When it comes to choosing contact lenses, there are more options available than ever before. The right choice for you will depend on several factors, including your vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, or presbyopia, there’s a lens type designed to meet your unique requirements. At Raleigh Eye Center, we want to help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect contact lenses for your vision needs.
Before choosing contact lenses, it's crucial to understand your vision prescription. A comprehensive eye exam will provide important information, including whether you are nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia), or have astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea). These details guide your contact lens options. If you're over 40 and experiencing presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects), you might need multifocal lenses.
There are various types of contact lenses, each designed for specific vision needs:
Soft Lenses: Made from soft, flexible materials, soft lenses are the most common choice due to their comfort and ease of use. They are great for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Toric Lenses: If you have astigmatism, toric lenses are specifically designed to provide the stability and correction needed for your unique eye shape.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses are more durable and provide sharper vision for those with high astigmatism or other specific vision issues. While they take longer to adjust to, RGP lenses can offer excellent vision correction.
Multifocal/Bifocal Lenses: For individuals who need both distance and near vision correction, multifocal lenses offer a convenient solution by combining different prescriptions in one lens.
Scleral Lenses: If you have dry eyes, keratoconus, or other corneal irregularities, scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera), offering a comfortable option while keeping your corneas moist.
Your daily activities can influence the type of lenses you choose:
Active Lifestyle: If you're into sports or spend a lot of time outdoors, daily disposable lenses may be the best choice. They offer a fresh, clean lens every day, minimizing the risk of buildup that can occur with extended wear.
Dry or Sensitive Eyes: If you experience dry or sensitive eyes, ask about lenses designed with moisture retention features or lenses made from silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach your corneas.
Allergies: Daily disposable lenses can also be beneficial if you suffer from allergies, as they reduce the buildup of allergens that can accumulate with reusable lenses.
The most important step in choosing the right contact lenses is consulting with your eye care professional. At Raleigh Eye Center, we will assess your eye health, lifestyle, and preferences to recommend the best lens option for you. We'll ensure that your lenses fit comfortably and provide optimal vision correction, so you can experience clear, comfortable vision every day.
Once you've consulted with your eye care professional, don’t hesitate to try out different types of lenses. Many patients find it helpful to test lenses for a short period before committing to a specific type. This trial period allows you to determine if the lenses meet your comfort and vision needs throughout the day.
Choosing the right contact lenses is a personal decision that depends on your unique vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health. At Raleigh Eye Center, we're here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you find lenses that are comfortable, convenient, and provide the best vision possible.
Schedule a contact lens exam with Raleigh Eye Center to explore your options and get the perfect lenses for your vision and eye health. Visit our office in Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia. Call (919) 899-2472, (919) 876-2427 or (252) 492-8021 to book an appointment today.