In 1958, a renowned Italian inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci introduced the idea that the optics of the eye could be altered by placing the cornea in contact with water. This inspired the development of contact lenses, which appeared more than 350 years afterward. Early glass contact lenses, however, were heavy and covered the entire sclera (the white of the eye). Since these prototypes reduced the oxygen supply to the cornea, they were only wearable for a short period.
Modern contact lenses provide greater comfort, which allows people to wear them all day long. Downtown Eyes discusses four common types of contact lenses in today’s post.
1. Soft Lenses
This is the most popular type of contact lenses in the country. Soft contact lenses are made of flexible plastics that conform to the front surface of the eye. The material allows oxygen to pass through the cornea, making them more comfortable for long-term use than conventional hard contact lenses.
2. Gas-Permeable Lenses
People with astigmatism can benefit from gas-permeable lenses. This type of contact lens provides crisper and clearer vision for people with refractive problems. It’s also more durable and easy to handle since it’s less likely to tear.
3. Extended Wear Lenses
This is a variant of soft contact lens suitable for overnight or continuous use. In fact, extended lenses are wearable for one to six nights, while some can last up to 30 days. Note, however, that the length of continuous wear depends on the evaluation of a top rated eye doctor.
4. Colored Lenses
Many considered colored lenses as cosmetic eyewear, but similar to other types of lenses, these require prescriptions. Over-the-counter colored contact lenses can affect your eyesight and even cause vision loss.
Downtown Eyes provides reliable contact lenses and designer eyeglasses to help correct your eyesight. Call us today at (612) 333-EYES (3937). We serve residents of Minneapolis, MN.