Contact lenses can be a convenient alternative to glasses, but it can be tricky to find the best lens for your eye needs. Lenses are made from five different materials, each with its own fit and feel. Before seeing your optometrist to discuss the right lens for you, learn more about these different kinds of lenses and how long you should wear them.

Understanding Your Contact Lens Options 

What are the five types of contact lenses? 

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): These lenses are made of a stiff and transparent plastic material. PMMA contacts have been nicknamed “hard contacts.” They’re considered an old-fashioned type of lens and are less comfortable than modern lenses. As a result, this type of lens isn't typically prescribed anymore. 

• Gas permeable lenses: These lenses fit closer to the eye than PMMA lenses, making them fit better than traditional hard lenses. They hold their shape while still allowing oxygen to flow to the eye. This creates a more comfortable fit throughout the day. In comparison to a soft or silicone hydrogel, these lenses provide sharper vision. However, these can take some time to get used to.

• Soft lenses: Thin and flexible lenses made from a gel-like liquid containing water and plastic (better known as a hydrogel). These lenses are popular because they’re comfortable and easy to wear.

• Silicone hydrogel lenses: These lenses are a porous type of soft contact that allow more oxygen to reach the wearer’s cornea. They’re the most popular type of contact lenses today.

• Hybrid contact lenses: Hybrid lenses were created to combine the comfort of hydrogel and soft lenses with the crystal-clear vision of gas permeable lenses. However, because of the difficult fit, only a small handful of people in the U.S. wear these lenses. 

How long should I wear my lenses? 

Once you and your optometrist have chosen the type of lenses that best suits you, it’s important to understand the longevity of your new contact lenses. There are several options of lenses to choose from, and your optometrist can help you choose your best option based on your needs.

Daily lenses are the most common and are removed and cleaned each night. They can be thrown out daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly, depending on the brand. Extended-wear contacts, on the other hand, don’t need to be removed each night, but they need to be cleaned at least once a week. Many optometrists advise their patients to avoid these lenses because they pose a risk for infection. 

In addition to superior customer service, Cohen's Fashion Optical in New York, NY, provides patients with great customer care and the best doctors in the industry. Servicing all of Manhattan, the office is easy to locate and has convenient evening and weekend hours. To learn more about Cohen’s Fashion Optical, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call the office today at (212) 769-1410.