Types of Contact Lenses: Daily, Extended Wear, and Specialty Lenses

Contact lenses offer freedom, convenience, and crisp vision without the need for glasses. But with so many options available, choosing the right type of lens can feel overwhelming. At Westside Eye Center, we help patients find the perfect fit through a comprehensive contact lens exam in Vancouver tailored to their vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle. Below, we break down the most common types of contact lenses and when each one may be the best choice.

Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are worn once and thrown away at the end of the day. They're one of the most popular options.

Benefits:

•           Maximum comfort: Fresh lenses every day mean less buildup and irritation.

•           Low maintenance: No cleaning solutions or storage cases required.

•           Healthier lens-wearing experience: Reduced risk of infection due to minimal handling.

Great for:

•           Patients with dry or sensitive eyes

•           Busy lifestyles

•           Teens learning to wear contacts

•           Occasional wearers who want convenience

If you're looking for a simple, comfortable solution, daily lenses may be the perfect match.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn for longer periods, depending on your eye doctor’s recommendations.

Benefits:

•           Long-term wear: Some lenses can be worn up to 6 nights or 30 days continuously.

•           Convenience: Ideal for people who want to avoid nightly removal.

•           Newer oxygen-permeable materials: These lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, improving comfort and safety.

Great for:

•           Patients with fast-paced or unpredictable schedules

•           Those who prefer minimal daily maintenance

•           Individuals who have been approved for overnight wear by their eye doctor

Because extended wear isn’t right for everyone, your eye doctor in Vancouver, WA will evaluate your eye health to determine if this option is safe for you.

Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty lenses go beyond basic prescriptions, offering solutions for more complex vision needs or corneal conditions.

Common Specialty Lens Types:

•           Toric lenses: For astigmatism and irregular corneas

•           Multifocal lenses: For patients who need help with both near and distance vision

•           Scleral lenses: Larger-diameter lenses ideal for dry eyes, keratoconus, and other corneal irregularities

•           Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses: Provide crisp, stable vision and can slow myopia progression in some cases

Great for:

•           Patients with unique or advanced vision needs

•           Dry eye sufferers

•           Those who haven’t found success with standard lenses

•           Anyone seeking sharper, more customizable vision correction

Specialty lenses require a more detailed fitting process, which we provide during your contact lens exam in Vancouver.

Discover Your Best Contact Lens Option at Westside Eye Center

Whether you're new to contact lenses or considering a switch, understanding your options can help you make the right choice for your eyes and lifestyle. From convenient daily disposables to advanced specialty lenses, we offer personalized guidance and precise fittings to ensure you achieve clear, comfortable vision.
 

Schedule a contact lens exam at Westside Eye Center to find the perfect contact lenses for your vision needs. Visit our office in Vancouver, Washington, or call (360) 694-0760 to book an appointment today.