What is the Difference Between Disposable and Other Contact Lenses?
By Amy Nutt
If you wear corrective lenses or just found out you need to start wearing them, you may be interested in finding out what types of contact lenses are on the market. You have likely seen television commercials or internet ads for disposable lenses. Are disposable contacts safe? Are they the best choice for you? What else is available in terms of contact lenses? The below information will give you a general idea of types of contacts to consider and will inform you about them as well. Before making any decisions about what type to use, make sure to consider factors such as your lifestyle, budget, and more. Also, make sure to discuss all options with your eye care professional in order to make the best, most personalized decision.
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What is the Difference Between Disposable and Other Contact Lenses?[/caption]Types of Corrective Contact Lenses
Soft Lenses
Soft contacts are made of flexible plastic that is soft and permeable (allows oxygen to pass through the lens in order to reach the cornea of the eye). Many contact lens users say that soft contact lenses are much easier to get used to. Soft contact lenses also have the reputation of being more comfortable than other types of lenses. Disposable contacts tend to also be soft lenses.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lens
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are less comfortable than their soft counterparts, but they also tend to be more durable and resistant to buildup of deposits. RGP lenses are said to provide clearer, more crisp version than soft contact lenses. Because it is more durable, this type of contact lens is easier to handle without damaging or tearing. Because they are less comfortable, RGP's are more difficult to adjust to.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear contacts typically tend to also be soft lenses. The difference between extended wear and daily wear lenses is that extended wear lenses can be worn continuously and/or overnight wear. Extended wear contacts can be worn overnight for only one night or they can be worn for up to thirty days. This type of contact lens is good for people who have a hard time remembering to remove their contact lenses.
Disposable Lenses
Disposable lenses are also called "Replacement schedule lenses." Most people who wear soft lenses of any type are on some sort of replacement schedule or another. It may be more or less frequent depending on the type of lens prescribed, but true daily wear disposable lenses are discarded and replaced daily. So basically, some disposable lenses are worn and replaced daily, and other disposable lenses (extended wear disposable lenses) are intended to be worn for a number of days continuously then discarded and replaced.
Who Should Wear Daily Disposable Contacts?
After reading the information above, you are undoubtedly more familiar with some of the types of corrective lenses. Just by looking into all the benefits and drawbacks that each different type of lens offers, you can start to get an idea of what type of lens might be right for you. There are several different factors that will contribute to determining what type of contact lens is best for you. Ultimately, the decision will be made between you and your eye care professional. People who have a hard time adhering to daily routines, people who have very little time to dedicate to personal care and hygiene and people whose eyes are highly susceptible to infection should consider wearing daily disposable lenses.
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