Contact Lenses in Fredericksburg

Types of Contact Lenses

Soft Lenses

Soft lenses are made of malleable plastic that allows oxygen to flow through easily to the cornea. They tend to be more comfortable on the eyes than hard lenses. Soft lenses are inherently considered disposable, though the rate at which they are tossed out depends on the specific kind. Some lenses are meant to be thrown out every day, while others can be rinsed and reused for a week or month at a time.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

RGP lenses are harder and more durable than soft lenses. They are also capable of providing somewhat crisper vision, even if they are not as comfortable as soft lenses. Because they are not meant to be replaced as often, RGP lenses are usually the less expensive contact option over an extended timeframe.

Specialty Lenses

Specialty lenses are designed for patients who find traditional lenses uncomfortable or unsatisfactory. They usually have a unique shape so that they may fit better over the cornea. For example, toric lenses may be the best option for correcting astigmatism (a misshapen cornea). Scleral lenses are larger lenses that rest on the white of the eye (the sclera) specifically to avoid touching the cornea.