LEARN: CONTACT LENSES
Freedom in Focus: All About Contact Lenses
OVERVIEW
Contact lenses offer a convenient, glasses-free way to see the world clearly, and there’s a type for almost everyone. This page covers the basics of contact lenses, including how they work, the different types (daily, monthly, and more), and how to care for them. We’ll also explore specialty lenses—like those for astigmatism, bifocal needs, or even hard-to-fit eyes—so you can find the perfect match. Whether you’re new to contacts or looking to upgrade, we’ll help you make informed decisions for comfortable, clear vision.
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Contact Lens Basics:
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Soft Lenses: Daily, biweekly, monthly wear, and their uses.
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Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Benefits (clarity, oxygen permeability) and adaptation.
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Hybrid Lenses: Combining soft and RGP benefits for specific conditions.
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Specialty Contact Lenses:
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Toric Lenses: Correcting astigmatism, design, and fitting considerations.
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Multifocal/Bifocal Lenses: Managing presbyopia, types (simultaneous, segmented).
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Scleral Lenses: Uses for keratoconus, severe dry eye, and irregular corneas.
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Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Myopia control, overnight wear, and candidacy.
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Therapeutic Lenses: Bandage lenses for corneal healing, tinted lenses for color deficiency.
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Contact Lens Care and Safety:
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Cleaning and Storage: Solutions, hygiene practices, and risks of non-compliance (e.g., Acanthamoeba).
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Wear Schedules: Daily vs. extended wear, risks of overwear (e.g., corneal hypoxia).
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Complications: Signs of infection, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and when to seek care.
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Advanced Concepts:
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Contact Lenses in Special Populations: Children, post-surgical patients, and high-risk eyes.
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Emerging Technologies: Smart lenses, drug-delivery lenses, and future innovations.
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