Contact lenses improve vision by changing the way that light enters your eye. They usually correct refractive error, which is what causes nearsightedness and farsightedness.

They can also correct bifocals and multifocals, which address the unevenly curved cornea of astigmatism by using zones within the lens to simultaneously correct up-close and distance vision.

Soft Contact Lenses

Many of the contact lenses we wear are soft, flexible lenses that allow more oxygen to the eye than previous lens materials. This has made a huge difference in how comfortable and safe contacts can be.

Some of the latest developments in contact lens materials are reducing bacterial adherence with silver-impregnated cases and incorporating antimicrobial agents into the lenses themselves. Octyl glucoside, for example, has been shown to significantly decrease the bacterial colonization of the cornea by bacteria that cause contact-induced red eye.

There are many different types of soft contact lenses including daily disposables, extended wear, and bifocals. Your provider can help you determine which type of soft contact lens is best suited for your prescription and lifestyle. It’s important to learn how to properly insert and remove your contact lenses, and to schedule regular follow-up visits with your provider so they can ensure you are adjusting well to your new lenses. They can also check that you are getting enough oxygen while wearing your lenses.

Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Gas permeable contact lenses are made of durable plastics that allow oxygen to pass through the lens and reach the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye). GPs don’t contain water, so protein and lipid deposits from tears do not adhere as easily. Additionally, GP lenses are more durable and generally last longer than soft lenses.

GP lenses are a good option for people who are allergic to bifocals or other types of hard contact lenses. They are also a great choice for patients with astigmatism, as they help correct the blurred vision caused by an irregular curve in the front surface of your eye.

GP lenses can also be a better option than soft contacts for some patients with keratoconus, as they may help slow the progression of this condition by allowing oxygen to reach the corneal surface of the eye. However, GPs are not as comfortable for daily wear and can sometimes cause dry eye symptoms in some individuals.

Rigid Contact Lenses

Rigid contact lenses are a more durable, shatter resistant alternative to soft lenses. Made of a more durable plastic that allows oxygen through (Rigid Gas Permeable or RGP) these hard lenses can last for years, providing superior vision and resisting deposits and bacteria more effectively than softer contact lens materials. While they do require a commitment to daily cleaning and annual polishing appointments, patients who develop a regular routine can usually maintain them for two years or more before needing replacement.

The rigid nature of the lens makes it less prone to movement, which decreases the risk of a change in the shape of the cornea (corneal hypoxia). They can also correct astigmatism more efficiently since they can be fitted to the eye with greater precision. In addition, RGP lenses are able to help slow the progression of the condition known as keratoconus, where the cornea becomes a cone-shaped structure. They can be a great option for those with irregular corneas, high prescriptions, or other special visual needs.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Patients who find soft lenses uncomfortable or hard to wear, often due to astigmatism or dry eye issues may benefit from hybrid contact lens technology. These dual-material lenses combine a rigid gas permeable (GP) center with a soft skirt that vaults over the cornea to provide crisp vision while providing stability and comfort.

GP lenses offer many advantages that soft contacts cannot, including better optics, durability and resistance to deposits. Patients with irregular corneal surfaces, however, can still struggle to achieve consistent and clear vision with a GP lens alone.

Hybrid contact lenses are a great solution for these patients because the soft skirt helps to neutralize any irregularity on the cornea while the rigid lens offers sharp, clear vision and stability. Using a hybrid lens for these patients can help increase compliance, satisfaction and comfort with your practice’s contact lens care regimen. Patients also appreciate being able to see a difference in the clarity of their vision when they first try out their new lenses!