Contact Lenses - General Information
Contact lenses can be prescribed to almost anyone who requires corrective eyewear. We offer two different general forms of contact lenses: soft and rigid. Soft lenses are typically made from the traditional hydrogel material. More recently, soft lenses are also being made in the newer silicone hydrogel material. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to 8 times more oxygen to pass through the lens, thus providing a healthier environment for the cornea (front of the eye). Some silicone hydrogel lenses have even been FDA approved for overnight wear.
Contact lenses can be prescribed to almost anyone who requires corrective eyewear. We offer two different general forms of contact lenses: soft and rigid. Soft lenses are typically made from the traditional hydrogel material. More recently, soft lenses are also being made in the newer silicone hydrogel material. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to 8 times more oxygen to pass through the lens, thus providing a healthier environment for the cornea (front of the eye). Some silicone hydrogel lenses have even been FDA approved for overnight wear.
Traditional rigid lenses were made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), but are now more commonly prescribed in one of the many gas permeable (GP) materials. Gas permeable lenses allow for increased oxygen transmission to the cornea and some have also been approved for overnight wear. Soft and rigid contact lenses may be prescribed for patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia (the need for reading correction). Tinted soft contact lenses to enhance your natural eye color are also available.