Vision correction generally starts with eyeglasses when you are diagnosed with a vision problem, especially a refractive error. The first experience of clear vision is one of those moments that will stick with you for life. But as you begin operating in the world and participating in activities such as school, sports or work, you learn that eyeglasses have some shortcomings. Now, you may be considering switching to contact lenses. 

Contact lenses have several advantages over eyeglasses, making them an attractive choice. About 45 million Americans have chosen to use contact lenses. Switching from eyeglasses may seem daunting because the two options are so different, but it is the same for all changes that we make in our lives. 
 

What Conditions Can Contact Lenses Correct?

While contacts are versatile, they may not work for some vision issues. You can use contacts if you have one of the following vision issues:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): Distant objects appear blurry

• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Close things appear blurry

• Astigmatism: The eye is misshaped, leading to distorted vision

• Presbyopia: A condition that occurs as we age and causes difficulty reading small print or seeing objects up close
   

The Prescription

A contact lens prescription differs from an eyeglass prescription because the two types of vision correction devices work differently. Eyeglasses correct vision by bending light as it passes through the lenses worn in front of the eyes. Contact lenses, however, correct vision by sitting directly on the eye's surface and bending light as it enters the eye.

Because of this difference, the prescriptions for the two types of vision correction devices are not interchangeable. When switching from glasses, you will need to get a new prescription for your contact lenses.
 

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be made in various materials and designs to correct multiple vision problems. It is important to discuss your specific vision needs with an eye doctor to prescribe the best type of contact lenses for you. Here are the three main types of contact lenses. All other variations fall under these three main categories.
 

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses come from a flexible material called silicone hydrogel and are the most popular type of contact lens. They are comfortable to wear and can be used to correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses are made from hard, gas-permeable plastics and are less flexible than soft contact lenses. They are more durable and less prone to tearing than soft lenses, but they may take longer to get used to. RGP lenses are often used to correct severe vision problems, such as high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness.
 

Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are designed to correct specific vision problems or address certain visual conditions. Examples include multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia, toric lenses for astigmatism, and scleral lenses for keratoconus.
 

Advantages of Contact Lenses

• Convenience

• Aesthetics

• They allow an increased range of activity

• Wider field of vision

• They do not fog up
   

For more information on how to switch from glasses to contact lenses, call Savaglio Family Vision at our office in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Call (262) 657-7850 to book an appointment today.