Contact Lenses
Tired of wearing cumbersome eyeglasses? Or do you frequently lose or misplace your eyeglasses? If so, contact lenses may be a better alternative. With a few exceptions, most people are good candidates for contact lenses. And there are several types of contacts available today that are sure to fit with your lifestyle and daily routine. If you’d like to try wearing contact lenses, your optometrist in Elkridge, MD, is a great place to learn more.
Which Type of Contacts Should I Choose?
Generally, there are two types of contact lenses from which to choose. They include:
- Soft Contact Lenses
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Most people prefer soft contact lenses because they’re made of soft, flexible plastic. They allow oxygen to pass through the contact to the cornea, and they’re more comfortable to wear than RGP options. They must be replaced frequently, however.
RGP contact lenses, conversely, are a bit more rigid, and they last longer than soft contacts. They’re more resistant to build-up, and they provide crisper vision. However, it may take a week or two for RGP contacts to feel normal in your eyes.
What Are the Features of Specific Contact Lenses?
With the exception of disposable options, all contact lenses require frequent cleaning to prevent infection and to keep debris from getting into the eye beneath the lens. However, they do negate the need for bulky eyeglasses. In most instances, you’ll be required to buy a contact lens solution and a case to keep your contacts clean and sanitized. Also, different contact lenses offer different features, and you’ll want to choose the ones that best fit your lifestyle.
Extended-Wear Contacts
Extended-wear contacts are designed to be reused and worn for longer periods of time. You can find ones that can be worn overnight, for up to a week, or for up to 30 days. Extended-wear contacts are usually made of soft plastic. They’re worn, taken out, cleaned, and replaced.
Extended-Wear Disposable Contacts
Disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for only a short time and then discarded. They may be worn for a day, a week, or a month before disposal. Disposable contacts should never be worn, taken out, and then placed back onto your eyes. Instead, new lenses take their place.
Planned-Replacement Contacts
Planned-Replacement Contacts are designed to be taken in and out daily, cleaned, and then replaced according to a planned schedule, usually bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
Will Contact Lenses Irritate My Eyes?
Not at all. Most people can wear contacts comfortably. However, if you’ve never had contact lenses before, there’s usually a short adjustment period until they feel “normal.” But eventually, you’ll stop noticing them altogether. Your eye doctor in Elkridge, MD, will show you how to put them in and take them out correctly. They’ll also go over what you can expect as far as cleaning and maintenance.
If you’re interested in learning more about contact lenses in Elkridge, MD, contact Dr. Jan Eye Care today.
