In recent years, contact lens options have multiplied. Not long ago, suffering from astigmatism, presbyopia or dry eyes meant that wearing contact lenses wasn't possible. Now, the variety of materials, designs and replacement periods make contact lenses accessible for virtually everyone.
Here is some information to help you see more clearly.
Types of Correction
Myopia and Hyperopia
The best known visual disorders, myopia (difficulty seeing far away) and hyperopia (difficulty seeing close) can be corrected with spherical contact lenses.
Spherical contact lens
Astigmatism
You can be at the same time astigmatic and myopic, astigmatic and hyperopic, or even astigmatic and presbyopic. To correct astigmatism, your optometrist will prescribe toric lenses. They are made of two different powers in the same lens and should remain in the same position to provide the best vision. Modern toric contact lenses are designed to move as little as possible to eliminate this problem.
Toric contact lens
Presbyopia
Presbyopia, like death and taxes, is inevitable. Even people who have never been nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatic become presbyopic during their forties, which means the lens of their eyes loses its flexibility and will no longer focus on nearby objects. Depending on your needs and your prescription, your Opto-Réseau optometrist can recommend multifocal contact lenses or a monovision system.
Multifocal contact lens
Usage Period
Daily Wear
Daily wear lenses are by far the most popular lenses. They are worn only during the day and are removed at night. Depending on the replacement period, they are then cleaned and stored overnight or simply discarded.
Extended Wear
Much less frequent, extended wear lenses are worn up to seven days non-stop, including at night. This type of lens does not fit everyone and must be worn under the close supervision of an eye care professional.
Replacement Period
Generally, the shorter the replacement period is, the higher the water content of the lens is or the thinner it will be in the middle. This usually makes contact lenses more comfortable because it allows more oxygen to flow through. By contrast, they also get dirty faster.
Monthly or Biweekly Replacement
When your optometrist prescribes lenses that should be removed and reworn, it is imperative to clean and disinfect them after each use. Some lenses in this category can be used as extended wear, but most are removed, cleaned and disinfected every day.
It is also essential to respect the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional because, despite regular maintenance, lenses accumulate protein and fat deposits over time.
Daily Remplacement
Daily disposable lenses require no cleaning or storage, since they are discarded after each use. They are recommended for patients who have dry eyes, occasional carriers, travelers or simply for people looking for extra comfort and easy use.
Usage and Maintenance
Read our Guide for Contact Lens Wearers to learn more about handling, inserting and removing lenses.
Solutions
Unless you wear daily disposable contact lenses, use the solutions recommended by your eye care professional and never mix products of different brands. Although many companies still mention “no-rub” on their products, it is highly recommended to lightly rub your lenses for a few seconds after removing them.
Available Products and Brands
Most contact lens brands are available in every Opto-Réseau clinic. Here is a preview of our selection:
| Lens | Replacement | Spherical | Toric | Multifocal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acuvue Moist | Daily |
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| Clariti |
Daily Monthly |
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| Dailies AquaComfort Plus | Daily |
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| Acuvue Oasys 1-Day | Daily |
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| Acuvue Oasys | Biweekly |
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| Acuvue Oasys with Transitions | Biweekly |
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| Biomedics |
Daily Biweekly Monthly |
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| MiSightMD 1 day | Daily |
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| MyDay | Daily |
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| Soflens |
Daily Biweekly Monthly |
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| BiotrueOneDay | Daily |
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| Dailies Total 1 | Daily |
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| Proclear |
Daily Monthly |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Define | Daily |
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| Acuvue 1 Day TruEye | Daily |
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| Bioclear |
Daily Monthly |
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| FreshLook |
Daily Biweekly |
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| LOGIC 1-Day | Daily |
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| Symphony 1 day | Daily |
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| Acuvue 2 | Biweekly |
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| Biofinity | Monthly |
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| PureVision | Monthly |
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| ULTRA | Monthly |
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| Air Optix | Monthly |
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| Acuvue Vita | Monthly |
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| Biofinity | Monthly |
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| Extreme H2O | Monthly |
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| Harmony | Monthly |
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| Sapphire | Monthly |
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| Air Optix | Monthly |
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| DEFINITION | Monthly |
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| Expressions Color | Monthly |
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| Frequency 55 Asphérique | Monthly |
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| Onyx | Monthly |
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Source: Doctors of Optometry Canada