Soft lenses are less durable, but are more comfortable because they are made of a softer plastic called hydrogel. Because they contain a higher percentage of water, they permit a better flow of oxygen to the cornea. However, the material is also more porous, so there is an increased risk of eye irritation and infection due to contamination by bacteria, dust and protein. Usually soft contact lenses are removed from the eye at the end of each day.
Extended wear lenses are soft contacts that have been licensed for continuous wear for up to 30 days and nights without being removed.
Rigid gas permeable lenses combine the features of hard and soft contacts. They permit the passage of more oxygen to the cornea than hard lenses do, and are more effective for people with astigmatism.
If you’re over 40, bifocal contact lenses may be a great option, helping you enjoy crisp, clear vision whether you are texting on your phone, working on your computer or looking for a street sign. You will find the clear vision you are looking for at all distances.
Keratoconus (KC) is a thinning disorder of the cornea that causes visual distortion. Treatment options for keratoconus focus on correcting the distorted vision caused by the thinning and bulging of the cornea. Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild near-sightedness and astigmatism caused by keratoconus in its earliest stage, however at some point a rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens will correct KC vision better.
