The main uses of contacts is to correct vision, the different types of contacts include:
Soft Contact Lenses:These lenses are made of soft, flexible plastic that allows for oxygen to pass through the cornea. There are generally more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses for new lens wearers.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses:These lens are made of more firm and durable plastic that also allows for the transmission of oxygen. They are more durable and will usually provide a more crisp and clear image for the user compared to soft contacts. They are also less likely to tear and lasts longer. However, it may take longer to get used to than soft contact lenses. For easier removal of the contacts, you can use a miniature suction cup like the one shown in the picture to remove your lenses.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses:These contacts are usually soft contacts that is designed for use over a longer period of time ranging from one night, six nights, or 30 days. They are useful for people with unpredictable or very active lifestyles who are not always able to properly clean or handle their lenses too frequently or people with extremely bad vision as it might be more helpful for them to see clearly all the time. The picture on the left shows a box of extended wear contact lenses.
Disposable Contact Lenses: Disposable lenses are usually soft lenses that does what it claims; they are disposable. Usually, a brand new pair of lenses are used with each wear. This allows the user to not worry about long time contact care and use the contacts in less frequent occasions and then just conveniently throw them away. On the left is an example of the packaging of disposable contacts.
Other types or ways that contacts are not as commonly used include:
Cosmetic Contacts:These contacts can come in a variety of different colours and designs for the purpose of changing the appearance of the eye. These lenses can also correct refractive vision as well. Cosmetic contacts called circle lenses are very popular in Asia to make the appearance of the iris appear larger, achieving doll like eyes.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k): This is the method of using specially designed RGP lenses overnight. While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea of your eye so you can see clearly the following day. This method helps slow the progression of childhood myopia and corrects refractive errors temporarily from one day, or even up to a several days. The diagram on the left shows how the lenses adjusts your cornea temporarily.