Switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses could seem daunting, especially when considering lens care. But this is the least of your troubles, as the really daunting task may be choosing which type of contact you want. 

Contact Lenses come in many different forms, each with various features and some with different functions. You can get contacts that help with certain special conditions and find others that fit your lifestyle.

What Are the Different Types of Contact Lenses?

Soft Contact Lenses

These are the most popular type of eye lens used today, preferred by about 90% of all contact lens users. These feature a flexible lens that easily molds to the eye's natural shape, making it much more comfortable. They let in a reasonable amount of oxygen and retain a lot of moisture which is ideal for eye health.

Rigid Gas-permeable Lenses

These are hard lenses that do not conform to your eye shape but influence it instead. They are designed to let in oxygen to ensure your eye stays healthy while using these lenses. Because of their structure and design, they provide a crisper vision and are less likely to collect deposits. However, their rigidity makes them hard to adjust to than soft lenses, making them slightly challenging to get used to.

Scleral Lenses

These are a variation of RGP lenses featuring a much larger diameter. Because of this design, they typically arch over the cornea and create a dam of tears between them and the cornea. They are an excellent option for eyes with corneal conditions or patients with dry eye syndrome.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

These blend the best features soft and hard lenses. They have a soft lens on the outside and an RGP lens in the middle. They provide the comfort of a soft lens and the crisp vision of a hard lens. They expectedly cost more and require precise fitting.

How Do You Choose a Contact Lens?

Choosing the contact lens usually depends on the condition you have and the lifestyle that you want. Various conditions can limit the type of lens you want and the lifestyle best for them.

Eye Conditions

Dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, astigmatism, and other corneal conditions require special fitting. They usually do not work well with regular contact lenses because of the nature of the structural differences they cause in the eye.

Lifestyle

You may want to use contacts but want to avoid keeping up with lens care that comes with extended-wear lenses. In that case, daily disposable lenses are a good option, allowing you to have great vision without any of the baggage of lens care. 

Ortho-k lenses are an excellent option for people working in places with a lot of dust or debris since you will not have them on during the day. You wear ortho-k lenses while you sleep, which reshape your cornea to give you near-perfect vision the day after.

For more information on the different types of contact lenses and choosing the right lenses for your eyes, visit Ishigo Optometry at our office in Gardena, California. Call (888) 564-0016​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.