There are several types of contact lenses available. Some are hard, while others are soft. The differences between them include their material, size, and water content. The benefits of each type are discussed in this article. You will also learn about RGP lenses, which are thinner than soft lenses, and Hybrid lenses, which combine the advantages of both hard and soft lenses.
Soft lenses are thinner
As the name suggests, soft lenses are thinner than rigid contact lenses. They are made from silicone and are designed to allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea. Because they are thinner than rigid lenses, they tend to be more comfortable to wear for an entire day. Another benefit of soft lenses is that they can correct astigmatism, and curvature of the cornea that leads to distorted vision. Although these lenses are less expensive than rigid lenses, they can be more difficult to adjust to and require more time to wear.
The main disadvantage of soft lenses is that they can absorb dust particles, chemicals, bacteria, mold, and moisture from your hands, which can irritate your eyes. Another disadvantage of soft lenses is their brittleness and fragility. They tend to rip or tear more easily than hard lenses, so they need to be handled with care. However, as technology advances, newer types of soft lenses become available.
RGP lenses are smaller
RGP lenses are smaller types of contact lenses that are made from various materials. Some of these materials allow more oxygen to enter the eye while others are less oxygen permeable. The contact lens fitter can devise the lenses based on the needs of each individual patient. A few people may prefer to use RGP lenses over soft lenses for comfort or because of their smaller size.
RGP lenses are often mistaken for traditional contact lenses, but they are not. They are made of a firmer material and are therefore less flimsy than soft contact lenses. This helps them stay on the eye more comfortably and provides sharper vision than soft lenses. They also tend to be more durable than soft lenses because they do not contain water. These lenses are great for people who have astigmatism or other corneal conditions that affect their vision. RGP lenses also work well with bifocal prescriptions.
Gas permeable lenses are less prone to collecting irritating deposits
Rigid gas permeable lenses are firmer and less prone to collecting irritating deposits than soft lenses. They also offer a clearer vision than soft lenses and tend to be less expensive than soft lenses. RGPs are also easier to handle and tend not to tear easily. However, they require more cleaning than soft lenses.
Another benefit of rigid gas permeable lenses is that they don’t dry out like soft lenses. They also don’t collect protein deposits, which harbor bacteria and can lead to infections. This means you can wear them longer without worrying about the lens drying out. These lenses also last longer than soft lenses, so you’ll be less likely to need to replace them too often.
Gas-permeable lenses are also more durable than soft lenses. The lenses can last up to a year before needing replacement. In addition, they don’t require a lengthy conditioning period. This makes them more cost effective than soft lenses. Hybrid gas permeable lenses combine the comfort and clarity of gas-permeable lenses with the ease of soft lenses. These lenses are made of two different materials – gas permeable in the center portion and soft in the peripheral portion.
Hybrid lenses combine the benefits of hard and soft lenses
Many doctors are increasingly turning to hybrid lenses to meet the needs of presbyopic and myopic patients. These patients typically have poor vision at all distances and require a variety of treatment options. These lenses combine the benefits of hard and soft lenses to improve patient vision.
Drs. Steinmetz and Aleszczyk, for example, have found success fitting hybrid lenses for patients with astigmatism. These patients may be athletes who have difficulty tracking a ball or focusing on a moving target. They may also benefit from a thin profile and increased tear exchange.
Because of their rigid center, hybrid lenses offer better vision than soft lenses. They are also more stable and can correct irregular astigmatism. However, they do not correct lenticular astigmatism.
Special effect lenses are disposable
These lenses can be purchased at retail stores or online. It’s recommended to get a prescription first, even if you’re only planning on wearing them occasionally. A prescription will tell you the size and shape of your eyes, so you can order lenses that fit correctly. Getting a checkup is also a good idea for anyone who wears corrective lenses. You should have your vision checked once a year.
You should also make sure that you clean your lenses after each use. These lenses should never be left on for more than 24 hours. Using them improperly can lead to eye infections or corneal abrasions. Furthermore, the lenses can also reduce your vision.