Millions of people wear contact lenses daily. While most contact lenses are used to correct poor vision, there are choices that are purely cosmetic. This list of options is extensive, but consider how each could fit in with your lifestyle.

Different Types of Contact Lenses

1. Disposable Soft

Disposable soft contact lenses are made from water-absorbing plastic and can be worn anywhere from one day to two weeks to a full month. They are thin and very flexible and must be cleaned with contact lens solution when worn longer than a day. These lenses let the eye breathe and are quite comfortable for the wearer. Sleeping in these, though, is not recommended.

2. Extended Wear

For those who want to keep their lenses in day and night, extended wear is your best choice. Modern versions of these provide breathable materials and are effective in preventing dirt getting stuck under the lens.  They do; however, also significantly increase the risk of eye infections.

3. Multi or Bi-Focal

For aging eyes with presbyopia — farsightedness caused by a reduction of elasticity in the eye — or those who require different focal lengths in one lens, there are multi-focal or bi-focal choices. These contacts offer a gradual shift in focus for corrective refraction.

4. Lenses for Conditions

Spherical contacts help with myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia while toric — or cylindrical — lenses assist with astigmatism. Instead of bifocal lenses, monovision contacts can also correct presbyopia with one lens set for nearsightedness and other for farsightedness.

5. Color or Tinted

If you want to play with your eye color, try color variation lenses. These can be purely cosmetic, or they can also assist vision. Even those with darker eyes can have blue or green by way of opaque contacts that mask the iris. There are also enhancers, which are designed for tinting and brightening lighter eyes.

Fairbanks, AK, residents trust the optometrists of West Valley Vision Center when they need contact lenses or new glasses to correct their vision. Eye health is their priority, and their experienced team is prepared to diagnose and treat anything troubling your eyes. Their motto is “Large enough to serve you and small enough to care!” To make an appointment with the eye doctor, call (907) 479-4700 or visit their website.