Four Types of Contact Lenses
by Vernon Chambers
If your vision is blurry when you try to focus on something close by or at a distance, you may suffer from bad vision. Luckily, there are several options you can choose from to correct the vision to the point of perfect or near-perfect vision, such as prescription glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. For people who enjoy the convenience of not wearing glasses but can't afford corrective surgery, contact lenses are a great option. This is a list of different types of contact lenses and how they work.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are basic lenses that are made to fit your eye. The vision doctor will measure each one of your eyes, since they may be different sizes. You do not want the lens to be too small or big because a lens that doesn't fit will fall out of the eye or not line up correctly and give you vision problems. The lens is designed to sit over the center of the eye and has your current vision prescription imprinted in it. Most lenses are removed daily, but there are certain types that can be worn during sleep.
Corneal Reshaping Lenses
Corneal reshaping lenses, otherwise known as orthokeratology, are the method of correcting vision through contact lenses. Orthokeratology is typically used to correct myopia, or nearsightedness, but can be used in certain cases of farsightedness, or hyperopia. The contacts lenses are worn during the night or while you are sleeping. The contacts gently reshape the corneas, but the effect is temporary. If you discontinue the lenses, you will be required to start using glasses or another method of contact lenses again in order to achieve perfect vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an irregular bend in the lens or cornea in your eye. It usually isn't very noticeable and is easily corrected with glasses or contacts. If you wear contact lenses, you can purchase special ones that are made for astigmatism. A person may have the astigmatism in only one eye or in both.
Scleral
A scleral lens differs from most other types because it is hard. They are known as rigid gas-permeable lenses. The scleral contact is designed to fit over the sclera and not the cornea. This type of contact is a good option for anyone who suffers from extremely dry eyes because it lets more fluid between the lens and the cornea. Sometimes a patient who has damaged or infected corneas will be prescribed a scleral lens.
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When our child was diagnosed with a debilitating eye condition, I knew I needed to start looking around for a great eye doctor. I did my research regarding the kinds of training eye doctors typically received, and then looked for a professional that really exceeded the expectations required of him. I was able to find an amazing eye doctor that had years of treating the same condition my child had, and it was really comforting to know that he could help them. My optometrist has made my child's disability management much more straightforward. Check out these posts to learn how to find a better eye doctor.