What Are the Best Contact Lenses to Wear?

April 30, 2021

There are many options patients can choose to correct vision problems. Contact lenses are a common choice — more than 45 million Americans wear contacts. They can be a versatile vision correction option used alone or in tandem with a pair of eyeglasses.

For more than 80 years, Americans have worn contact lenses to improve their vision. Nowadays, there are more options than ever before when it comes to material and function. It’s important to understand some key differences in the types of contact lenses when making a choice.

 

Hard or Soft Lens

Kevin Tuohy developed the first contact lens that looks more like the contact lenses people use today in 1948. These lenses were hard plastic and designed for long wear. In the late 1960s, chemists developed a softer, breathable plastic. They are more comfortable to wear, and as much as 90 percent of contact users wear soft lenses today.

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. These days, there are more choices than ever before in both prescription and non-prescription versions. Many factors determine a patient’s ultimate contact lens choice. There are more varieties of contact lenses than ever before.

The Case for Hard Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses, also known as RPG or hard lenses, have many advantages. They require a shorter adjustment period and last a long time. Hard lenses are more durable than soft lenses and give the wearer excellent, clear vision.

There are many reasons why a person might not choose hard lenses. The lenses trap particles and dust more, irritating the eye. These lenses can slip out of place.

 

Most Opt for Soft Lenses

Softer lenses are more comfortable. The plastic and water mix lets oxygen flow through, so the lenses are flexible. Many soft lens wearers like the disposable types because they do not need regular cleaning — they discard them after use.

These lenses are dangerous if wearers do not follow good hygiene procedures. They are more susceptible to infection. Soft lenses are fragile, cannot fix all vision issues, and do not correct vision as well as hard lenses.

Specialized Lenses for Specialized Issues

There are many reasons why a person needs vision correction. There are now many specialized lenses to choose from adapted for specific conditions. Some of these include:

 

• Scleral contact lenses
• Tinted contact lenses
• Multifocal contact lenses

Deciding Which Contact Lenses Are Best

Doctors will determine the type of vision problem a patient has, but patients need to consider their lifestyle and habits when deciding which contact lens to try. A person needs to take out and keep clean lenses designed for extended wear, whether they are hard or soft. Some people choose lenses worn at night that temporarily change the shape of the eye during the day.

Don’t get confused by all the choices. Increase your chances of success with contact lenses and speak with your eye doctor about all available options. The doctors at Eye Associates of New York, located in Midtown East, New York, NY, have the knowledge and expertise you need to make the right choice for your lifestyle. Call (212) 650-4888 to discuss your vision needs today.


Learn more about the best contact lenses to wear, contact Eye Associates of New York in Midtown East, New York, NY,  at (212) 650-4888 for an exam.