Contact lenses are small, complex, plastic lenses which are placed directly onto the cornea of the eye to eliminate the need to wear spectacles. They are used to correct various visual conditions, including astigmatism and myopia, or even to change the appearance of the eye. From lenses to correct vision, to change the shape of the eye, or even decorative contact lenses coloured in order to change the appearance of the colour of the eye, there is a wide range of products available.

The most common types of contact lenses include:

• Soft Contact Lenses: made of soft flexible plastics, these are more comfortable than rigid lenses, yet don't generally offer as much clarity as a rigid lens can. They are easier to become accustomed to wearing than a rigid lens as well.

 

• Extended Wear Contact Lenses: are soft lenses that may be worn overnight or for continuous wear for between six and thirty days. They allow for very good oxygen permeation of the lens and are usually soft.

• Disposable (Daily Wear) Contact Lenses: these soft lenses are made of flexible and soft plastic which allows oxygen to reach the eyes. More comfortable to wear than most other lens types, they are perfect for active lifestyles and for those who generally choose to wear spectacles. They are worn for one day only and then discarded.

 

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: these lenses are made from only slightly flexible plastics yet still allow oxygenation of the eye. They can correct most visual problems, provide excellent, clear and crisp vision, and are quite easy to adapt to wearing. They are very durable when cared for properly and are available as bifocals. The drawbacks of RGP lenses are that they require consistent wear, can slip on the eye more easily, and debris is more likely to collect under the lens.

 

• Ortho-K Contact Lenses: orthokeratology, or Ortho-K lenses, are specifically designed RGP lenses which are used to alter the shape of the curve of the cornea, in order to offer a temporary improvement of the eye's ability to focus. Most commonly an overnight product, the vision correction affected will last throughout the following day before the eye reverts to its natural shape. It is commonly used to correct nearsightedness, but can also be used to correct astigmatism.

 

• Decorative Contact Lenses: contact lenses coloured a particular hue, or with a novelty decoration, are more and more commonly used for cosmetic or costuming purposes. These lenses should be used with care and only sourced from a reputable supplier. They are not used to correct vision.

Different contact lens products are used for different purposes – your optometrist can advise the best product for you. And should you choose to wear decorative lenses, always have an eye assessment to check the health of your eyes, and purchase a high quality product from a reputable dealer.