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Contact Lenses


Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer an excellent alternative to glasses. Among other things, they typically provide better sight, a more attractive look, and a less cumbersome design than glasses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Contact Lenses

Daily-wear soft lenses are flexible, comfortable, easy to adapt to, and come with tints and bifocals. They are not adequate for all vision impairments, though. The vision these lenses produce is not as good as some others and they can easily become sullied, and necessitate regular provider visits.

Extended-wear are typically wearable constantly for up to a week, however they are not adequate for all vision issues, can have complications, and necessitate regular provider care.

Extended-wear disposable are soft and last up to six days. Advantages include easy care, availability of extra lenses, low eye infection chance, and tint and bifocal availability. Disadvantages include inadequacy for some vision problems, handling problems, and less clear vision than certain other lenses.

Planned replacement are soft, worn daily, and replaced regularly. Advantages include: easy cleaning, they come in most prescriptions, and they provide good eye health. The disadvantages are that these are not adequate for all conditions and can be hard to handle. Furthermore, the vision these lenses produce may not be as good as some others.

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) provide superior vision, easy adaptability, and comfort. They are adequate for most vision issue, are easy to use, are highly durable, and come in tints (for handling) and bifocals. For adaptation, steady wear is necessary. They can slip in the eye and be affected by debris. Follow-up provider visits are necessary.

Important Things to Remember

  • Use an eye care provider who provides full-service care including a comprehensive examination. Follow instructions and schedule follow-up visits.
  • Keep your lenses clean by washing your hands before touching them, using only the storage container designed for them, and handling them over a washed towel.
  • To avoid potentially serious problems, don't use cream soaps, saliva, or homemade saline solutions to wet lenses.
  • Contact your provider if you experience eye pain, irritation, redness, or blurred vision.


Proper vision care is vital for both adults and children, yet it is often overlooked because of the cost. You may be able to save a substantial amount of money through an insurance program, such as the vision plans offered through HumanaOne.