The history of contact lenses includes the invention of colored contact lenses, soft disposable contact lenses, bifocal contact lenses for presbyopia, toric contact lenses for astigmatism, special effects contact lenses, also called costume or theatrical contact lenses, extended wear contact lenses including those that can now be worn for up to 30 consecutive days and nights, and RGP or rigid gas permeable contact lenses for orthokeratology.

For more complete information on contact lenses such as colored contact lenses, disposables, bifocals, soft toric contact lenses, special effects contacts, extended wear and more, visit...

The Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses

...at All About Vision, a website providing complete information on vision correction options and eye health.

Contact lenses are available to correct nearly every vision problem, including astigmatism, presbyopia, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. In the United States, they must be fit by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or -- in some states -- a qualified optician or contact lens technician. You must have a copy of your contact lens prescription to buy lenses once you have been fitted. Here's a brief definition of each type of contact lens:

Soft daily disposable contact lenses are great for people whose eye allergies tend to leave deposits on their lenses. They're also convenient for teens or other people who don't want to spend a lot of time taking care of their contact lenses. In addition to daily use, disposables may also come in versions that are discarded weekly or every two weeks. Frequent replacement contact lenses are disposable, too, but normally they are discarded monthly to quarterly. Traditional daily wear contact lenses that last for a year or more are still available, too, though they are becoming less popular.

Colored contact lenses (spelled "coloured contact lenses" in the United Kingdom) typically mask the natural color of the iris with an opaque tint. Enhancer lenses are semi-opaque, to brighten or intensify lighter eye colors. They do not mask the pupil in the center of your eye, since this area must let light enter the eye so you can see. Colored contact lenses let you experiment with your personal style and create beautiful fashion effects.

Bifocal contact lenses are for people, usually over age 40, who have presbyopia. This is when the eye's natural lens stiffens because of age, and you have trouble reading up close. Bifocal contact lenses work similarly to bifocal eyeglasses, providing better vision up close and far away.

Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism, which is distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Toric lenses can be made of soft materials or of rigid gas permeable materials (see below).

RGP lenses, short for rigid gas permeable lenses, are different from soft contact lenses in that they are made of a stiffer material. They are very oxygen permeable, so they may be healthier to wear than many soft lenses, though they usually require a short adaptation period for first-time wearers. RGPs are also used in orthokeratology, which involves wearing contact lenses for a portion of the day or night to reshape the cornea gradually.

Extended wear contact lenses are worn continuously for a certain period of time, if the wearer desires. This means they can be left in overnight, which is very convenient. For the ultimate in convenience, 30 day contact lenses are now available, which you can sleep in for up to 30 consecutive nights.

Special effect contact lenses are like colored contacts in that they mask the iris. But they are created in special designs that make your eyes look like cat eyes, spirals, reptile eyes, etc. Also called costume or theatrical contact lenses, they are fun for Halloween, for going out, or just for making a unique personal statement.

Read more about contact lenses, including materials, designs, and wear schedules that are right for you, in The Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses at All About Vision.

All About Vision also includes The Consumer Guide to Eyeglasses and The Consumer Guide to LASIK and Corrective Eye Surgery.

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