NEARSIGHTED? NEED READING GLASSES? New developments in lens technology ensure a solution to almost every vision problem. Talk to your eye doctor about what''s available (costs vary).Rigid gas-permeables Recommended for those with high degrees of corneal astigmatism, RGPs are firm plastic lenses with microscopic slits that allow more oxygen to reach the eye. RGPs have a greater resistance to bacteria because they don''t contain water. Improved extended-wear materials also guarantee greater durability, sharper vision, comfort and cheaper maintenance costs. Allow yourself a week or two to get used to these slightly stiff lenses.Bifocals These contact correct presbyopia, a kind of farsightedness that usually occurs around age 40. There are two types:

Rimless frames are the least noticeable type, and they are lightweight because the nosepiece and temples are attached directly to the lenses, eliminating the weight of the rims. They tend to not be as sturdy as frames with rims, so they are not a good choice for people who frequently remove their glasses and put them on again. They are also not very suitable for lenses that correct a high degree of farsightedness, because such lenses are thin at the edges.Metal frames are less noticeable than plastic, and they are lightweight. They are available in solid gold, gold-filled, anodized aluminum, nickel, silver, stainless steel, and now titanium and titanium alloy. Until the late 1980s, when titanium-nickel alloy and titanium frames were introduced, metal frames were, in general, more fragile than plastic frames. The titanium frames, however, are very strong and lightweight. An alloy of titanium and nickel, called Flexon, is not only strong and lightweight, but returns to its original shape after being twisted or dented. It is not perfect for everyone, though, because some people are sensitive to its nickel. Flexon frames are also relatively expensive.

Planned-replacement lenses are daily wear lenses that are replaced on a regular schedule, which is usually every two weeks, monthly, or quarterly. They must also be cleaned. Soft contact come in a variety of materials. There are also different kinds of RGP and soft multifocal contact available. Monovision, where one lenses corrects for distance vision while the other corrects for near vision, may be an option for presbyopic patients. Monovision, however, may affect depth perception and may not be appropriate for everyone. contact also come in a variety of tints. corrective are available that can change dark-colored eyes a different color. Even though such lenses have no prescription, they must still be fitted and checked to make sure that an eye infection does not occur. People should NEVER wear someone else''s contact. This can lead to infection or damage to the eye. Aftercarelenses wearers must be examined periodically by their eye doctors to make sure that the lenses fit properly and that there is no infection. Both infection and lenses that do not fit properly can damage the cornea. Patients can be allergic to certain solutions that are used to clean or lubricate the lenses. For that reason, patients should not randomly switch products unless they speak with their doctor.