Lens Types
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Rigid
gas-permeable (RGP)
Made of slightly flexible plastics that allow
oxygen to pass through to the eyes.
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Excellent vision...short
adaptation period...comfortable to wear...correct most vision
problems...easy to put on and to care for...durable with a relatively
long life...available in tints (for handling purposes) and bifocals.
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Require consistent
wear to maintain adaptation...can slip off center of eye more easily than
other types...debris can easily get under the lenses...requires office
visits for follow-up care.
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Daily-wear
soft lenses
Made of soft, flexible plastic that allow oxygen
to pass through to the eyes.
|
Very short
adaptation period...more comfortable and more difficult to dislodge than
RGP lenses...available in tints and bifocals...great for active
lifestyles.
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Do not correct all vision
problems...vision may not be as sharp as with RGP lenses...require
regular office visits for follow-up care...lenses soil easily and must be
replaced.
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Extended-wear
Available for overnight wear in soft or RGP
lenses.
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Can usually be worn
up to seven days without removal.
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Do not correct all
vision problems...require regular office visits for follow-up
care...increases risk of complication...requires regular monitoring and
professional care.
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Extended-wear
disposable
Soft lenses worn for an extended period of time,
from one to six days and then discarded.
|
Require little or
no cleaning...minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions are
followed...available in tints and bifocals...spare lenses available.
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Vision may not be
as sharp as RGP lenses...do not correct all vision problems...handling
may be more difficult.
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Planned
replacement
Soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a
planned schedule, most often either every two weeks, monthly or
quarterly.
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Require simplified
cleaning and disinfection...good for eye health...available in most
prescriptions.
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Vision may not be
as sharp as RGP lenses...do not correct all vision problems...handling
may be more difficult.
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