If you’re in need of contact lenses but aren’t sure which kind would be right for you, visit Dr. Darryl Greenwood, Dr. Mervet Hachem, or Dr. Rachel Simpson at Linsey Eye Care in Wyomissing, Reading, PA. 

What are the Different Kinds of Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are a type of corrective lenses that go directly on the eye, but depending on the prescription and the eyes’ sensitivities, there are different kinds to suit the individual’s needs.

Some of the types of contact lenses include:

• Soft contact lenses - Much more comfortable than hard lenses, soft contacts are great for first-time contact wearers, those with sensitive eyes, and long wear. Soft lenses aren’t as great at providing oxygen to the eye as RGP lenses.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses - A harder, more durable lens, RGP contacts give a crisper image, last longer (and are therefore cheaper). RGP contacts are great for people whose astigmatism isn’t adequately corrected with soft lenses and people with presbyopia or keratoconus. These also provide better oxygen to the eyes to keep them healthy.
• Extended Wear lenses - Can be worn overnight or for up to 30 days straight. Great for people who have difficulty remembering to take their lenses out and prefer soft lenses.
• Disposable lenses - The wearer replaces the lenses on a schedule, sometimes daily. Disposables are great for people concerned with the health of their eyes but they prefer soft lenses.

Finding the right lens for you can be a difficult process, especially if you have a unique eye shape or a condition that requires special care and correction. Visiting Dr. Greenwood, Dr. Mervet, or Dr. Simpson at Linsey Eye Care in Wyomissing, Reading, PA can help you figure out which lens will be best for your eye shape, schedule, and comfort.

How Are Contact Lenses Fitted To You?

Getting a prescription for contacts looks a little bit different than for glasses. Having the lens sit directly on your eye changes the way light refracts and the image is translated, so the eye exam may be more comprehensive, and the prescription will look different.

When deciding on the type of lens, your optometrist will also consider the shape of your eye and additional conditions that might affect the way you see or the way the lens fits. For example, RGP lenses can be custom-made to fit your eyes’ unique curvatures, creating a better fit and a clearer image.

To schedule an appointment with your Wyomissing, Reading, PA optometrist, Dr. Greenwood, Dr. Hachem, or Dr. Simpson, to see which type of contact would be best for you, call Linsey Eyecare at (610) 373-2300.