Types of Contact Lenses

Many types of contact lenses are available. The type of contacts you use depends on your particular situation.

Soft contact lenses

These are the most common type of contact lenses currently prescribed. These lenses are made materials that incorporate water, which makes them soft and flexible and allows oxygen to reach the cornea.

Daily disposable lenses: Although generally more expensive, they carry a lower infection risk

Two week or monthly disposable lenses: for daily wear

Toric contact lenses: Correct moderate astigmatism

Bifocal contact lenses: can be helpful for patients that need reading and distance correction but may not be right for everyone

Gas-permeable lenses

These lenses are also known as "RGPs." They are rigid or "hard" lenses made of plastics combined with other materials—such as silicone and fluoropolymers—that allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. For this reason, they are called "gas permeable."

For the safety of your eyes, it is recommended that contacts should be removed at bedtime due to risk of infection and risk of contact lens intolerance.

Aim of this Clinic is to:

Promote the use of contact lenses to all eligible patients. Provide quality products and services on an on-going basis. Teach and train patients in the correct usage of contact lenses and solutions. To train optometry students and fellows in the fitting of contact lenses. Provide solutions for difficult cases with best available specialty lenses. Participate and conduct many continuing education programs. Conduct research projects.

Services provided

Dispensing of different types of regular contact lenses – daily wear and extended wear Soft Disposable Lenses, Soft Conventional Lenses, Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses, Cosmetic lenses, Prosthetic lenses, and Bandage contact lenses.

Dispensing Specialty Contact Lenses – Scleral Contact Lenses, Soft Toric Lenses, Rose-K Lenses for Keratoconus, Bifocal Contact Lenses, Piggyback Lenses for Keratoconus, Soft-perm lenses.

Dispensing of appropriate Contact Lens Solutions for different type of lenses

Who Should NOT Wear Contact Lenses?

Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses. Among the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are:

Frequent eye infections

Severe allergies

Dry eye (improper tear film)*

A work environment that is very dusty or dirty

Inability to handle and care for the lenses properly

Care for your Lenses

Contact lenses must be properly cleaned and disinfected when you remove them to kill germs and prevent infections.

All contact lens cases- should be cleaned daily and it is recommended that you replace your case every three months.

Never reuse your contact lens solution.

Dispose of contact lens solution in the lens case after each use and let the case air dry.

Do not put your lens in your mouth and then in your eye.

Never use homemade cleaning solutions as they have been linked to serious eye infections.

Any eye drops, even non-prescription ones, can interact with all types of contact lenses.

Use the prescribed brand of solution or check with your optometrist before changing brands.

Wear Your Lenses Properly

Wash your hands with soap prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye

Do not share your lenses with someone else

Do not use fashion lenses (non-prescription color lenses) unless they are fitted by an optometrist

Do not purchase bootleg lenses

Wear lenses on the schedule prescribed by your optometrist

Dispose of your lenses at the interval prescribed by your optometrist

Remove your contact lenses and call your doctor when you notice these symptoms

Your eye is painful

You are sensitive to light

Your eye is red for more than two days

You have discharge from your eye

You have blurry vision

Your eye feels scratchy

Remember to book yearly contact lens and eye health exams for the protection of you eyes.