Exploring Different Types of Contact Lenses and Their Benefits

For many people, contact lenses offer an excellent alternative to traditional eyeglasses, providing clearer vision, greater convenience, and a more natural field of view. With so many types of contact lenses available today, it is easier than ever to find an option that fits your lifestyle and vision needs. At Cortez Vision Eye Clinic, we are committed to helping you explore your options and guiding you to the best choice for your eyes.
 

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are made of flexible, water-absorbing materials that conform easily to the shape of your eye. They are often the most comfortable type of contact lens and are ideal for individuals with active lifestyles. Soft lenses are available in various options, including daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses.
 

Benefits:
 

• Immediate comfort

• Excellent for sports and active wearers

• Easy to adapt to for new wearers

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made from durable materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the eye. Although they may take a little longer to adjust to, they often provide sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for individuals with astigmatism or more complex prescriptions.
 

Benefits:
 

• Superior clarity of vision

• Durable and cost-effective over time

• Ideal for patients with astigmatism or high prescriptions

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are specially designed for individuals with astigmatism. Available in both soft and RGP varieties, these lenses are shaped to stay securely in position on the eye, providing clear and stable vision throughout the day.
 

Benefits:
 

• Corrects astigmatism effectively

• Available in multiple wearing schedules

Multifocal and Bifocal Lenses

Multifocal and bifocal lenses are designed to help individuals who need vision correction for both distance and near tasks, commonly due to presbyopia, a natural, age-related change in vision. These lenses provide a seamless transition between varying focal points without the need for multiple pairs of glasses.
 

Benefits:
 

• Convenient for individuals who would otherwise need reading glasses

• Provides smooth transitions between distances

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. They are especially beneficial for patients with irregular corneas, dry eye syndrome, or conditions such as keratoconus. Their design provides both comfort and superior vision correction for complex vision needs.
 

Benefits:
 

• Comfortable for sensitive or irregular corneas

• Offers excellent stability and vision correction

The Importance of a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

Choosing the right type of contact lens is only the first step. A comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting at Cortez Vision Eye Clinic ensures your lenses provide not only clear vision but also maintain your eye health. We will evaluate the shape and health of your eyes, measure your cornea precisely, and recommend the best lenses based on your unique needs. A proper fitting helps prevent discomfort, dryness, infections, and long-term eye health issues. Routine follow-up visits are equally important to monitor how your eyes respond to the lenses and make any necessary adjustments.
 

Find the Perfect Fit at Cortez Vision Eye Clinic

There are more contact lens options available today than ever before, each offering unique advantages depending on your lifestyle, vision needs, and eye health. However, finding the perfect pair starts with a thorough contact lens exam and fitting performed by a trusted eye care provider.
 

Whether you are trying contacts for the first time or looking to upgrade your current lenses, schedule your contact lens exam with Cortez Vision Eye Clinic. Visit our office in Cortez, Colorado, or call (970) 565-2020 to book an appointment today.