Contact lenses are a specialty at Clear Lake Optometry. We offer a variety of contact lens types. Dr. Anderson can fit you with the contact lens that are right for you!
Daily-wear soft lenses
Daily-wear soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes.
Advantages
- Very short adaptation period
- More comfortable and more difficult to dislodge than RGP lenses
- Comfortable to wear
- Great for active lifestyles
- Available in tints (for handling) and bifocals
Disadvantages
- Does 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
Extended-wear contact lenses are available for overnight wear in soft lenses. They can usually be worn up to seven days without removal.
Advantages
- Can usually be worn up to seven days without removal.
Disadvantages
- Do not correct all vision problems
- Increases risk of complication
- Vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses
- Require regular monitoring and professional care
Extended-wear disposable
Extended-wear disposable contact lenses are soft lenses worn for an extended period of time. They may be worn from one to six days and then discarded.
Advantages
- Require little or no cleaning
- Minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are followed
- Available in tints and bifocals
- Spare lenses available
Disadvantages
- Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses
- Do not correct all vision problems
- Handling may be more difficult
Planned replacement
Planned replacement contact lenses are soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.
Advantages
- Require simplified cleaning and disinfection
- Good for eye health
- Available in most prescriptions
Disadvantages
- Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses
- Do not correct all vision problems
- Handling may be more difficult
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP)
Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are made of slightly flexible plastics that allow needed oxygen to pass through to your eyes.
Advantages
- Excellent vision
- Short adaptation period
- Comfortable to wear
- Correct most vision problems
- Easy to put on and take care of
- Durable with a relatively long life
- Available in tints (for handling) and bifocals
Disadvantages
- 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
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.