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Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Types of Contact Lenses
| Lens Types | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
|
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) Made of slightly flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes. |
Excellent vision... short adaptation period... comfortable to wear... correct most vision problems... easy to put on and to care for... durable with a relatively long life... available in tints (for handling purposes) and bifocals. | Require consistent wear to maintain adaptation... can slip off center of eye more easily than other types... debris can easily get under the lenses... requires office visits for follow-up care. |
|
Daily-wear soft lenses Made of soft, flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to the eyes. |
Very short adaptation period... more comfortable and more difficult to dislodge than RGP lenses... available in tints and bifocals... great for active lifestyles. | Do not correct all vision problems... vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses... require regular office visits for follow-up care... lenses soil easily and must be replaced. |
|
Extended-wear Available for overnight wear in soft or RGP lenses. |
Can usually be worn up to seven days without removal. | Do not correct all vision problems... require regular office visits for follow-up care... increases risk of complication... requires regular monitoring and professional care. |
|
Extended-wear disposable Soft lenses worn for an extended period of time, from one to six days and then discarded. |
Require little or no cleaning... minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are followed... available in tints and bifocals... spare lenses available. | Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses... do not correct all vision problems... handling may be more difficult. |
|
Planned replacement Soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly. |
Require simplified cleaning and disinfection... good for eye health... available in most prescriptions. | Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses... do not correct all vision problems... handling may be more difficult. |
Reasons To Consider Contact Lenses
- Contact lenses move with your eye, allow a natural field of view, have no frames to obstruct your vision and greatly reduce distortions.
- They do not fog up, like glasses, nor do they get splattered by mud or rain.
- Contact lenses do not get in the way of your activities.
- Many people feel they look better in contact lenses.
- Contact lenses, compared to eyeglasses, generally offer better sight.
Some Things To Remember About Contact Lenses
- Contact lenses, when compared with glasses, require a longer initial examination and more follow-up visits to maintain eye health; and more time for lens care.
- If you are going to wear your lenses successfully, you will have to clean and store them properly; adhere to lens wearing schedules; and make appointments for follow-up care.
- If you are wearing disposable or planned replacement lenses, you will have to carefully follow the schedule for throwing away used lenses.
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