Advantages and disadvantages of various types

Brought to you by the American Optometric Association:

Lens Types Advantages Disadvantages
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP)

Made of slightly flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes.

Excellent vision … short adaptation period … comfortable to wear … correct most vision problems … easy to put on and to care for … durable with a relatively long life…available in tints (for handling purposes) and bifocals. Require consistent wear to maintain adaptation … can slip off center of eye more easily than other types … debris can easily get under the lenses … requires office visits for follow-up care.
Daily-wear soft lenses

Made of soft, flexible plastic that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes.

Very short adaptation period … more comfortable and more difficult to dislodge than RGP lenses … available in tints and bifocals … great for active lifestyles. Do not correct all vision problems … vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses … require regular office visits for follow-up care … lenses soil easily and must be replaced.
Extended-wear

Available for overnight wear in soft or RGP lenses.

Can usually be worn up to seven days without removal Do not correct all vision problems … require regular office visits for follow-up care … increases risk of complication … requires regular monitoring and professional care.
Extended-wear disposable

Soft lenses worn for an extended period of time, from one to six days and then discarded.

Require little or no cleaning … minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are followed … available in tints and bifocals … spare lenses available. Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses … do not correct all vision problems … handling may be more difficult.
Planned replacement

Soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.

Require simplified cleaning and disinfection … good for eye health … available in most prescriptions.  Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses … do not correct all vision problems … handling may be more difficult.

Reasons To Consider Contact Lenses

  • Contact lenses move with your eye, allow a natural field of view, have no frames to obstruct your vision and greatly reduce distortions.
  • They do not fog up, like glasses, nor do they get splattered by mud or rain.
  • Contact lenses do not get in the way of your activities.
  • Many people feel they look better in contact lenses.
  • Contact lenses, compared to eyeglasses, generally offer better sight.

Some Things To Remember About Contact Lenses

  • Contact lenses, when compared with glasses, require a longer initial examination andmore follow-up visits to maintain eye health; and more time for lens care.
  • If you are going to wear your lenses successfully, you will have to clean and store them properly; adhere to lens wearing schedules; and make appointments for follow-up care.
  • If you are wearing disposable or planned replacement lenses, you will have tocarefully follow the schedule for throwing away used lenses.

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