CONTACT LENSES

Contact lenses are a specialty at Clear Lake Optometry. We offer a variety of contact lens types. Dr. Anderson can fit you with the contact lens that is right for you!

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP)

Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are made of slightly flexible plastics that allow needed oxygen to pass through to your eyes.

• Excellent vision
• short adaptation period
• comfortable to wear
• correct most vision problems
• easy to put on and take care of
• durable with a relatively long life
• available in tints (for handling) and bifocals

• Require consistent wear to maintain adaptation
• can slip off center of eye more easily than other types
• debris can easily get under the lenses
• requires office visits for follow-up care

Daily-wear soft lenses

Daily-wear soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes.

• Very short adaptation period
• more comfortable and more difficult to dislodge than RGP lenses
• comfortable to wear
• great for active lifestyles
• available in tints (for handling) and bifocals

• Do not correct all vision problems
• vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses
• require regular office visits for follow-up care
• lenses soil easily and must be replaced

Extended-wear

Extended-wear contact lenses are available for overnight wear in soft or RGP lenses. They can usually be worn up to seven days without removal.

• Can usually be worn up to seven days without removal.

• Do not correct all vision problems
• increases risk of complication
• vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses
• require regular monitoring and professional care

Extended-wear disposable

Extended-wear disposable contact lenses are soft lenses worn for an extended period of time. They may be worn from one to six days and then discarded.

• Require little or no cleaning
• minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are followed
• available in tints and bifocals
• spare lenses available

• Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses
• do not correct all vision problems
• handling may be more difficult

Planned replacement

Planned replacement contact lenses are soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.

• Require simplified cleaning and disinfection
• good for eye health
• available in most prescriptions

• Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses
• do not correct all vision problems
• handling may be more difficult

Reasons To Consider Contact Lenses

• Contact lenses move with your eye, allow a natural field of view, have no frames to obstruct your vision and greatly reduce distortions.
• They do not fog up, like glasses, nor do they get splattered by mud or rain.
• Contact lenses do not get in the way of your activities.
• Many people feel they look better in contact lenses.
• Contact lenses, compared to eyeglasses, generally offer better sight.

Some Things To Remember About Contact Lenses

• Contact lenses, when compared with glasses, require a longer initial examination and more follow-up visits to maintain eye health; and more time for lens care.
• If you are going to wear your lenses successfully, you will have to clean and store them properly; adhere to lens wearing schedules; and make appointments for follow-up care.
• If you are wearing disposable or planned replacement lenses, you will have to carefully follow the schedule for throwing away used lenses.