Are you considering switching to contact lenses? Before you do, here are some of the pros and cons of the different types of contact lenses and how your optometrist can help you choose the right pair for your lifestyle and ocular needs..
For patients who are tired of wearing eyeglasses all the time, contact lenses offer a safe, convenient, and comfortable alternative to vision correction. Optometrists recommend them to patients of all ages due to their many benefits, including:
- They move with your eye, allowing for a natural field of view.
- There will be no frames to obstruct your vision and any distortions will be reduced.
- Unlike eyeglasses, they don’t fog up or get splattered by mud or rain.
- They’re safer for sports and other physical activities.
- You’ll experience greater visual acuity
Something to keep in mind: Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct your vision, but in order for them to work best, you MUST take care of them properly and follow the replacement and maintenance schedule recommended by your eye doctor.
Comprehensive Contact Lens Fittings in Calgary
At Blink Eyewear, our optometrists strive to provide you with the most comfortable and clear vision. We offer a wide range of services, including contact lens fittings, during which we check the health of your eye and determine which contact lenses are best suited to your particular vision needs and lifestyle.
CONTACT LENS FITTINGS IN CALGARY
Pros and Cons of Various Types of Contact Lenses
There are many different contact lenses available and during a comprehensive fitting, your optometrist will help determine the best lens for you based on your lifestyle, as well as the shape and health of your eye. In many cases, you’ll have the chance to try on the lens the same day and even go home with a few samples before making a final decision.
Before you visit your optometrist for a lens fitting, here are some of your contact lens options and the pros and cons of each:
1. Daily Wear Soft Contact Lenses
These soft contact lenses are made from gel-like, water-containing plastics called hydrogel. They are thin and pliable and conform to the front surface of the eye.
Some of the pros and cons of daily wear soft contact lenses include:
Pros
- Require a short adaptation period
- They’re more comfortable than RGP lenses and harder to dislodge
- Available in disposable lenses, meaning no maintenance is required
- Great for active lifestyles
Cons
- They cannot correct all vision problems
- The vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses
2. Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts are made of a firm plastic material which allows the passage of oxygen through the lens to your cornea and the front surface of your eye - essentially allowing your eye to “breathe”. This increases comfort, health and safety during contact lens wear.
Some of the pros and cons of this type of lens include:
Pros
- They provide excellent vision
- Short adaptation period
- They can correct most vision problems
- Relatively long life
- Available in tints and bifocals
- Available for myopia control and corneal refractive therapy
Cons
- They require consistent wear to maintain adaptation
- They’re easier to dislodge than other types of lenses
- Debris can sometimes get in under the lens
- You’ll have to make regular visits to your optometrist for follow up care
3. Extended Wear Disposable Lenses
Extended wear disposable lenses are soft lenses that can be worn for an extended period of time (1-6 days) and then discarded. There are also some lenses available to wear for up to 1 month. Some of the pros and cons of this type of lens include:
Pros
- Requires little to no cleaning and maintenance
- Lessened risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are followed
- Available in tints and bifocals
- Spare lenses available
Cons
- Vision isn’t as sharp as with RGP lenses
- They can’t correct all vision problems
- Handling of lenses are a little more difficult
Find The Perfect Pair of Contact Lenses
If you want to make the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses, then our qualified optometrists are on hand to help. During an in-depth contact lens fitting appointment, our eye doctors will discuss your lifestyle, ocular health, family health history, and more to determine if contact lenses are the right option for you, and if so, which lenses make the perfect fit.
To find out more, visit one of our three branches, Crowfoot (67 Crowfoot Terrace NW, T3G 4J8), West Springs (1009 873 85 St SW, T3H 0J5) or Creekside (12192 Symons Valley Rd NW, T3P 0A3).
Alternatively, you can contact our team at our Crowfoot Branch (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292).