Contact Lenses

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.