strain associated with prolonged screen time.
- Moisture-rich lenses: These lenses use moisture-locking agents to retain water and provide all-day hydration to reduce dryness associated with lens wear.
Their versatility makes soft contact lenses a great lens option for most people, including:
- Those who are active as the lenses are less likely to dislodge during physical activity.
- First-time users because of their easy-to-use design and short adaptation period.
- People with various vision needs, like presbyopia or myopia control.
- Those who prefer the flexibility of daily disposable lens options.
Hard Contact Lenses
Hard contact lenses are made from durable plastics, allowing more oxygen to pass through the eye’s surface than soft contacts. They retain their shape when worn, and are custom-made to fit the shape of the eye. Although, they require a longer adjustment period.
When properly cared for, their durability allows them to last longer than soft contacts.
One of the reasons why hard contacts are unique is that they are a great option for people who require specific vision needs, such as those with high prescriptions, corneal irregularities like keratoconus, or those who don’t find soft contacts comfortable.
This is because hard contacts maintain their shape on the eye, which allows for shaper and more consistent vision correction.
Their unique design makes hard contact lenses a great option for those who:
- Experience severe dry eyes because hard lenses don’t absorb moisture from the eyes like soft lenses.
- Are more prone to eye infections because their durable material makes them less prone to absorbing protein and lipid deposits from their storage case.
- Require myopia control as specialized orthokeratology lenses gently reshape the eye’s corneal surface, aiming to prevent myopia progression.
While hard contacts can be more challenging for new users to adapt to because of the lens material and initial discomfort, new contact lens wearers can start by wearing these lenses.
New users should be prepared for the learning curve and inevitable adjustment period but, as long as they remain patient, they can enjoy the visual benefits and comfort of hard contacts.
Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting
With a versatile range of options catering to a wide demographic of patients, finding the lens suitable for your lifestyle and visual needs requires visiting your optometrist for a contact lens fitting.
Connect with our team at Total Vision Del Mar to schedule an appointment.
