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Return To Contact Lens Article Archive   Search the Article Archives Types of Contact Lens and the risks involved By Jeffrey Michael Types of Contact Lenses Do you know that more than 24 million people in the United States wear contact lens? Because of the demand, many types of contact lenses are available in the market today. The type of contacts you use depends on your particular situation. Your eye doctor will be able to help you choose from the following types of lenses. PMMA lenses: Rigid or 'hard' contacts were the first lenses; they were developed in the 1960s. They are made of a type of plastic called PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), which is very durable, but does not allow oxygen in the air to directly reach the cornea. When the eye blinks, the lens moves, which allows the oxygen dissolved in the tears to reach the cornea. Rigid lenses are the least comfortable type of contacts and are not really used anymore. However, some people still prefer them for their durability and lower cost. Gas-permeable lenses: These lenses are also known as 'RGPs.' They are newer rigid or 'hard' lenses made of plastics combined with other materials, such as silicone and fluoropolymers, which allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. For this reason, they are called 'gas permeable.' Soft contact lenses: These lenses are made of plastic materials that incorporate water. The water makes them soft and flexible, as well as allowing oxygen to reach the cornea. More than 75% of contact lens wearers in the United States use soft lenses. * Extended wear contact lenses: made of material designed to last 2-4 weeks. * Daily disposable lenses: although generally more expensive, carry a lower infection risk. * Toric contact lenses: correct moderate astigmatism. They are available in both rigid and soft materials. Generally, contacts should be removed at bedtime due to risk of infection and risk of contact lens intolerance. What are the risks? PMMA lenses are more likely to scratch the cornea if the lens does not fit properly or if the lens is worn while sleeping. They are also more likely to slide off the cornea and become hidden under the lid. Rigid lenses traditionally had a reputation for 'popping out' of the eye. New lens designs have minimized the chance of loosing a contact even during vigorous exercise. Rigid gas-permeable lenses and soft extended-wear contacts are the most likely to have protein build-up and cause lens-related allergies. Protein build-up results in discomfort, blurring and intolerance to the lenses. You will need special cleaning solutions to dissolve the protein. Daily-wear lenses should never be worn as extended-wear lenses. Misuse can lead to temporary and even permanent damage to the cornea. People who wear any type of lens overnight have a greater chance of developing infections of the cornea. These infections are often due to poor cleaning and lens care. Improper over wearing of contact lenses can result in intolerance, leading to the inability to wear contact lenses. Rigid gas-permeable or disposable lenses may be good choices for someone with allergies. When to call the doctor Call Your Doctor When You Notice These Symptoms * Your eye is painful * Your eye is red for more than two days * You have discharge from your eye * You have blurry vision * Your eye feels scratchy The full article on contact lens can be found at http://contactlens.4dummies.net About the Author: Jeffrey Michael compiles information he gets from the clients he work with and publish them on the internet for everyone to benefit. Astigmatism Contacts

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