The right contact lenses can greatly affect your vision quality, eye health, and comfort. Many lens types are optimized to address particular visual and comfort requirements. You can get a personalized contact recommendation by closely collaborating with an optometrist. Here are some types of contact lenses and how an optometrist can help you choose the right one:
Types of Contact Lenses
Different types of contact lenses are available to suit different eye needs and preferences. There are four main groups: soft lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses, all of which have their benefits. Here are the main types of contact lenses:
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are generally comfortable and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are options regarding their wear time, such as daily, bi-weekly, and monthly disposables. Toric lenses address astigmatism, while continuous-wear lenses are wearable overnight. Multifocal, colored cosmetic, and silicone hydrogel lenses are some other specialized types. The selection is further expanded by spherical and hybrid lenses, which offer vision correction and comfort.
RGP Lenses
RGP lenses are durable, and some types are custom-made for particular vision requirements. The most common RGP contacts are traditional RGP lenses, but there are specialized types as well. Scleral and mini scleral lenses cover more of the eye’s surface to ease discomfort from irregular corneas, while orthokeratology lenses reshape the cornea overnight. Other contacts include bifocal, bitoric, toric lenses, and lenses for keratoconus.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft skirt for comfort and clarity. They are useful for those with irregular corneas or dry eyes. Customizable hybrid lenses correct for astigmatism and offer high-definition vision. They have good oxygen permeability, are durable, and feature a long-lasting design that offers a balance of benefits between soft and RGP lenses.
Scleral Lenses
Gas permeable lenses are wider in diameter and sit on the sclera, the white of the eye, vaulting up and over the cornea. This is a good option for people with dry eyes or irregular corneas. Designed to quickly fit a person’s eye shape, scleral lenses can correct high refractive errors and help with conditions such as keratoconus. They are less likely to warp and can create a high level of comfort and vision stability.
How Optometrists Choose Contact Lenses
To make sure your eyes are comfortable in the lenses you pick, an optometrist performs an evaluation. Once the doctor has examined the condition of your eyes, they will discuss contact options with you. Here are some steps that go into evaluating what lenses you need:
Eye Exam
To find the most appropriate contact lens, you’re required to have your eyes checked by an optometrist. This happens with visual acuity testing, refraction, slit lamp examination, keratometry, and pupillometry. Two tests performed routinely for contact lenses include corneal topography, which maps the shape of the cornea, and tear film analysis, which confirms the eye has enough moisture for comfortable contact lens wear. An ocular health assessment verifies that there are no ocular conditions that would render you unsuitable for contact lenses.
Refractive Error
An optometrist completes a refractive error test to find signs of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. The solutions for each of these visual issues demand a different optimal lens design. Once there is a confirmed diagnosis, the doctor should talk to you about the specific lens types that can address each kind of refractive error.
Corneal Shape and Tear Film Assessment
The corneal shape is key in deciding what contact lens to wear, so an optometrist will look for any corneal irregularity, asymmetry, or disease, such as keratoconus. People with heavy scarring, also known as distorted cornea, often need specialized lenses like scleral or hybrid lenses. A tear film assessment quantifies and qualifies tears, which are necessary for comfortable contact lens wear. It measures tear breakup time, lid wiper epitheliopathy, and meibomian gland function. There are also other effects a stable tear film provides in reducing dryness and discomfort during lens wear.
Lens Trials
The goal of multiple lens trials is to find one that is a good fit and offers extended comfort. Trial outcome parameters include fit, movement, centration, IOL visual acuity, and patient tolerance. While optometrists can test other lens materials and designs to incorporate patient feedback, they have the experience to recommend the most appropriate lense for each patient.
Get Contact Lenses From an Optometrist
When choosing the right contact lenses, it is helpful to understand what different kinds are available and to have a personal consultation with an optometrist. Optometrists assess factors, including eye shape, refractive error, and tear film quality, guaranteeing each patient receives an optimal fit. With the appropriate lenses, you are more likely to see clearly and comfortably. To get your contact lenses, contact an optometrist today.
