Types of Contact Lenses

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STANDARD or SPHERICAL LENSES
Prescribed to correct simple nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

TORIC LENSES:
Prescribed to correct Astigmatism, usually combined with a nearsighted or farsighted correction.

MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES:

• Prescribed to correct Presbyopia (Near Vision Focusing) often combined with nearsighted, farsighted, or even astigmatic corrections.
• The newest multifocals are Progressive designs that seem to simultaneously correct distance and near vision.

MONOVISION:

• Alternative method to correct Presbyopia.
• One lens is corrected for distance Vision, the other for Near Focus.
• After adaptation all distances are perceived clearly.

SOFT LENSES (Hydrophillic Lenses):

• These are the most common types of lenses in use today.
• Available for almost all types of vision correction including astigmatism and multifocal designs.

HARD LENSES:

• Hard plastic lenses that are ground and polished very much like spectacle lenses.
• When properly fitted hard lenses give excellent vision correction.
• Lens comfort depends on a good fit and patient adaptation.
• One drawback is “Spectacle Blur” – Hard lenses can temporarily reshape the cornea so slight vision changes occur for hours after lens removal. This often means inaccurate eyeglass corrections.

RIGID GAS PERMEABLE LENSES:

• Newer materials combine the vision benefits of hard contact lenses with some of the comfort and safety of soft lenses.
• RGP’s allow more oxygen and fluids to pass through the lenses which allows the cornea to “breath.”
• RGP Lenses, like Hard Lenses can last a year or more, and can sometimes be polished to adjust the fit, prescription, or for removing microscopic surface scratches.

 

 

The information presented here is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice. If you believe you have an eye condition, please contact us at 516-367-2020.