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Lenses 101

Contact Lens Information

FIND YOUR WAY TO THE PERFECT TYPE OF CONTACTS

Some people love the accessory value of prescription eyeglasses and others prefer the no-glasses look of contact lenses. It all comes down to comfort, lifestyle, and choice. Have you thought about giving contacts a try, but you just don't know where to start? Read on to learn contact lenses information and the best type of contacts that'll work for you.

3 Reasons to Love Contacts

1. Better, more natural eyesight than wearing eyeglasses
2. Safer for performance sports and physical activites
3. Cooler in hot, humid climates with no chance of getting fogged up

Contact Lenses 101

Contacts are thin lenses that float over the front of the eye. Like prescription glasses, contacts are worn to correct vision, though some people wear colored contacts to boost or change eye color, too. They're worn to correct vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. There are many different types of contact lenses to choose from depending on your vision needs, lifestyle, and personal habits. Over 30 million Americans wear contact lenses.

Over 30 million Americans wear contact lenses.

Contact Lenses History Over Time

The initial concept was first imagined by Leonardo da Vinci

1508

Plastic contact lenses debut

1939

Soft contacts are launched

1971

FDA approves soft contacts for extended (overnight) wear

1981

Disposable contacts debut

1987

1887

The first glass contact lens, which covered the entire eye, was manufactured

1948

The modern contact lens is born; covers just the cornea

1978

GP (rigid gas permeable) first called hard contacts that are custom-fit to the eyes for better comfort and health

1986

Overnight GP contacts become available

1996

Introduction of daily disposables change everything

What About Disposable Contact Lenses?

Disposable contacts are super convenient and come in daily, weekly, and monthly wear options. If you're looking for super low maintenance, then daily disposables contact lenses are a breeze. Wear them once and throw them away. Because you get a new pair every day, daily disposables are simple, safe, and hygienic. You don't even need to carry solution and a case.

Not sure about dailies? Or even disposables? No worries. Take a look at the chart below to see what combination of contact lens material and wear time sounds right for your vision needs and lifestyle. There's one that'll be perfect for you.

Types of Contact Lenses

Soft Contacts

Made from flexible plastic
Prescribed for all vision needs
including astigmastism, multi-focal
Easy for first-timers
Flexbile and comforable
Stay in place

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP or GP) Contacts

Made from firmer waterless plastic
Sharper vision especially for
high refractive errors, presbyopia
Can take longer to get used to
More durable
Can slip off center of eye

Hybrid Contacts

A gas-permeable center surrounded
by a soft outer ring
Crisp vision of a rigid lens with
the comfort of a soft lens

Wear Times

Daily Wear - must be removed nightly
Extended Wear - can be worn overnight for up to 7 consecutive days
Continuous Wear - can be worn for up to 30 consecutive days

Contact Lenses Can Fit Any Lifestyle

Contact lenses can make life better for teenagers, athletes, and adults with multi-vision needs. For teens, they're a confidence booster. For athletes, contacts plus safety glasses are safer than regular eyeglasses. For adults over 50 who need readers for presbyopia, multifocal contacts can be a game changer. Most anyone can wear contacts, but there are a few things to consider. Do you have a special eye condition? Many eye conditions, including astigmatism or presbyopia, can be addressed with contacts. But glasses may be a better choice if you have special medical conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Respiratory issues may also make it harder to wear contact lenses. If you are thinking about contacts, your optometrist can talk through any considerations and information.

Saying Yes To Contacts

Getting contact lenses starts with a contact lens exam, it's a different kind of prescription than your eyeglasses. Your doctor will find a lens with exactly the right amount of curve, thickness, and diameter to correct your unique vision needs. Then the lens will be fit to make sure it's perfectly aligned to your eye.

Don't forget to keep your prescription eyeglasses up-to-date so you'll always have a back-up. And contacts don't protect your eyes against sun damage, so remember to always pack sunglasses. If contact lenses sound like a good option, schedule an eye exam to find out which ones will work for you.

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ContactLenses.org
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