There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses. For example, there are no annoying obstructions or reflections, you have clear vision in all directions, they are safer for sports and of course, they don’t fog up if you’re wearing a face mask.
Contact Lenses can also easily correct common eyesight problems – such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia – meaning patients of all ages can be successfully fitted with contact lenses.
And although it can be off-putting as contact lenses are worn directly on the eye, the constantly improving technology means that they are now easier to use and more comfortable than ever.
So which contact lenses are right for you?
There are several different types of contact lenses currently available, each with their own unique features. At your appointment with your Optician, they’ll discuss and assess your needs and together select the most suitable type for your eyes.
However, here is a brief overview of the different types available.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses
These lenses are made from semi-rigid materials, which allow more oxygen to pass through to the surface of the eye, making them much healthier to wear. RGPs only cover part of the cornea. As these contact lenses float on your tears there is some movement whilst blinking, it, therefore, takes slightly longer to get used to them. However, once settled they prove to be very comfortable.
RGPs are suitable for most prescriptions, but more so for patients who have astigmatism, where they can give better standards of vision. RGPs are easy to handle, clean and very durable.
Soft contact lenses
Soft contact lenses are made from pliable gel-like materials, which commonly contain between 38% and 75% water, allowing oxygen to pass more freely to the eye. Your tears help maintain the softness and flexibility of the contact lens making them more comfortable to wear and adaptation is much quicker than with RGPs.
Since soft contact lenses contain water, they can become contaminated, and therefore it is essential to follow the correct cleaning and disinfecting procedure.
Disposable contact lenses
Traditionally, soft lenses have been replaced on an annual basis. Modern consensus is that this is unhealthy and not cost-effective. Increasingly sophisticated material technology has led to the development of high-quality soft contact lenses designed to be replaced more frequently and that are more and more breathable and comfortable. The combination of regular replacement and high oxygen transmission makes these contact lenses extremely healthy and comfortable to wear.
Disposable contact lenses can be replaced every day, weekly, twice a month or once a month. Currently, disposable contact lenses are available for the correction of all common vision correction needs including short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and the need for reading glasses.
Extended wear contact lenses
The latest advances in contact lens technology have led to the development of new types of disposable soft contact lens that can be worn overnight. These contact lenses are made from SILICONE-HYDROGEL. Some can even be worn continuously for up to 30 days.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
As you get older your vision changes. It might get difficult to read fine print or to see in low light. Now you don’t just have the option of glasses. The 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand MULTIFOCAL Contact Lenses give you clear vision — near, intermediate, and far, in dim light and bright — so you can continue wearing contact lenses to do the things you love.
And they’re built on the 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST platform, giving you comfort and convenience for many years to come.
The next step
If you find spectacles inconvenient and would like to experience the many benefits of wearing contact lenses or have any questions, call us today on 01628 663055 or email reception@walkerandcampbell.co.uk if you would like to book an appointment to discuss your contact lens requirement.
We also have a handy FAQ here where you can find answers to all your contact lens queries.