Types of Contact Lenses and How They Work

Over the years, the classic choice between traditional eyeglasses and contacts for vision correction has evolved into an extensive mixture of vision correction options. The variety of choices may be a little overwhelming for the “untrained eye.” But with a little knowledge about today’s contacts options, finding the perfect match for your eyes is easy. 

In general, contact lenses are made from soft and hard plastics. Both materials provide different advantages to you, depending on your specific vision needs. Here are the different types of lenses to help you understand which contact lens is best for you and your vision. 

Daily wear contact lenses

Typically fashioned from silicone hydrogels, or some other soft plastic, these contact lenses are comfortable, consistently stay in position and provide a great option if you lead a very active lifestyle. The newer materials allow oxygen to flow more readily to your eye’s surface for better comfort and eye health. 

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses also known as RGPs are made from slightly more durable hard plastics. RGP’s provide you with crisper vision correction than soft lenses. They tend to correct more vision problems and cost less over time since they don’t tear or wear out as easily. The downside to RGP contact lenses is they can be very uncomfortable to begin with and take multiple weeks to adjust to (compared to a few days for soft lenses). 

Extended wear contact lenses

Continuous overnight or extended wear contacts are approved by the FDA for many materials and lenses. Most extended wear contact lenses are made from the very breathable soft plastics, but some rigid gas-permeable lenses are available as well. Your eye doctor will advise how many consecutive nights you can keep your contacts in, but this could range from 1 to 30 nights. Not all extended wear lenses are designed for overnight wear, so follow your prescribed instructions. 

Disposable contact lenses (with replacement schedule)

Most contact lenses, regardless of purpose, are intended to be worn for an extended period. This helps save money but could increase your chance of an eye infection if your contact lens sanitation routine is inconsistent. Disposable contact lenses are replaced at regular intervals to increase the health of your eyes and provide consistent vision correction. A replacement schedule for your contact lenses might be every seven days, two weeks or longer.
  
Whatever type of vision problem you’re experiencing, there’s sure to be a contact lens correction option right for you. Just be sure to consult with your eye doctor first. 

If you’re uncertain about your contacts or are experiencing any discomfort, use your VSP Individual Plan to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today. If you don’t have vision insurance, find out how VSP can help you save on your next eye exam or contact lenses.

Information received through VSP Vision Care's social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

Your vision. Your way.

Not covered for vision? Get an individual plan, customized for you – including where you want to use it: at the doctor, in a retail location, or even online.

VSP Benefits & Savings

Build Your Plan

Individual and Employer-Based Vision Plans

Vision Insurance >

Individual and Employer-Based Vision Plans

While many people get their vision benefits through an employer, a growing number of people rely on individual vision plans to meet their vision nee...

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams, Glasses, or Contacts?

Vision Insurance >

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams, Glasses, or Contacts?

If you’re one of the millions of individuals with a Medicare plan, you may have asked yourself if Medicare vision coverage is available. The a...

The Clear Benefits of Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance >

The Clear Benefits of Vision Insurance

Our world constantly bombards us with screens and digital devices. This means that taking care of our eyes has become more important than ever. What...