ShopForLenses - Contact Lens Types

Contact lenses provide superior comfort and there are any types of contact lenses on the market. The type of contacts you use depends on your prescription, on the particular disease of your eyes. Your eye doctor will be able to help you choose from the different types of lenses.

Soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses are made of plastic materials that incorporate water. The water makes them soft and flexible, and allows oxygen to reach the cornea. More than 75% of contact lens wearers in the United States use soft lenses because of the superior comfort they provide. The water content can vary from 37% to 80%. Soft contact lenses are used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

You will be surprised to find out that the Italian inventor, artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci is the one who in 1508 sketches and describes several forms of contact lenses. The first lenses actually manufactured were heavy glass lenses that covered the entire eye and could be tolerated for only a few hours of wear. These were known as scleral lenses and were used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Because these lenses couldn't be tolerated for a long time in 1948 a Californian optician named Kevin Touhy began manufacturing the first contact lenses made entirely of plastic. Later the same year, George Butterfield an Oregon optometrist improved Touhy's invention by adding flatter peripheral curves to the lens so it more closely matched the shape of the cornea and would not pop off so easily. During the years these plastic lenses were made smaller and thinner developing into hard lenses that are still worn today.

Daily Disposables

Daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn for one day, then thrown out and replaced with a fresh pair of lenses. These lenses are among the most common type of contact lenses. The greatest benefit of daily lenses is that you do not have to clean them and you can start every day with a new pair of lenses saving money on cleaning solutions.

2-Week Disposables

2-Week Disposable Contact Lenses are designed to be replaced on a 1-2 weekly basis. These lenses offer you a clear vision, ensuring comfort and many of these lenses are available for overnight wear Replacing your soft contact lenses frequently is a comfortable and hygienic choice.

Monthly Disposables

Monthly Disposable Lenses need to be replaced every 4 weeks. These prescription contacts are available in most prescriptions, are easy to handle and provide excellent visual acuity and comfort.

Vial Lenses

Conventional contact lenses in vials designed to last up to a year depending on the advice of the manufacturer and your eye specialist. These lenses can be daily or flexible wear. Vial Contacts have the advantage of long-lasting comfort and durability.

Toric Lenses

Toric contact lenses are designed for people with astigmatism. These lenses are avaliable in conventional lenses and disposable lenses. Please note that the delivery of Toric Contacts can sometimes take up to 3-4 weeks.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses are made of slightly flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes. These contacts have a relatively long life of 1-2 years and vision may be sharper than with soft contact lenses.