Wear Contacts Lenses for Clear Vision Without Your Glasses
Some of our clients like the way they look with their glasses on. Others choose to wear contact lenses instead. Contacts are a great option for those who prefer their own natural appearance, but still need vision correcting lenses. Some people with certain eye diseases see significantly better with contacts, these include anisometropia, irregular astigmatism and corneal issues including keratoconus, pellucid degeneration or corneal transplants.
Types of Contact Lenses
There are essentially three basic types of contact lenses available for the average customer:
- Soft Gel Lenses – These are made of water and a plastic gel-like material. They are comfortable, and last between a day and a year depending on the specific material.
- GP Lenses – Gas Permeable lenses are made of harder plastics and usually provide better focus. Often those with special needs do better here.
- Hybrid Lenses – A combination of GP lenses and soft gel contacts. These are a mixture of both but generally are reserved for those with specific conditions.
Some of our clients have a difficult time finding contacts that fit. An injury or illness can damage the shape of the eye. For keratoconic patients and those who have recently had surgery, specialty lenses can be fitted for them.
How Long Do They Last?
Cleaning and maintenance are essential to prolong the life of your lenses and to prevent infections, but lenses do not last forever. Patients will need to replace their contacts periodically. Single use contacts must be discarded at the end of the day. For more durable styles, seven days of continuous wear is common but FDA restricts any contact from being promoted as lasting more than 30 days without removal and cleaning. The most durable types of lenses with proper care will last up to six months of repeated uses.
Get fitted for your Contacts
When you are ready to see clearly without the hassle of managing your eye glasses, make an appointment to get fitted for a set of contact lenses. Call our office at (703) 578-3600.