The technology for contact lenses is continually changing, offering better materials that provide more options for vision correction while allowing for healthier eyes. Some of the current hot topics in contact lens wear:

Overnight Contact Lens Wear and Increased Oxygen Permeability

Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen (necessary for proper eye health) that reaches the eye. New materials are available that significantly improve the amount of oxygen (permeability) that passes through the contact lens to the eye.  Research indicates that this will likely be healthier for the eye than materials that have less oxygen permeability. Some of these lenses have achieved approval from the FDA for overnight wear up to 30 days continuously due to the improved material. However, not all people can wear lenses in this fashion; your doctor will discuss with you if this is possible.

Options for Presbyopia

When it is time for help with near vision, normally after age 40, there are contact lens options:

• Distance contact lenses with reading glasses for near work.
• Monovision contact lenses – one eye for distance vision, the other eye for near vision.
• Bifocal contact lenses – different zones of power within the lens allowing for simultaneous distance and near vision.

Each of the above options has factors that will influence overall success; these options will be discussed with you by your doctor.