Contacts may have been the brainchild of Leonardo da Vinci, but they weren’t a commercially viable option until the early 1970s. Hard contact lenses came first, and were eventually followed by pliable soft versions. The talented eye doctors at Wing Eyecare in Cincinnati, OH, continually help patients find the right contacts or glasses to fit their needs, and they offer the following information to help you determine which type of contacts are best for your eyes.

Hard lenses are currently comprised of semi-rigid gas permeables (RGPs) that feature silicon and are therefore more flexible than previous incarnations. Unlike soft lenses, hard lenses do not tear and are capable of lasting for years with the right maintenance. Hard contact lenses retain their shape better than their softer counterparts, and subsequently provide crisper vision. The high-quality vision these lenses offer helps control nearsightedness progression to some degree. However, hard lenses are not nearly as comfortable as soft versions, and they are more prone to falling out of the eyes. Forgoing hard lenses for a few days and wearing glasses will result in eyes requiring a reacclimation to these types of lenses.

Soft contact lenses are made of a plastic-like material, but are much more flexible and comfortable than hard lenses. These contact lenses are so comfortable that you’re likely to forget they’re in your eyes. Disposable options for soft lenses offer the convenience of no special cleaning solutions and maintenance, and they are available in practically every correction imaginable, as well as a variety of colors. Unlike hard lenses, soft lenses absorb water. Saturation varies between 37% and 80%, and those that absorb more water are more comfortable. Soft contact lenses are thinner than hard lenses, and they do not require the acclimation period that hard lenses do. One issue with soft lenses is that they are capable of absorbing lotion and soap left on the hands, which can result in eye irritation.

Discuss the pros and cons of both options with your eye doctor at Wing Eyecare following your regular eye exam. Be sure to pick up new glasses or eyeglass frames as well, and enjoy perfect vision. Schedule your eye exam or learn more about contacts and glasses by contacting Wing Eyecare today. Call (888) 274-9464 or visit their website for more information.