Home > Contact Lenses > Types of Contact Lenses
Types of Contact Lenses
There are two types of contact lenses - rigid gas permeable and soft, and these come in different materials and designs.
Rigid Gas Permeable
Advances in lens materials now allow more oxygen to reach the front of the eye through a gas permeable lens. These lenses are generally small, hard to the touch and need an initial period of adaptation. They have a low risk of infection, can be made up to almost any prescription and are replaced 3-monthly, 6-monthly or annually depending on the lens material and individual patient requirements.
Soft Lenses
These are the most popular lens type prescribed. They are thin, flexible and moist, and initial comfort is excellent. With the exception of daily disposable lenses, they need to be cleaned and disinfected every day.
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1 day lenses - soft, flexible and very comfortable to wear. No cleaning solutions required as the lenses are discarded after use. Great for full-time or part-time use.
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Two weekly and monthly lenses are primarily made from the new material silicone hydrogel which allows even more oxygen to reach the eye. These lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected every day. They are an excellent choice for people who wear their lenses all day every day.
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Multifocal lenses are designed for people who need to have both distance and reading vision corrected.
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Coloured lenses are available with no power as well as with a prescription. They enhance light eyes with a tint, or change the colour with an opaque lens to give a subtle or dramatic change of eye colour.
