There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to contact lenses — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or just tired of glasses, today’s contact lens options offer a wide range of designs, wear schedules, and materials tailored to different eyes and lifestyles.
Soft Contact Lenses
These are the most common and widely recommended. Made from flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through, soft contacts are known for being comfortable and easy to adjust to. They come in different formats, including:
- Daily disposables – great for convenience and hygiene.
- Biweekly or monthly lenses – reusable and more cost-effective if properly cared for.
- Extended wear lenses – some can be worn overnight, though that’s not ideal for everyone.
Pros: Comfortable, affordable, and easy to wear.
Cons: Can dry out over time and are more prone to tearing.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
These hard lenses are smaller and more durable. While they take longer to adjust to than soft contacts, they provide sharper vision — especially for people with astigmatism or higher prescriptions.
Pros: Clearer optics and better durability.
Cons: Less comfortable at first, require a longer adaptation period.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contacts feature a rigid center for crisp vision and a soft skirt for comfort. They’re often used for patients who need the clarity of RGP lenses but can’t tolerate their stiffness.
Pros: Clear vision with more comfort than rigid lenses.
Cons: More expensive and harder to fit.
Scleral Lenses
Designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye, scleral lenses are larger and used for complex conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or post-surgical recovery.
Pros: Extremely stable and can manage hard-to-fit corneas.
Cons: High cost and involved cleaning routine.
What to Consider When Choosing Contact Lenses
Picking the right lenses isn’t just about what looks good on paper. Your eyes, habits, and health all play a role in determining which lens type is best for you. Here are a few key things to consider:
Your Prescription & Eye Shape
People with astigmatism, keratoconus, or other corneal irregularities may require specialized lenses like toric, hybrid, or scleral contacts.
Comfort & Lifestyle
If you travel a lot, hit the gym regularly, or just want something low-maintenance, daily disposables might be your best bet.
Eye Health & Dryness
Those with dry eye may benefit from moisture-retaining lenses or scleral lenses that provide hydration throughout the day.
Budget
Daily lenses are convenient but more costly over time. Monthly lenses are more affordable, but require responsible care.
Contact Lens Care: Don’t Skip the Basics
Proper care is the unsung hero of healthy contact lens wear. No matter which lens type you choose, following care instructions is essential to prevent infection, irritation, or long-term damage.
- Wash your hands before touching your lenses.
- Never use tap water to rinse or store contacts.
- Replace your case every 3 months.
- Stick to your replacement schedule.
- Remove lenses at night unless instructed otherwise.
Even if your lenses feel fine, wearing them longer than prescribed puts your eye health at risk. The invisible buildup on lenses can harbor bacteria and reduce oxygen flow to your eyes.
Find the Right Fit at Optique Family Vision Care - Springfield in Springfield
At Optique Family Vision Care - Springfield, we offer contact lens exams tailored to your individual vision, eye shape, and lifestyle. Whether you’ve never worn lenses before or are exploring new options after years of use, our team can guide you toward the lenses that will feel and perform the best.
We carry a full range of contacts — including dailies, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, and specialty designs for more advanced needs. And because your comfort and safety come first, we always ensure a precise fit and clear instructions before you head home with new lenses.
Ready to ditch the glasses and find the contacts that work for you? Visit Optique Family Vision Care - Springfield in Springfield today and let’s find your perfect match.