When it comes to the different types of contact lenses, a soft lens is a soft lens, true? False! There are dozens –maybe even hundreds – of variations on the soft lens.
A quick rundown shows: disposable and planned replacement, which has to do with how often you replace your lenses. Then there’s conventional daily wear, as well as extended wear and continuous wear. But that’s not all. Soft lenses can also be spherical, toric, multifocal and even multifocal/toric. And within each category, there are lenses made from different types of materials. Basically, they are hydrogel and silicone hydrogel, but some have high water content; some have low water content. Some are more permeable – meaning they allow more oxygen to reach your eye – than others.
It’s best to let your eye doctor sort through all these soft lens choices and come up with a recommendation based on your needs. The best way you can help your eye doctor choose the right soft lens for you is by explaining your lifestyle and how you want to wear your lenses.
Are you always on the run and likely to forget to clean your lenses? Disposables may be the way to go. Do you keep late hours and often fall asleep in your lenses. Aha! Extended wear lenses, which you wear for 7 days and 6 nights straight, even while sleeping, may be best for you. Or your doctor may recommend continuous wear lenses, which you can wear for 30 days and nights before you have to throw them away.