Gas Permeable lenses are also referred to as GPs or RGPs.  These lenses are smaller in diameter than a soft contact lens.  They are made of a firm, durable plastic material that transmits oxygen.  Although it can take some time to get used to the comfort of the lens, they provide excellent optics.  Because they do not contain water like soft lenses, they resist deposits moreso than soft contacts and are less likely to harbor bacteria.  They can be easier to handle than soft lenses because they do not fold over.  These lenses are removed nightly and cleaned and reused over a longer period of time than a soft contact lens.  GPs are essential for some eye conditions such as keratoconus, corneal dystrophies and high astigmatism.  These lenses are custom made for you and typically last at least a year before updates need to be made.  

Soft contact lenses initially have much better comfort than a gas permeable lens, and the majority of contact lenses used in the United States are soft contact lenses.  These are disposable in different durations depending on the brand and type.  There are lenses that you replace daily, biweekly, monthly and quarterly.  The majority of these lenses require removing at night, disinfecting and re-inserting in the morning.  There are extended wear options that can allow you to sleep in the lenses, but only when fit in the proper lens.  

Soft contact lenses are available in single vision, monovision, multifocal, toric and multifocal toric varieties.  New lenses hit the market routinely, so there is always something new to try if you had problems in the past or not 100% happy with your current lenses. 

Daily Disposable

This is Dr. Bauder's preferred method of use.  These single use lenses provide you with a brand new lens in your eye every single day.  For patients with ocular allergies, his is hugely beneficial.  She also recommends this strongly for kids, teenagers and first time contact lens wearers.  In these instances, it gives peace of mind that the lenses are being taken care of properly to avoid complications. 

Biweekly Lenses

These lenses are changed every two weeks.  Some patients benefit from more frequent replacement of lenses.  

Monthly Replacement

Monthly lenses tend to be easier for compliance as we are used to operating on a monthly cycle.   

Extended Wear Lenses

Air Optix Night and Day Lenses have a high breathability factor and are safe for use IF approved by your doctor.  Not all patients are good candidates for an extended wear situation.  Sleeping in lenses is strictly prohibited unless the patient approved for this by the doctor and in one of these lenses. 

Options for Presbyopia

Patients who need reading glasses or bifocals historically had very few options.  In today's modern world with such high near demands, this is unacceptable.  There are many multifocal lens designs on the market, and they all work very differently. In addition, many patients are successful with monovision: using one eye for distance and one eye for near.  Talk to Dr. Bauder about what would work best for your visual needs and prescription.  Contact lens fittings for our presbyopic patients often require a lengthier exam and multiple visits to finalize the prescription.  These visits are all included within your evaluation fee. 

Like our facebook page!