Soft Lenses:

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Soft contact lenses are the most common contact lenses used today. They are made of soft, flexible, breathable plastic with significant water content to make them comfortable and easy to wear. The most common soft contact lenses come in a variety of prescription types:

• Spherical – for standard eyes
• Toric – for astigmatism
• Multifocal – for patients that require bifocals
• Extended Range or XR – for patients with high prescriptions

These convenient, disposable lenses are also available with different replacement schedules.

• Daily – get a new, fresh lens every day
  • The most common, convenient option
  • Best choice for optimal ocular health and patients with dry eyes or allergies
• Biweekly – replaced every 2 weeks
  • Removed and cleaned every night
• Monthly – replaced every 30 days
  • Usually removed and cleaned every night to minimize risk for complications and infections
  • There are some 30-day soft contact lenses that are FDA-approved to wear for 30 days without removal; this type of lens should be discussed with your eye doctor before taking on the risk of 30-day wear

​​​​​​​While there are many different options in soft contact lenses, your prescription, lifestyle, eye shape, and other factors will likely narrow down these options. Our eye doctors will also make recommendations based on other exam findings such as dry eye and allergies.

Specialty Lenses:

As you may have guessed from the name, specialty contact lenses are designed for eyes otherwise unsuited for common soft contact lenses. These custom specialty contacts are designed for patients that may have any of the following issues, limiting their vision or comfort in soft lenses:

• Dry Eye Syndrome and Ocular Surface Disease
• Corneal scarring
• Irregular corneal shape
• Previous refractive surgery
• Keratoconus
• Severe injury
• Ocular cosmetic concerns
• Progressive myopia
• Peripheral corneal thinning disorder
• Intolerant to other types of lenses
• Competitive athletes wanting maximum vision

Our doctors use a multitude of specialty contact lens types to address each individual’s issue. The most common types of specialty contact lenses are below.

• Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses (RGP) – Usually smaller in size than the iris, these lenses sit on the cornea and give crisp, clear vision.
• Scleral or SemiScleral Lenses – Larger in size, these lenses completely cover the iris and cornea, while the edge of the lens rests on the white of the eye, leaving a small space for tears to pool under the lens. This keeps the eye hydrated and provides a smooth surface for really sharp, high-definition vision.
• OrthoK or CRT Lenses – Larger in size, these lenses are worn at night during sleep to reshape the cornea, resulting in no need for glasses or contact lenses during the day. This process is similar to wearing Invisalign or a retainer for your teeth, molding the body to improve function.
• Hybrid Lenses – These lenses have a rigid gas-permeable lenses in the center with a soft contact lens edge making them the best of both worlds, great vision with soft edges

​​​​​​​For more information about specialty contact lenses, don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated eye care team.

Myopia Control:

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is becoming more and more common. Use of personal electronics, decreased time outdoors, and family history all contribute to this rising ocular condition. Thankfully, we now have some special contact lenses that help slow the progression of myopia:

• MiSight – soft, daily disposable contact lenses worn during waking hours to slow progression
• OrthoK or CRT – hard lenses worn at night during sleep to reshape the cornea to slow progression

​​​​​​​Patients new to contacts and experienced wearers both need to be aware that proper care, use, and replacement is very important. When used properly, contact lenses are comfortable and convenient, but improper contact lens use can lead to ocular complications and long-term corneal damage.

Your eye doctor will inform you about any best practices for your lens type. All lenses need to be kept clean and disinfected to avoid deposits and possible infections. Read our list below for great tips and instructions