Contact lenses are ideal for correcting vision problems without having to wear traditional spectacles. Initially made from glass, soft plastic is now the preferred material for making contact lenses. You can place these lenses directly on the cornea to correct myopia, farsightedness, and uneven focus. Physicians can also prescribe special contact lenses to patients who have had cataract surgery. Alamo Eye Care is a provider of specialty contact lenses in San Antonio that helps patients who have vision challenges.
Below are four kinds of regular contact lenses available:
- Extended wear
You can wear these lenses as you sleep, and you can keep them on for up to seven days straight. Unfortunately, extended-wear lenses are not effective in correcting all vision problems, and they require frequent visits to the optician for monitoring and care.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP)
RGP lenses permit oxygen to pass through the eyes, and they can correct many vision issues. These lenses are beloved for comfortability and longevity, and you can choose whatever tint suits you. RGP lenses can also manage myopia or nearsightedness. On the downside, their porous nature can allow debris to be trapped under the lenses. RGP lenses require consistent usage to promote adaptability.
- Planned replacement
These are soft lenses that are replaced every two weeks, per month, or quarterly. They are easy to clean, sanitize and promote good eye health. On the downside, planned replacement lenses are not as straightforward as RPG lenses.
- Extended-wear disposable
These soft lenses are typically worn for up to six days, and then you toss them. You do not have to clean them for a short duration before switching to a new pair, and you can get tinted lenses. Unfortunately, handling extended-wear disposable lenses is an intricate process, and they do not offer as much clarity as you get with RPG lenses.
What are specialized contact lenses?
Conventional contact lenses may not solve major eye problems like corneal transplants.
EyePrintPRO™ are designed to fit the contours of the ocular surface. These lenses are ideal for patients with cornea abnormalities that cannot resolve with the standard lenses discussed above.
Scleral lenses sit on the sclera or white part of the eye and extend to the cornea. They are ideal for people with dry eye syndrome, which could get irritated if they wear lenses that rest on the cornea.
Hybrid lenses have a permeable center to allow oxygen to hydrate the eye. Patients who are battling abnormal cornea conditions will find these hybrids helpful. Ortho-K lenses reshape the cornea during the night so the patient can have good vision sans lenses during the day. These lenses are ideal for people who cannot wear lenses due to the nature of their work, for instance, working in dusty environs. They can also correct myopia in children, so it does not become permanent.
For the most part, anyone who wishes to wear contact lenses over traditional spectacles. Nevertheless, there is a small population that does not qualify for this solution. For instance, anyone who has unrelenting eye infections has lubrication problems or suffers from extreme allergic reactions. Contact your ophthalmologist today to learn more about contact lenses.
