Selection of the proper material depends on prescription, wearing schedule, previous contact lens wearing history, and willingness to take proper care of the lenses.

Hyper oxygen transmitting lenses: Soft lens materials have been recently introduced that supply more than enough oxygen to the cornea to enable its metabolism to function in a non-compromised fashion. These materials are extremely successful because they tend not to dry out as much as previous materials. Highly oxygen transmitting gas permeable lenses have been available for several years, but their tendency to scratch and coat easily has limited their use.

Recommended replacement: Soft lenses, because of their water content, have a limited life span, and are generally dispensed in multi-packs ranging from 4 lens packages (3 month replacement) to 90 lens packages  (3 month supply with daily disposable). The most common replacement rates range from 1 week to 1 month per lens.

The coatings on gas permeable lenses can usually be cleaned off the surface each night. Because of this these lenses usually last at least 1 to 2 years. These lenses can be professionally polished which will reduce the scratches and prolong the life of the lens.

Wettability: A major factor in wearing contact lenses comfortably is their ability to retain moisture, and many patients become aware of their lenses as the day goes on. Because each person’s tear film is unique, a lens that is the most comfortable on one person may dry out rapidly on the next patient. This is true for both soft and gas permeable materials.

Toric Contact Lenses to Correct Astigmatism: Hard and gas permeable contact lenses “naturally” correct low to moderate amounts of astigmatism because of their rigid nature. It has been a challenge to develop reliable soft contact lenses for astigmatism, but many companies have developed lenses for this purpose. These lenses add a level of complexity to the fit because they have to stay properly aligned on the eye to provide stable, crisp vision. Quality toric lenses are now available in disposable versions, and even in the new hyper oxygen permeable materials. To achieve the best fit possible it is sometimes necessary to try several toric designs.

Multifocal Contact Lenses: Yes, there are “bifocal” contact lenses available in both soft and gas permeable designs. Our best success comes in fitting progressive designs. There are several companies making disposable multifocal contact lens, providing usable sight at all distances. Each manufacturer has a different design, and where one might not do the job, others will. There are many gas permeable multifocal designs, and these lenses can be customized to achieve even a better fit and vision. Patients wearing these lenses live their life either eyeglass free, or with minimal use.

Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea develops a cone-shape that causes an irregular astigmatism. Glasses are relatively ineffective in correcting this condition. Persistence in fitting is necessary as contact lens correction is the only way to achieve successful vision. I have had good success fitting keratoconic patients with both soft toric and with special design gas permeable lenses. I am currently evaluating a new soft lens, with a special thick center, that was designed to correct unusual corneal conditions.

Fashion Tinted Contact Lenses: Soft lenses are available in a myriad of colors. They are available in translucent “enhancing” designs, or in opaque designs that can transform brown (or any color) eyes to blue, green, aqua, hazel, violet, or to almost any shade desired.