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LENS TYPE
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ADVANTAGES
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DISADVANTAGES
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Rigid gas-permeable (RGP)
Made of slightly flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through
to the eyes.
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Excellent vision, short adaptation period, comfortable to wear, correct most
vision problems, easy to put on and to care for, durable with a relatively
long life, available in tints (for handling purposes) and bifocals.
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Require consistent wear to maintain adaptation, can slip off center of eye
more easily than other types.
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Daily-wear soft lenses
Made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes.
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Very short adaptation period, more comfortable and more difficult to dislodge
than RGP lenses. Available in tints and bifocals, great for active lifestyles.
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Do not correct all vision problems, vision may not be as sharp as with RGP
lenses, require careful cleaning and care, need replacement at least annually.
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Extended-wear
Available for overnight wear in soft or RGP lenses.
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Can usually be worn up to seven days without removal.
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Do not correct all vision problems, require regular office visits for
follow-up care, must be replaced at least annually.
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Extended-wear disposable
Soft lenses worn for an extended period of time, from one to six nights, and
then discarded.
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Require little or no cleaning, minimal risk of eye infection if wearing instructions
are followed, available in tints and bifocals, spare lenses available.
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Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses, do not correct all vision problems,
handling may be more difficult.
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Planned replacement
Soft daily wear lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often either
every two weeks, monthly or quarterly.
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Require simplified cleaning and disinfection, good for eye health, available in most
prescriptions.
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Vision may not be as sharp as RGP lenses, do not correct all vision problems,
handling may be more difficult.
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