Contact lenses are not one size fits all. The best option depends on your prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and comfort needs. With so many choices available today, it helps to understand how different types of contact lenses compare and when specialty lenses may be recommended.

This buyer’s guide breaks down the most common types of contact lenses, their pros and cons, and how your eye doctor helps determine the best option for your eyes.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly worn type of contact lenses. They are made from flexible materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye, which helps keep eyes comfortable during daily wear.

Pros of Soft Contact Lenses

  • Comfortable and easy to adapt to

  • Available as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses

  • Options for astigmatism and presbyopia

  • Widely available and convenient

Cons of Soft Contact Lenses

  • Can dry out during long screen use

  • May not work well for irregular corneas

  • Require consistent cleaning and replacement

Soft lenses are often a great starting point for new contact lens wearers. However, patients with chronic dryness or more complex vision needs may require other options.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses hold their shape on the eye, which allows for sharper vision in some prescriptions. While they are less common than soft lenses, they still play an important role in vision correction.

Pros of RGP Contact Lenses

  • Crisp, stable vision

  • Durable and long lasting

  • Better oxygen flow than older hard lenses

Cons of RGP Contact Lenses

  • Longer adjustment period

  • Can feel less comfortable at first

  • More noticeable if debris gets underneath

RGP lenses are sometimes recommended for patients with higher prescriptions or corneal irregularities.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger specialty contact lenses that rest on the white part of the eye rather than directly on the cornea. They create a smooth optical surface and hold a reservoir of fluid against the eye.

Pros of Scleral Lenses

  • Excellent comfort for sensitive eyes

  • Highly stable vision

  • Often considered the best contacts for dry eyes

  • Ideal for irregular corneas or post surgery eyes

Cons of Scleral Lenses

  • Require specialized fitting

  • Higher upfront cost

  • More detailed care routine

Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for patients with severe dry eye, keratoconus, corneal scarring, or vision issues that standard contact lenses cannot correct.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are designed for patients who need help seeing at multiple distances, such as those with presbyopia.

Pros of Multifocal Contact Lenses

  • Reduce dependence on reading glasses

  • Available in soft and specialty designs

  • Support active lifestyles

Cons of Multifocal Contact Lenses

  • Vision quality can vary during adaptation

  • May require fine tuning during fitting

  • Not ideal for every prescription

Your eye doctor evaluates your visual demands, work habits, and expectations to determine if multifocal lenses are a good fit.

Best Contacts for Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms can make contact lens wear uncomfortable, but that does not mean contacts are off the table. The best contacts for dry eyes depend on the cause and severity of dryness.

Common options include:

  • Daily disposable soft lenses

  • Lenses made from moisture retaining materials

  • Scleral lenses for moderate to severe dryness

A thorough dry eye evaluation helps determine which lens type offers the best balance of comfort and vision.

How High Index Lenses Fit Into the Conversation

While high index lenses are typically associated with glasses rather than contact lenses, they are often discussed during vision correction consultations. High index lenses are thinner, lighter spectacle lenses designed for stronger prescriptions.

Patients who alternate between glasses and contact lenses may benefit from high index lenses for everyday wear, especially when a stronger prescription is involved.

When Specialty Contact Lenses Are Recommended

Specialty contact lenses are usually recommended when standard lenses do not provide adequate comfort or clarity. These lenses are custom fitted and tailored to your eye shape and vision needs.

Your eye doctor may recommend specialty lenses if you have:

  • Chronic dry eye symptoms

  • Irregular corneas

  • A high or complex prescription

  • Vision changes after eye surgery

  • Difficulty wearing standard contacts comfortably

A detailed fitting process ensures proper lens performance and long term eye health.

Finding the Right Contact Lenses for Your Eyes

Choosing the right contact lenses starts with a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens evaluation. Your prescription, eye surface health, lifestyle needs, and comfort goals all play a role in determining the best option.

At Line Optical Conroe, contact lens fittings are personalized to help patients achieve clear, comfortable vision. Whether you are new to contact lenses or exploring advanced options like scleral lenses, a professional fitting makes all the difference.

Schedule a contact lens exam today to find the option that fits your eyes and your life.