Your Guide to Different Contact Lenses

If you’re considering contact lenses, you might be a bit overwhelmed by the large number of options available. Our team at Summit Eyecare – serving Merlin Drive, Pancheri Drive, Pocatello, St. Anthony, and Rexburg – has put together a quick guide to help provide some clarity.

Soft, RGP, and Hybrid

Let’s start with the understanding that there are three basic types of contact lenses: soft, RGP, and hybrid. Soft contact lenses are those that are flexible, thin, and easily mold to your eye. They retain moisture well and are the most comfortable for many.

RGP or rigid gas permeable lenses are not flexible and are considered “hard.” They still allow oxygen in and do not collect deposits as easily as the soft ones. They also tend to provide a clearer visual image but are harder to get used to.

Hybrid lenses are a combination of the two. They provide comfort and a clear image. However, they are typically more expensive.

Specialty Contacts

There are also specialty contacts available for those who can’t wear conventional contacts. You might also hear them referred to as hard-to-fit contacts. This doesn’t mean you are a difficult patient. It means that you have an issue that can interfere with your ability to wear or see with conventional lenses. Hard-to-fit contacts are for those with issues such as:

- Astigmatism

- Corneal scarring

- Dry eyes

- Keratoconus

- Presbyopia

They are also used for those who have had LASIK. A contact lens exam with a skilled optometrist is crucial to getting the right fit and prescription for such issues.

Daily Wear vs Extended Wear

You’ll also need to decide between daily wear and extended wear. Daily wear lenses are those that you change out each day. Extended-wear lenses can be worn for up to 30 days, depending on the lenses. Your optometrist will discuss the different options with you after your contact lens exam.

Visit Our Eye Doctors for a Contact Lens Exam

Still uncertain about which contacts to choose? Our team at Summit Eyecare is here to help. Schedule an appointment at our Idaho Falls - Merlin Drive office at (208) 522-5594, Idaho Falls - Pancheri Drive office at (208) 529-4333, Pocatello office at (208) 637-0841, St. Anthony office at (208) 624-3231, or our Rexburg office at (208) 356-0881.