Contact Lenses

What's the difference between a contact lens and glasses prescription?

Contact lens prescriptions include lens power like eyeglass prescriptions that are required to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism. With a contact lens prescription, you won’t need to wear eyeglasses. Depending on the degree of your refractive error, and the type of contacts prescribed, your contact lens prescription may be significantly different than those of your glasses prescription. Contact lens prescriptions also contain additional specifications that are not included on a glasses prescription, such as base curve, diameter, lens brand, and material.

How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?

Most people will get used to the soft contact lenses made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel immediately or in just a few days. Rigid gas permeable lenses or hybrid contact lenses, can take a few weeks or longer for your eyes to fully adjust to the lenses.

What type of contacts lenses are there?

Soft contact lenses are made of soft and flexible plastics which allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, making them easier to adjust to and more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses. Newer soft lens materials such as silicone hydrogels, provide more oxygen to your eye while you wear your lenses.

Gas permeable contacts, also called GP or RGP lenses, are rigid or harder contact lenses. They are more durable and resistant to deposit buildup, allowing for a clearer, crisper vision. Gas permeable lenses are usually less expensive and last longer than soft contact lenses. They are easier to handle and less likely to tear. However, they do not provide the same type of comfort that soft contact lenses do.

Multifocal contact lenses have a bifocal design with two distinct lens powers for distance and near vision. Other multifocal lens designs have a gradual change in lens power for a natural visual transition from distance to close-up. Multifocal contacts are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable lens materials.

American Eye Institute’s staff optometrist is an expert in fitting all types of lenses for patients with all types of eyes issues, including hybrid lenses like Synergeyes, for patients with keratoconus and irregular corneas.