How do contact lenses work?

Contact lenses adjust light placement to improve focus. 

Astigmatism 

Astigmatism happens when the cornea has an irregular shape. 

Specialized toric contact lenses compensate for that irregular shape and help create sharper vision. 

Presbyopia 

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focusing ability that typically begins in your 40s. 

Multifocal contact lenses allow many people to see both near and far without switching between multiple pairs of glasses. 

What are contact lenses made of? 

Modern contact lenses aren’t made of glass. 

In fact, most contacts today are made from advanced medical-grade plastics designed to be soft, comfortable, and breathable. 

The most common materials include: 

• Hydrogel 

• Silicone hydrogel 

• Rigid gas permeable materials (RGP) 

Each material offers different benefits when it comes to comfort, oxygen flow, durability, and vision quality. 

Are contacts plastic or glass? 

Modern contact lenses are made from specialized plastics, not glass. 

Early contact lenses developed decades ago were sometimes made from glass or hard plastic materials that covered much larger portions of the eye. Today’s lenses are dramatically thinner, more comfortable, and significantly safer. 

The result is a lens that feels almost invisible while still providing precise vision correction. 

Soft contact lenses 

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed contacts today. 

They’re made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials that contain water, making them flexible and comfortable. 

Because they conform to the shape of your eye, most people adapt to soft lenses very quickly. 

Pros of soft contact lenses 

• Comfortable for most wearers 

• Short adjustment period 

• Available in daily, biweekly, and monthly options 

• Good for sports and active lifestyles 

• Available for astigmatism and multifocal prescriptions 

Cons of soft contact lenses 

• More prone to tearing than rigid lenses 

• Can accumulate deposits over time 

• May dry out during long periods of screen use 

What are silicone hydrogel lenses? 

Silicone hydrogel lenses are one of the biggest innovations in modern contact lens technology. 

Traditional hydrogel lenses rely primarily on water to help oxygen move through the lens. 

Silicone hydrogel lenses add a highly oxygen-permeable material that allows significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea. 

This can help improve: 

• Comfort 

• Long wear performance 

• Eye health 

• Moisture retention 

Many of today’s most popular daily and monthly contact lenses use silicone hydrogel technology. 

Rigid gas permeable lenses 

Rigid gas permeable lenses, often called RGP lenses or GP lenses, are made from durable materials that maintain their shape on the eye. 

Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses don’t depend on water content to deliver oxygen. 

Instead, oxygen passes through the lens material itself. 

Pros of RGP lenses 

• Extremely crisp vision 

• Durable construction 

• Resistant to deposit buildup 

• Excellent oxygen transmission 

• Helpful for some complex prescriptions 

Cons of RGP lenses 

• Longer adjustment period 

• Smaller lens size 

• Can feel less comfortable initially 

While soft lenses dominate the contact lens market, RGP lenses remain an excellent option for certain patients. 

Hybrid contact lenses 

Hybrid lenses combine features from both soft and rigid lenses. 

They have: 

• A rigid gas permeable center 

• A soft outer skirt 

This design aims to provide the visual quality of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens. 

Who are hybrid lenses good for? 

Hybrid lenses are often used for: 

• Astigmatism 

• Keratoconus 

• Irregular corneas 

• Presbyopia 

• Patients who want sharper vision than soft lenses provide 

For people with keratoconus, the rigid center helps create a smoother optical surface, improving vision quality. 

What contact lenses are best for high astigmatism? 

Many people with mild or moderate astigmatism wear toric soft contact lenses successfully. 

For higher levels of astigmatism, eye doctors may recommend: 

• Toric lenses 

• Rigid gas permeable lenses 

• Hybrid lenses 

• Scleral lenses 

The best choice depends on the shape of the eye, prescription strength, comfort preferences, and lifestyle needs. 

What are scleral lenses? 

Scleral lenses are large gas permeable lenses that rest on the white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. 

They create a fluid-filled space between the lens and cornea, which can improve comfort and vision for people with: 

• Keratoconus 

• Severe dry eye 

• Corneal irregularities 

• Complex prescriptions 

Although not necessary for most contact lens wearers, scleral lenses have become an important advancement in specialty eye care. 

What is orthokeratology? 

Orthokeratology, often shortened to Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight. 

These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing you to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. 

The effects are temporary, so regular overnight wear is required to maintain results. 

What is the latest technology in contact lenses? 

Contact lens technology continues to evolve rapidly. 

Recent innovations include: 

• Advanced silicone hydrogel materials 

• Improved moisture-retention technology 

• Multifocal lens designs 

• Custom scleral lenses 

• Enhanced toric lens stabilization 

• Orthokeratology lenses 

Researchers are also exploring “smart lenses” that could potentially monitor health information such as glucose levels or intraocular pressure in the future. 

Which contact lenses are best for amblyopia? 

Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, is typically treated differently than standard refractive errors. 

Treatment may include: 

• Prescription glasses 

• Contact lenses 

• Eye patching 

• Vision therapy 

In some cases, contact lenses can be helpful, particularly when the prescription difference between eyes is significant. The best approach depends on the individual patient and should be determined by an eye care professional. 

Are contact lenses better than glasses? 

Neither option is universally better. 

Contacts may be preferred because they: 

• Provide full peripheral vision 

• Don’t fog up 

• Stay in place during sports 

• Don’t change your appearance 

Glasses may be preferred because they: 

• Require less daily maintenance 

• Can be easier for dry eyes 

• Never touch the eye directly 

• Offer a simple backup option 

Many people ultimately choose both. 

Contact lens safety still matters 

No matter which type of lens you wear, safe habits are essential. 

Always: 

• Follow your replacement schedule 

• Wash your hands before handling lenses 

• Use approved cleaning solutions 

• Attend regular eye exams 

• Replace lenses as directed 

Even the most advanced contact lens technology can’t overcome poor lens hygiene. 

Did you know you can renew your prescription and order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor’s office and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home.