Contact Lenses

The most common lens type, soft lenses can be made from several different materials that allow for varying performance outcomes. Some materials allow for greater oxygen transmission (which decreases hypoxic stress), while others will allow the lens to resist drying out. Some lens materials can also better resist the build-up of deposits which occur naturally during wear.

Soft lenses may be disposable, either on a daily, fortnightly or monthly regime, or they may be custom-made for the individual, who for one reason or another, is not suitable for disposable contact lenses. Custom made lenses may be kept for up to one or two years but require a far more rigorous cleaning and disinfecting regime than disposable lenses. Novelty lenses such as Cat’s Eye and Dollar Signs are also available.

RGP lenses are generally smaller than soft lenses, and as the name implies, are much harder and more rigid. RGP lenses can be prescribed for more complicated conditions where soft lenses do not deliver adequate vision, such as high or irregular astigmatism, keratoconus and post graft. In some of the latest designs, RGP lenses are much bigger, reflecting an emerging variation in fitting philosophies. Some lenses combine both soft and rigid materials.