Types of Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses 

Soft contacts are the most common type of contact lenses and account for over 85% of contact lenses dispensed. Traditional soft contact lenses consist of soft plastic polymers and water. They allow oxygen to permeate through the lens material to the cornea. Most people find soft contact lenses comfortable. One advantage of soft contacts is that people acclimate to them almost right away. Soft lenses come in different prescriptions and designs depending on your budget and need. Our doctor will help determine which design is best for you. 

Toric Contact Lenses 

Toric contact lenses help correct astigmatism. They are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. These lenses have one power that is vertical and another that is horizontal. There is a weight at the bottom, allowing the lenses to center correctly on the eye. Toric lenses are more difficult to fit. They may need additional fitting help from the doctor. 

Multifocal Contact Lenses 

Multifocal contact lenses allow an individual to see near and far. These lenses are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. Another alternative to multifocal contacts is monovision correction. With these lenses, one eye is used for distance and the other eye for near or read. Both lens types require more time from the doctor for fitting. 

Gas Permeable Lenses 

Gas Permeable (GP) lenses are harder than soft contact lenses. The benefits of Gas permeable lenses are they are more durable and can offer clearer vision than soft contact lenses. They are custom lenses that need more time to be fitted and tailored to each patient. For this reason, it requires more time and follow-ups to get the perfect fit. 

Sclerals 

Scleral lenses are a type of contact lens designed to cover the entire cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, called the sclera. They are larger than traditional contact lenses and create a small space between the contact lens and the cornea. This space can help manage various eye conditions, such as irregular corneas or severe dry eye, by providing a stable, moisture-filled environment. Scleral lenses offer clear vision and comfort by avoiding direct contact with the cornea and helping to protect the eye from irritants. They are custom lenses that need more time to be fitted and tailored to each patient. For this reason, it requires more time and follow-ups to get the perfect fit.