Types of Contacts – Focus on the Eyes

Styles of Contacts – Can Be Wild and Crazy

There are several different types of contacts to choose from; many types of lenses serve different purposes and solve different problems. Eye doctors will prescribe the best style of contact lens for the exact vision problem; but the more information given to the patient, the better consumer decision can be made. A certain type of contacts will work better than others; but maybe a different manufacturer is required. Below is a quick overview of the types of contact lenses available by prescription and can be purchased online.

Toric Contacts – If astigmatism is a problem; toric contacts may be the lens of choice. Toric contact lenses are made from the same materials as regular contact lenses, so they can be either soft rigid. Toric lenses have two powers; this type of lens also has a means of keeping the contact stable on the eye when there is blinking or movement. If there is too much lens movement, vision will not be crisp and clear. It costs more to fit a toric contact lens and the actual lens itself costs more than regular types of contacts. Many brands of toric contacts are available in colored contacts, frequent replacement, disposable and even daily disposable lenses. Multifocal and bifocal toric contacts are also available.

Colored Contacts – There are four types of colored contact lenses: enhancement tints, opaque colored tints, light-filtering tints and visibility tints. Any of these contact options are available in plano (no prescription), bifocals, disposable and frequent replacements. Enhancement tint is a color but translucent tint that is a little darker than the visibility. It is as the name implies, just an enhancement to your eye color. Lighter colored eyes will show more of an effect than darker eyes. Visibility tint is just a little color added to the contact for safety in case you drop one. This does not affect the way your eye looks. Color tinted contacts are a deeper color and they will dramatically change the color of the eyes. The contact is definitely more opaque and the range of colors is quite broad. Light filtering contacts are designed for sports enthusiasts because they enhance the colors of certain balls; such as softballs and golf balls. The balls will stand out against the background making it an easier target.

Bifocal Contacts – Bifocals lenses provide good vision to people that have a condition called presbyopia. These contacts are available in soft and rigid gas permeable material. You can even find these contacts in disposable and frequent replacement types of lenses. This is a relatively new type of contact. Bifocal contacts work the same way bifocal glasses work. When the contacts are worn; there is distance and near vision correction. The types of design of different bifocals include simultaneous, concentric and alternating vision types. The difference between all of these types of bifocals is where the near distance is positioned on the contact lens and how it stays positioned on the eye. These contacts may not be for everyone as there is an adjustment period to sorting out the powers. Check with your doctor if these contacts are correct for your vision problems.

Gas Permeable Contacts – Gas permeable contacts are also known as RGPs. The R stands for rigid. The gas referred to here is oxygen that permeates the contacts making them among the most high-tech of contact lenses. Gas permeable contacts were first designed in the 80’s. They are made of a flexible plastic that oxygen can pass through; making them more comfortable and better for the eyes. Since the type of material the contact is made of is more rigid; the visual acuity will be clearer than a soft lens. One of the downsides to wearing RGP contacts is that they can really only comfortably be worn for a day. If the goal is to wear contacts for days and weeks at a time; rigid lenses are not the answer. There is more time needed become accustomed to the lenses as well. The trade off for visual clarity may be worth it for some people. These contacts also require more care and cleaning as the older traditional contacts once did.

Disposable Contacts – who would have thought when contacts first came out, that there, would have been a type of contact lens that could be disposed of on a daily basis? When it comes to this type of contact lens can be replaced every two weeks or sooner. Frequent replacement contact can be replaced monthly or quarterly. Traditional or reusable lenses can be replaced every six months or longer. The optimum in eye health according to doctors is to replace lenses every day. This allows for little buildup and other bacteria to accumulate on the contact. Technology has become a big part of allowing these contacts to be produced in a way that they are cost effective.

Special Effects and Novelty Contacts – Special effects contacts also known as theatrical contacts or costume contacts can be fun and are somewhat new on the market. They allow the change of eye color for very dramatic effects. They are great for movies and parties, but care should be taken. This type of contact lens usually does not hold a prescription for vision correction. This makes them what is called a plano lens where there is no correction, however, a prescription is still required by a doctor to receive them. They are known as medical devices and controlled by the FDA and should only be purchased from a reputable website or retail outlet. Some of the wild and crazy types include: blackout, mirrored, animals, aliens, different colors such as red or green, flowers, money or NFL designs and many more. These contacts should never be shared by friends and can be damaging to the eye if not worn correctly as all other contact lenses.

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