Currently, most soft contact lenses are classified as one of the following:
- Daily disposable – lenses are used for a maximum of 24 hours and then they are replaced.
- Disposable daily wear – a daily wear schedule is followed and lenses are replaced every two weeks.
- Disposable extended wear – an extended wear schedule allows you to wear lenses overnight, even while you sleep. Lenses are replaced weekly or monthly depending on their approved use.
- Planned replacement – a daily or extended wear schedule is followed and lenses are replaced every one, three or six months.
- Conventional (traditional daily wear) – a daily or overnight wear schedule is followed and lenses are replaced annually.
Certain soft contact lens materials also have built-in ultraviolet light protection. However, even if you have contacts with UV light protection, you should wear sunglasses when in bright outdoor light.
Remember, only your eye doctor can determine the contact lens and solution combination that is right for you.
For many people considering contact lenses for the first time, the idea of extended wear disposable contact lenses may sound very appealing. However, each of us has unique eye characteristics and lens tolerance. Only your eye doctor can determine which lenses are truly an option for you.
One Contact Lens Type Does Not Fit All
The type of vision correction you need is one factor that will determine what type of contact lenses your eye care professional will prescribe. Some terms you might hear include:
- Myopia – or nearsightedness: This means you can see objects clearly when you are close to them, but objects in the distance are blurry. Contact lenses prescribed for myopia are often called "minus lenses".
- Hyperopia – or farsightedness: This means that you can see objects in the distance clearly, but objects close to you are blurry. Lenses prescribed to treat hyperopia are often called "plus lenses".
- Presbyopia – Most often occurs as our eyes age, even if we are nearsighted as well! You have will difficulty focusing on small print that is close.
- Astigmatism – This means that the surface of your eye focuses light differently in several places, making some areas blurring and others clear. Astigmatism can remain the same for many years, or can change over time. Certain levels of astigmatism can be corrected with "toric" soft lenses or RGP lenses.
- Colored contacts – These types of cosmetic lenses are tinted to make your eyes appear a different color. Designer contacts include those with designs and patterns. Your eye doctor can determine if colored or designer contacts are right for you, and recommend the best ways to purchase and care for them.
Because contact lenses are medical devices, you should think about them as a serious responsibility. When taken care of properly, contact lenses can give you freedom from glasses and improve your appearance. However, poor contact lens care habits can put you at risk for serious eye problems, some of which can affect your vision and eye health.
Never wear your contact lenses longer than prescribed or share them with anyone else. Be sure and discuss your daily activities and concerns with your eye doctor to help ensure you get the best type of contact lenses for your individual lifestyle.
