What Are the Different Types of Contact Lenses and Which Is Right for You?

Contact lenses can provide clear vision, comfort, and freedom from glasses - but with so many options available, choosing the right type can feel overwhelming. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, eye health, and vision needs. At Foresight Eye Care, our comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting process ensures you find the perfect match.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed option. Made from flexible materials that allow oxygen to pass through, they are comfortable and easy to adapt to. Within this category, you’ll find:

• Daily disposables - Worn once and discarded, offering ultimate convenience and hygiene.

• Bi-weekly or monthly lenses - Designed to be worn for longer periods, these are cost-effective and available in a wide variety of prescriptions.

• Toric lenses - Specially designed to correct astigmatism.

• Multifocal lenses - Provide clear vision at multiple distances, perfect for those with presbyopia.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are smaller and more durable than soft lenses. They allow excellent oxygen flow to the eyes and often provide sharper vision, especially for patients with high prescriptions or irregular corneas. Though they take longer to adapt to, many patients prefer them for their clarity and long lifespan.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than standard contacts and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They create a tear-filled reservoir over the cornea, making them ideal for patients with keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, or other corneal irregularities.

Specialty Lenses

Advancements in technology now allow for custom lenses designed to address specific eye conditions or unique vision needs. These include hybrid lenses (with a rigid center and soft outer ring for comfort and clarity) and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, which reshape the cornea overnight to provide clear daytime vision without lenses or glasses.

Why a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting Matters

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Even if you’ve worn contacts before, your eyes can change over time. A contact lens exam evaluates your eye health, corneal shape, and tear film to determine which lenses are most suitable. Our fitting process ensures your lenses not only provide clear vision but also feel comfortable and support long-term eye health.

Find the Perfect Lenses for Your Eyes at Foresight Eye Care

With so many options, the best way to determine which type of contact lens is right for you is through a professional exam and fitting. At Foresight Eye Care, we’re committed to helping you enjoy clear, comfortable vision with lenses tailored to your unique needs.

Schedule your contact lens exam and fitting at Foresight Eye Care to find the perfect pair of lenses for your needs. Visit our office in Chappaqua, New York, or call (914) 238-3030 to book an appointment today.