The main classifications of contact lenses are rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts and soft contact lenses. It is difficult to know which type of lenses will work best for an individual before a comprehensive vision examination has been performed. The recommended contact lens type is dependent upon an individual's prescription, the health of the eye, and personal needs. Another contributing factor is the amount of tear production an individual has. If an individual has chronically dry eyes, successful contact lens wear may be limited. The eye care professional can prescribe the best options for an individual based on the prescription, the health of the eye, and the personal needs of each individual.

RGP Lenses
The RGP lenses are NOT the old "hard lenses" of the past. Today's RGP lenses allow oxygen transmission to the cornea (the front surface of the eye), much unlike the old hard lenses. Depending on an individual's prescription, the RGP lenses may be the best option for the individual to achieve clear vision. Rigid gas permeable lenses are also used to help control myopia (nearsightedness) in younger children. An individual trying RGP's for the first time will go through an initial adaptation period because the eye needs to get used to having "something on it." Once an individual is "used" to the sensation of having something on the eye, wearers typically appreciate the obtained clarity in vision over that provided by their glasses. When fit correctly, RGP lens will usually provide clearer vision than many soft lenses. Properly fitted lenses can eliminate problems associated with the lens spontaneously "popping out." Many individuals have worn RGP lenses successfully for many years, without complications. Others have tried RGP's without success. If you are one of these people, there are other options.

Soft Contact Lenses
Soft, hydrophilic (or "water loving") contact lenses are viable options for many individuals interested in wearing contact lenses, even those who were previously told soft lenses were not an option due to astigmatism. The main differences among soft contact lenses are the material used in manufacturing and the design of the lens. In general, the materials used have varying water content percentages. The higher the water content, the greater the amount of oxygen permeates to the cornea.

Soft contact lenses also differ in the recommended replacement frequency. The main reason for replacing soft lenses more often than once a year is to reduce the amount of infections and/or wearing complications association with soft lenses. It is difficult to keep a soft lens completely free of deposits. When the deposits begin to accumulate on the lens, visual clarity declines and the lens becomes more uncomfortable to wear. The risk of infection also increases, because oxygen cannot permeate the lens as easily (oxygen is "blocked" by the deposits). The decrease in oxygen to the cornea can cause eye infections and/or the cornea may start to produce new blood vessels in order to "combat" this problem (normally, the cornea is completely avascular, meaning no blood vessel growth). The most common replacement frequencies are 2-3 month replacement, monthly replacement, 1-2-week disposable, and daily disposable.

Soft toric lenses are available for individuals needing lenses to "correct" astigmatism. Toric lenses are currently available in a 1-3 month replacement frequency. Two-week disposable lenses have just recently become available. The toric lens options have increased in the past few years, and with more options, more individuals are successfully able to wear toric lenses.

Bifocal Contact Lenses
Individuals currently wearing bifocal glasses also have options available. There are bifocal contact lenses available in rigid gas permeable or soft contact lens types. The market is definitely expanding to include more research and development by many companies in the line of bifocal contacts. Depending on an individual's needs, bifocal contact lenses may provide very comfortable vision. Another option for bifocal wearers is to be fit with monovision contacts. Monovision simply means one eye is more corrected for distance and the other eye for near. This option works very well for some, but not for others. Individuals usually know immediately if monovision is going to work for them.

Additional Information
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