A Look at the Different Types of Contact Lenses

Vision correction treatment often allows patients to choose the type of care that best suits their preferences and lifestyle needs. Some individuals select laser eye surgery in Londonderry. Others want eyeglasses, and still others decide to get contact lenses to improve their eyesight. Those that do choose contacts for their vision correction often find that they can select from a wide variety of lens options. Here’s a look at a few of the different types.

Multifocal

Declining eye health can often impact multiple facets of vision. As a result, many eye care patients have issues seeing objects both close up and at a distance. In the past, the only option that eye doctors could offer to these individuals was bifocal eyeglasses. While bifocals are still a popular choice for some people, multifocal contact lenses can also be used for vision correction. These devices can correct impeded sight whether the wearer is trying to focus on near range items such as a book or see distant objects like a billboard sign.

Gas-Permeable

Multifocal lenses can address several vision issues at a time, and people who get them can decide between either soft multifocal lenses or gas-permeable multifocal lenses. As their name indicates, gas-permeable lenses allow for the passage of air through them to the eye. This makes gas-permeable lenses comfortable to wear, though some users may find them initially rigid. Eye doctors encourage patients who opt for gas-permeable lenses to wear them on a consistent basis, as this habit can hasten the transition period and make these lenses easier to use.

Soft

A common reason why so many people get gas-permeable lenses is because they can often use them for a long period of time. However, immediate comfort is sometimes the leading factor when choosing contact lenses. As a result, some individuals who require vision correction decide to get soft contact lenses. Soft lenses are less rigid than gas-permeable lenses, making them the ideal choice for people with eye irritation issues. Active individuals might also prefer soft lenses because they generally stay in place during rigorous activity.