DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES?

Contact lenses function as medical devices that necessitate a prescription from an Optometrist. The eyes are incredibly vital, and fragile contact lenses should not be treated as fashion statements or cosmetics, as non-prescription contact lenses can lead to cuts, open wounds, and potentially severe eye infections that could result in blindness. Along with experiencing intense pain in some scenarios, it could lead to vision loss.  In this blog post we will be discussing types of contact lenses.

TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES

Interested in using contact lenses for vision correction?
It may interest them to know that there is a wide range of contact lenses available, With the assistance of an Optometrist, you can determine which type suits you best. However, we aim to keep you informed. Therefore the four primary considerations you should keep in mind while choosing contact lenses are:  Lens material, Special features, Wear schedule, and Replacement schedule. Ensure that your contact lenses are safe and approved by the FDA.

Highlighted below are the types of contact lenses with these four considerations.
1. Soft Contact Lenses: Constructed from pliable plastic, these lenses provide comfort and are available in various styles, including daily disposables and monthly replacements.
2. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Sturdier than soft lenses, RGP lenses permit oxygen to flow through, supporting eye health. They are frequently used for astigmatism or presbyopia correction.
3. Hybrid Contact Lenses: Merging the comfort of soft lenses with the visual clarity of RGP lenses, hybrid options present a combination of both benefits.
4. Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: Created to be worn for a single day and then thrown away. In essence, they require you to use a fresh pair each day. You insert a new pair in the morning, wear them throughout the day, and remove them before bedtime. After removal, the contacts should be discarded.   Daily disposables should never be reused, as this can result in eye irritation or infections. This schedule is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies, as these lenses offer convenience and minimize the likelihood of eye infections, dry eye disease, and irritation caused by contact lens solutions.

5. Toric Contact Lenses: Specifically designed for individuals with astigmatism, toric lenses correct uneven corneal shapes.
6. Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses enhance both near and distance vision simultaneously. They are especially suited for individuals with nearsightedness and age-related farsightedness (presbyopia). Each lens contains multiple prescriptions (powers) to correct vision across various distances (for vision at near, intermediate, and far distances).
7. Scleral Contact Lenses:  Scleral lenses belong to the category of RGP lenses, distinguished by their larger size. Unlike standard RGP lenses, scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. There is a small space between the lens and your cornea, allowing your eye to remain lubricated. Scleral lenses are recommended for those suffering from dry eye disease and various corneal conditions.
8. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses: These specialized hard lenses are worn exclusively at night. They alter the shape of your cornea to address vision issues, primarily nearsightedness. Wearing Ortho-K lenses at night can improve vision for most or all of the following day. Your provider will determine the frequency of use to cater to your vision needs.
9. Cosmetic (Decorative) Contact Lenses: Cosmetic lenses are purely for aesthetics (beautification). Cosmetic lenses change eye color or mimic the eyes of animals or other creatures. Although they can be enjoyable, they can alter the appearance of your eyes, so it is crucial to understand the associated risks. All cosmetic lenses necessitate a prescription, even if they do not affect your vision. They also require appropriate care and handling. Interested in decorative contact lenses? Consult an Optometrist.
10: Daily wear contact lenses: are to be used during the day and should be removed at night. Instead of discarding them, you clean and store them overnight and use the same lenses for up to 30 days. Sleeping in daily wear contacts is not advised unless the contacts are labeled explicitly for extended wear, as it increases the risk of eye infections. Based on your replacement schedule, you will either discard the contacts at night or clean and store them according to your optometrist’s instructions for reuse the following day.
11. Extended-wear contacts can be worn during the day and while sleeping. You can keep them in continuously for up to 30 days with proper maintenance. The specific duration varies based on individual factors and the type of lens. Your optometrist will assess your eyes to determine how long you can safely wear them. After each scheduled removal, it is recommended to sleep at least one night without lenses to allow your eyes to rest. Extended-wear contacts might increase your risk of eye infections; therefore, it is crucial to discuss any potential risks with your optometrist.

If you intend to wear contact lenses, consult an optometrist at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako, Abuja.

TREVEC CARES!!!