Contact Lenses: An Overview

The two general types of contact lens on the market today are soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP).

Soft contacts are made from a permeable plastic that soaks up water while still retaining its shape and optic properties. These contacts are easy to adapt to and fit comfortably and securely. Soft contact lenses can correct many types of astigmatism and presbyopia (the inability to focus on objects up close).

RGP contact lenses are made of a firmer plastic than that used for soft contacts. While still allowing oxygen to pass through to the eye, these contacts are more durable than soft contacts and usually have a longer life span. Many people find RGP contacts easier to handle than soft contacts. They fit well and provide good visual acuity. This type of contact lens is usually prescribed for people with severe astigmatism. And while these contacts may take a little longer than soft contacts to get used to, wearers generally find them comfortable.

Most contact lenses are worn on a daily basis, being removed for sleeping and re-inserted in the morning. It''s not advisable to wear contacts while sleeping unless instructed to do so by your practitioner.

It''s also possible to buy disposable contacts. These contacts are worn for a specific period of time (sometimes for no longer than a day) and then replaced with another set. There are also extended wear contacts, the majority of which the US Food and Drug Administration has approved to be worn without removal for up to seven days.

When it comes to caring for your contacts, it''s important to use products that have been manufactured for the specific type of contact you''re wearing. It''s also prudent to follow the advice issued by your practitioner, not only to get the best out of your contacts, but also to ensure that your eyes remain in a healthy condition.

The basic steps for cleaning contacts include daily cleaning and disinfecting to remove everyday dust and pollution and to kill the micro-organisms that can grow on unclean contacts; and weekly protein removal to break down the proteins deposited on contacts from tears in the eyes.

It can take anywhere from between a day and two weeks to get used to wearing contact lenses, depending on the type you''ve opted for and your tolerance level. However, most wearers would agree that any reservations you may have about inserting a contact lens into your eye will almost certainly disappear once you discover how easy and conveniently contacts can improve impaired vision. Bonny Kominek has been wearing contact lenses for about 10 years now and has tried all the tips and tricks associated with them.